Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Countenance'

English Word: countenance

Key Russian Translations:

• лицо [lʲɪˈtso] - [Neutral, Often literal for face]
• выражение лица [vɨrɐˈʒenʲɪje ˈlʲitso] - [Neutral, Refers to facial expression]
• вид [vʲit] - [Neutral, Can mean appearance or look]
• одобрение [ɐdɐˈbrʲenʲɪje] - [Formal, Refers to approval or sanction]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context and translation)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; 'лицо' is A1, while 'одобрение' is closer to B2 due to abstract usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лицо: [lʲɪˈtso]

Note on лицо: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'ц' is pronounced as a sharp 'ts' sound.

выражение лица: [vɨrɐˈʒenʲɪje ˈlʲitso]

Note on выражение лица: Stress falls on the second syllable of 'выражение' and the second syllable of 'лица'.

вид: [vʲit]

одобрение: [ɐdɐˈbrʲenʲɪje]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Face or Facial Features (Literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лицо - Used literally to refer to someone's face or visage.

Usage Examples:

• Её лицо было бледным от страха.

  Her face was pale with fear.

• Он вытер лицо полотенцем.

  He wiped his face with a towel.

• На его лице появилась улыбка.

  A smile appeared on his face.

2. Facial Expression or Look

Translation(s) & Context:

• выражение лица - Refers specifically to the expression on someone's face.
• вид - Used for general appearance or look, often implying mood or state.

Usage Examples:

• Его выражение лица изменилось, когда он услышал новость.

  His facial expression changed when he heard the news.

• У неё был усталый вид после долгого дня.

  She had a tired look after a long day.

• Какой у тебя странный вид сегодня!

  What a strange look you have today!

3. Approval or Support (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• одобрение - Used in formal contexts to mean approval or sanction.

Usage Examples:

• Его план получил одобрение начальства.

  His plan received the approval of the management.

• Она кивнула в знак одобрения.

  She nodded in countenance (approval).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

лицо (Noun, Neuter): Declines according to the second declension pattern.

выражение лица (Phrase): 'Выражение' is a neuter noun, and 'лица' is the genitive of 'лицо'. The phrase adjusts based on context but is often fixed in nominative or accusative.

вид (Noun, Masculine): Follows the first declension pattern with regular endings.

одобрение (Noun, Neuter): Follows the second declension pattern, similar to 'лицо'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for лицо (face):

• лик (poetic)
• морда (informal, often derogatory)

Note: 'Лик' is archaic or poetic, while 'морда' can be offensive unless used humorously.

Synonyms for одобрение (approval):

• согласие
• разрешение

Antonyms for одобрение (approval):

• осуждение
• запрет

Related Phrases:

• потерять лицо - To lose face (to be humiliated).
• выражение лица застыло - The facial expression froze (indicating shock or surprise).
• дать одобрение - To give approval or consent.

Usage Notes:

• The choice between 'лицо', 'выражение лица', and 'вид' depends on whether you're referring to the physical face, the expression, or the overall look. 'Лицо' is the most literal and common.
• 'Одобрение' is used exclusively in the figurative sense of 'countenance' as approval, often in formal or official contexts.
• Be cautious with tone and context, as 'вид' can sometimes imply judgment about someone's appearance.

Common Errors:

1. Confusing 'лицо' with 'вид': English learners often use 'вид' when they mean the literal face. Incorrect: "У неё красивый вид" (should be "У неё красивое лицо" for "She has a beautiful face"). 'Вид' is better for general appearance or state.

2. Misusing 'одобрение' in casual contexts: Learners might overuse 'одобрение' in informal speech. Incorrect: "Я дал ему одобрение пойти" (should be "Я разрешил ему пойти" for "I allowed him to go"). Use 'одобрение' for formal approval.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, facial expressions ('выражение лица') are often closely observed as indicators of emotion or sincerity. The concept of 'лицо' (face) can also metaphorically refer to one's honor or reputation, as in the phrase 'потерять лицо' (to lose face), which is a significant cultural concept tied to dignity.

Related Concepts:

• честь (honor)
• репутация (reputation)
• эмоция (emotion)