Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caricature'

English Word: caricature

Key Russian Translations:

• карикатура [kərʲɪkɐˈturə] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• шарж [ʂarʐ] - [Neutral, Often Artistic or Friendly]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

карикатура: [kərʲɪkɐˈturə]

Note on карикатура: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" is rolled, and the "у" is pronounced as a short "oo".

шарж: [ʂarʐ]

Note on шарж: The "ш" is a retroflex sound, and "ж" is a voiced counterpart to "ш".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Exaggerated Depiction (Visual or Verbal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• карикатура - Commonly used for satirical or humorous drawings or descriptions that exaggerate features.
• шарж - Often refers to a friendly or artistic exaggerated portrait, less critical than карикатура.

Usage Examples:

• В газете напечатали карикатуру на политика.

  The newspaper published a caricature of the politician.

• Художник нарисовал шарж на моего друга, и это выглядело очень смешно.

  The artist drew a caricature of my friend, and it looked very funny.

• Его описание было настоящей карикатурой на реальные события.

  His description was a real caricature of the actual events.

• На вечеринке шаржист создал забавные портреты гостей.

  At the party, the caricaturist created funny portraits of the guests.

• Эта книга — карикатура на современное общество.

  This book is a caricature of modern society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

карикатура (Noun, Feminine): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern for nouns ending in -а.

шарж (Noun, Masculine): Follows the standard masculine declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• пародия (parody, often verbal or broader)
• карикатурирование (caricaturing, act of creating a caricature)

Note: "пародия" is broader and can apply to non-visual imitations, while "шарж" is more specific to friendly visual exaggeration.

Antonyms:

• реализм (realism)
• портрет (portrait, realistic depiction)

Related Phrases:

• нарисовать карикатуру - to draw a caricature (refers to creating a satirical or humorous image)
• шарж на кого-то - a caricature of someone (often used in a lighthearted context)
• карикатура на общество - a caricature of society (used metaphorically for exaggerated criticism)

Usage Notes:

• "карикатура" is the more common and versatile term, used for both visual and metaphorical exaggerations, often with a critical or satirical tone.
• "шарж" is typically reserved for visual caricatures and often implies a friendly or humorous intent rather than harsh criticism.
• Choose "карикатура" when referring to political cartoons or satirical works, and "шарж" for artistic or event-based sketches.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "шарж" in a context implying harsh criticism.
  Incorrect: В журнале был шарж на коррупцию.
  Correct: В журнале была карикатура на коррупцию.
  Explanation: "шарж" lacks the critical edge needed for serious satire.
• Error: Misusing grammatical cases with "карикатура".
  Incorrect: Я видел карикатура в журнале.
  Correct: Я видел карикатуру в журнале.
  Explanation: "карикатура" requires the accusative case "карикатуру" after verbs like "видеть".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, caricatures (карикатура) have a strong tradition in political satire, especially in Soviet-era publications like "Крокодил" (Krokodil), a famous satirical magazine. "шарж", on the other hand, is often associated with lighthearted sketches at events or in artistic circles, reflecting a more personal and less critical approach.

Related Concepts:

• сатира (satire)
• юмор (humor)
• портрет (portrait)