Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cartoon'

English Word: cartoon

Key Russian Translations:

• мультфильм [mʊltʲˈfʲilm] - [Common, Neutral]
• карикатура [kərʲɪkɐˈturə] - [Used for political or satirical drawings]

Frequency: High (especially "мультфильм")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "мультфильм"); B1 (Intermediate for "карикатура")

Pronunciation (Russian):

мультфильм: [mʊltʲˈfʲilm]

Note on мультфильм: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ль" sound is a soft 'l', which might be challenging for English speakers.

карикатура: [kərʲɪkɐˈturə]

Note on карикатура: Stress on the third syllable. The rolled 'r' and soft vowels may require practice.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Animated Film or TV Show

Translation(s) & Context:

• мультфильм - Refers to animated films or shows, often for children but also general audiences.

Usage Examples:

• Я смотрю мультфильм с детьми каждое утро.

  I watch a cartoon with the kids every morning.

• Этот мультфильм очень смешной!

  This cartoon is very funny!

• Советские мультфильмы до сих пор популярны.

  Soviet cartoons are still popular.

2. Satirical or Humorous Drawing

Translation(s) & Context:

• карикатура - Refers to a cartoon drawing, often satirical or political, found in newspapers or magazines.

Usage Examples:

• В газете напечатали карикатуру на политика.

  The newspaper published a cartoon of a politician.

• Эта карикатура высмеивает социальные проблемы.

  This cartoon mocks social issues.

• Художник нарисовал забавную карикатуру на меня.

  The artist drew a funny cartoon of me.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мультфильм (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

карикатура (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for мультфильм:

• анимация (animation, broader term)
• мультик (informal, short form)

Synonyms for карикатура:

• шарж (caricature, often humorous portrait)

Antonyms: None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• смотреть мультфильм - to watch a cartoon (animated show/film)
• рисовать карикатуру - to draw a cartoon (satirical drawing)
• советский мультфильм - Soviet cartoon (refers to classic animations from the USSR)

Usage Notes:

• "мультфильм" is the standard and most common term for animated cartoons or films in Russian. It is used across all ages and contexts.
• "карикатура" specifically refers to a satirical or humorous drawing, not an animated film. Mixing these up can cause confusion.
• "мультик" is an informal, affectionate diminutive of "мультфильм" often used in casual speech, especially with children.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "карикатура" to refer to an animated cartoon.
  Incorrect: Я смотрел карикатуру по телевизору.
  Correct: Я смотрел мультфильм по телевизору.
  Explanation: "карикатура" refers to a static drawing, not a film or show.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "мультфильм" (e.g., stressing the first syllable).
  Explanation: The stress is on "фильм". Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

Russian animated cartoons, or "мультфильмы", hold a special place in Russian culture, especially Soviet-era animations like "Ну, погоди!" (Nu, Pogodi!) or "Чебурашка" (Cheburashka). These are often nostalgic for many Russians and are considered classics. Understanding these references can enrich cultural conversations.

Related Concepts:

• анимация (animation)
• кино (cinema)
• сатира (satire, related to карикатура)