Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'choreographer'

English Word: choreographer

Key Russian Translations:

• хореограф [xɐˈrʲe.ə.ɡraf] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in artistic and professional contexts, such as theater or dance discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian nominal declensions and vocabulary related to arts, suitable for learners with a solid intermediate grasp of the language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хореограф: [xɐˈrʲe.ə.ɡraf]

Note on хореограф: The stress falls on the third syllable ("graf"), and the initial "x" sound is a guttural fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft "r" in Russian style.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A person who creates and arranges dance performances, such as in ballet or theater.

Translation(s) & Context:

• хореограф - Used in formal contexts like professional dance critiques, theater programs, or artistic discussions; typically refers to a skilled individual in choreography.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В московском театре работает известный хореограф, который ставит балеты для мировых звезд.

  English translation: In the Moscow theater, a famous choreographer works, staging ballets for world stars. (This example shows the word in a professional context, emphasizing career roles.)

• Русский пример: Хореограф тщательно разрабатывает движения для нового танцевального шоу.

  English translation: The choreographer carefully develops movements for the new dance show. (Illustrates the creative process in a general artistic setting.)

• Русский пример: Без талантливого хореографа фестиваль танца не обошелся бы успехом.

  English translation: Without a talented choreographer, the dance festival wouldn't have been a success. (Demonstrates use in hypothetical or reflective statements.)

• Русский пример: Молодой хореограф из Санкт-Петербурга выиграл международный конкурс.

  English translation: The young choreographer from Saint Petersburg won an international competition. (Shows the word in biographical or news-like contexts.)

• Русский пример: Хореограф использует современные техники для создания инновационных выступлений.

  English translation: The choreographer uses modern techniques to create innovative performances. (Highlights technical and innovative aspects in a dynamic sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Хореограф" is a masculine noun (second declension) in Russian, which means it follows standard nominal inflections for gender, number, and case. It is a borrowed word from Greek via French and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Note: This table reflects regular declension patterns. For example, in sentences, you might say "с хореографом" (with the choreographer) in the instrumental case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • танцовщик-хореограф (dancer-choreographer; used when emphasizing both dancing and choreography skills, with a slight nuance towards performance)
  • постановщик танцев (dance stager; more general for someone arranging dances, often in amateur contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • зритель (spectator; implies someone who watches rather than creates performances)

Related Phrases:

• Главный хореограф - Main choreographer; used in organizational contexts like theater leadership.
• Хореографический ансамбль - Choreographic ensemble; refers to a group focused on dance choreography, often in cultural events.
• Работа хореографа - Work of a choreographer; a common phrase for discussing professional output in dance.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "choreographer," focusing on the role in creating dance routines. It is typically formal and used in artistic or professional settings; avoid in casual conversations. When choosing between synonyms like "танцовщик-хореограф," opt for "хореограф" if the emphasis is purely on choreography rather than performance. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, such as using the genitive case after prepositions like "без" (without).

• In English-Russian correspondence, "choreographer" aligns best with "хореограф" in contexts involving ballet or modern dance.
• Be mindful of gender agreement; as a masculine noun, adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "талантливый хореограф" for "talented choreographer").

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "хореограф" with "танцор" (dancer), thinking they are interchangeable. Incorrect: Using "танцор" to mean choreographer, e.g., "Он танцор в театре" when intending "He is the choreographer in the theater." Correct: "Он хореограф в театре." Explanation: "Танцор" refers to a performer, not a creator, so this error stems from overlooking the creative aspect. Another common mistake is improper declension, e.g., saying "с хореограф" instead of "с хореографом" in the instrumental case; always check the case based on the preposition.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a "хореограф" is highly revered, especially in the context of ballet, which has a rich history in Russia dating back to the Imperial era. Figures like Marius Petipa, a prominent choreographer for the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, exemplify this, influencing global dance traditions and adding a layer of prestige to the term.

Related Concepts:

• балет (ballet)
• танец (dance)
• постановка (staging or production)