Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'coquette'

English Word: coquette

Key Russian Translations:

• кокетка /kɐˈkʲetkə/ - [Informal; often used in everyday conversation or literary contexts to describe a flirtatious woman]

Frequency: Medium (The word is moderately common in Russian literature, media, and casual discussions about social behavior, but not as frequent as everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level on the CEFR scale; it involves understanding borrowed words and basic noun inflections, making it accessible to learners with some familiarity with Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кокетка: /kɐˈkʲetkə/

Note on кокетка: The pronunciation features a soft 'k' sound (/kʲ/) due to the palatalization common in Russian, which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A woman who flirts or behaves in a teasing, attractive manner to gain attention.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кокетка - Used in informal or literary contexts to describe a woman who playfully flirts, often with a hint of criticism or amusement.

Usage Examples:

• Она всегда была кокеткой, флиртуя с каждым мужчиной на вечеринке.

  She was always a coquette, flirting with every man at the party.

• В романе героиня изображена как типичная кокетка, манипулирующая чувствами других.

  In the novel, the heroine is depicted as a typical coquette, manipulating others' feelings.

• Молодая кокетка привлекала внимание своей игривой улыбкой.

  The young coquette drew attention with her playful smile.

• Не будь такой кокеткой; это может быть воспринято неправильно.

  Don't be such a coquette; it might be misinterpreted.

• Кокетка в фильме использует свою привлекательность, чтобы добиться цели.

  The coquette in the film uses her charm to achieve her goals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кокетка" is a feminine noun (from French origin) and follows the standard first declension pattern for Russian nouns. It changes based on case and number but is regular in its inflections.

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • флирт (flirt; more neutral and action-oriented)
  • обольстительница (seductress; implies stronger manipulation)
• Antonyms:
  • пуританка (prude; someone who is overly modest or reserved)
  • холостячка (spinster; implying avoidance of flirtation)

Related Phrases:

• Играть в кокетку - To play the coquette; used to describe feigned flirtation for amusement or strategy.
• Кокетливая улыбка - A coquettish smile; refers to a playful, teasing expression.
• Быть настоящей кокеткой - To be a real coquette; emphasizes habitual flirtatious behavior in social settings.

Usage Notes:

"Кокетка" directly corresponds to the English "coquette" as a borrowed term, often carrying a slightly negative or humorous connotation in Russian. It is typically used in informal contexts or literature, and speakers should be aware of gender-specific implications—it's feminine only. When choosing between synonyms like "флирт" (more action-based) and "кокетка" (person-based), opt for "кокетка" when describing a person's character rather than an act. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure to avoid errors in Russian word order.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using "кокетка" in the wrong gender form, e.g., treating it as masculine. Incorrect: "Он кокетка" (He is a coquette). Correct: This word is strictly feminine, so it should only apply to women; for men, use "кокет" or rephrase entirely. Explanation: Russian nouns have strict gender agreements, and misapplying this can confuse the sentence's meaning.

• Common Error: Overusing in formal writing. Incorrect: In a professional report, saying "Она кокетка" might sound too casual. Correct: Use in informal or narrative contexts; opt for more neutral terms like "флиртующая женщина" in formal settings. Explanation: The word's playful tone can undermine seriousness in professional or academic language.

Cultural Notes:

"Кокетка" reflects Russian cultural attitudes toward flirtation, often drawn from 19th-century literature like works by Pushkin or Chekhov, where such characters embody societal critiques of gender roles. In modern Russia, it can carry a nostalgic or ironic tone, highlighting the tension between traditional expectations of women and contemporary views on empowerment.

Related Concepts:

• флирт
• обольщение
• игривость