Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cool'

English Word: cool

Key Russian Translations:

• крутой [ˈkrutəj] - [Informal, Often used for describing something trendy or impressive]
• классный [ˈklasnɨj] - [Informal, Commonly used for people or things that are nice or likable]
• прохладный [prɐˈxladnɨj] - [Neutral, Used for describing temperature or demeanor]

Frequency: High (all translations are commonly used in different contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

крутой: [ˈkrutəj]

Note on крутой: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'ой' ending sounds like 'oy' in 'boy'.

классный: [ˈklasnɨj]

Note on классный: Stress on the first syllable. The 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, somewhat like 'i' in 'bit' but harder.

прохладный: [prɐˈxladnɨj]

Note on прохладный: Stress on the second syllable. The 'х' is a guttural sound, like 'h' in 'loch'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Trendy or Impressive (Slang)

Translation(s) & Context:

• крутой - Used to describe something fashionable, impressive, or tough.
• классный - Often used for something or someone pleasant, likable, or awesome.

Usage Examples:

• Этот фильм такой крутой!

  This movie is so cool!

• У тебя классная машина!

  You have a cool car!

• Он выглядит крутым в этой куртке.

  He looks cool in this jacket.

2. Cold or Chilly (Temperature or Demeanor)

Translation(s) & Context:

• прохладный - Refers to cool weather, drinks, or a reserved attitude.

Usage Examples:

• Сегодня прохладный день.

  Today is a cool day.

• Дай мне, пожалуйста, прохладную воду.

  Please give me some cool water.

• Его тон был прохладным и отстранённым.

  His tone was cool and detached.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

крутой (Adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case. Below is the nominative case table:

Gender/Number	Form
Masculine Singular	крутой
Feminine Singular	крутая
Neuter Singular	крутое
Plural	крутые

классный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

прохладный (Adjective): Also declines by gender, number, and case, following standard adjective rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for крутой/классный (Trendy):

• модный (fashionable)
• отличный (great)

Note: 'модный' emphasizes fashion, while 'отличный' is broader in meaning.

Synonyms for прохладный (Cold):

• холодный (cold)
• свежий (fresh, cool)

Antonyms for крутой/классный:

• скучный (boring)
• отстойный (lame, informal)

Antonyms for прохладный:

• тёплый (warm)
• горячий (hot)

Related Phrases:

• крутой парень - "cool guy" (used to describe a tough or impressive person)
• классная идея - "cool idea" (a great or likable idea)
• прохладный ветер - "cool breeze" (a refreshing, chilly wind)

Usage Notes:

• 'крутой' and 'классный' are informal and often interchangeable when describing something trendy or likable, but 'крутой' can also imply toughness or steepness (literal or metaphorical).
• 'прохладный' is more formal or neutral and is strictly used for temperature or demeanor, not for slang meanings of 'cool.'
• Be mindful of context when choosing between translations, as using 'прохладный' in a slang context will sound unnatural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'прохладный' to mean trendy or impressive.
  Incorrect: Этот фильм такой прохладный!
  Correct: Этот фильм такой крутой!
  Explanation: 'прохладный' refers to temperature or attitude, not slang 'cool.'
• Error: Misusing gender agreements with adjectives like 'крутой.'
  Incorrect: Она крутой.
  Correct: Она крутая.
  Explanation: Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they describe.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian youth culture, 'крутой' is heavily associated with the 1990s and early 2000s, often linked to the image of tough, independent individuals. It retains a slightly dated connotation for some speakers, while 'классный' feels more neutral and modern.

Related Concepts:

• модный (fashionable)
• стильный (stylish)
• харизматичный (charismatic)