Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dandy'

English Word: dandy

Key Russian Translations:

• щеголь [ˈʃtʃegolʲ] - [Formal, Historical]
• франт [frant] - [Informal, Slightly Dated]
• модник [ˈmodnʲɪk] - [Neutral, Modern]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "модник"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "щеголь" and "франт" due to historical or stylistic nuances

Pronunciation (Russian):

щеголь: [ˈʃtʃegolʲ]

Note on щеголь: Pay attention to the initial "щ" sound, which is a distinct Russian sound, softer than "sh".

франт: [frant]

Note on франт: The stress falls on the single syllable, and the "р" is rolled.

модник: [ˈmodnʲɪk]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A man who is overly concerned with his appearance and fashion (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• щеголь - Used in formal or historical contexts to describe a well-dressed man with a refined sense of style.
• франт - Informal, often with a slight negative connotation of vanity or pretentiousness.
• модник - Neutral and modern, referring to someone trendy or fashionable.

Usage Examples:

• Он был настоящим щеголем в своём новом костюме.

  He was a true dandy in his new suit.

• Этот франт тратит часы перед зеркалом.

  This dandy spends hours in front of the mirror.

• Модники всегда следят за последними трендами.

  Dandies always keep up with the latest trends.

• На вечеринке он выглядел как щеголь XIX века.

  At the party, he looked like a 19th-century dandy.

• Все считают его модником из-за его стильных аксессуаров.

  Everyone considers him a dandy because of his stylish accessories.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

щеголь (noun, masculine, animate):

франт (noun, masculine, animate): Follows similar declension patterns as "щеголь".

модник (noun, masculine, animate): Follows regular second declension patterns for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• денди (dendi) - Borrowed from English, less common.
• пижон (pizhon) - Informal, often pejorative.

Antonyms:

• неряха (neryakha) - Slob, untidy person.
• простак (prostak) - Simpleton, someone unconcerned with appearance.

Note: Synonyms like "пижон" carry a stronger negative connotation of showing off compared to "модник".

Related Phrases:

• щегольской вид - "dandy-like appearance" (refined or elegant look).
• франтить перед зеркалом - "to act like a dandy in front of the mirror" (to preen or show off).
• модник до мозга костей - "a dandy to the core" (someone obsessed with fashion).

Usage Notes:

• "щеголь" is more formal and often used in literature or historical contexts, referring to a refined, elegant man.
• "франт" is informal and can imply vanity or excessive attention to appearance, sometimes with a negative tone.
• "модник" is the most neutral and modern term, suitable for everyday use to describe someone fashionable.
• Choose the translation based on the tone and context of the English sentence. For neutral or positive descriptions, "модник" is safest.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "франт" in formal writing. Explanation: "франт" has an informal or slightly derogatory tone and should be avoided in serious contexts. Use "щеголь" instead. Example of error: "Он был франтом на балу" (incorrect in formal tone); Correct: "Он был щеголем на балу".
• Error: Mispronouncing "щеголь" as [shegol]. Explanation: The "щ" sound is distinct in Russian and must be pronounced softer than "sh".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "dandy" often carries historical connotations, linked to 19th-century European fashion trends adopted by the Russian aristocracy. The term "щеголь" is frequently found in classic Russian literature, such as works by Pushkin or Tolstoy, to describe young noblemen obsessed with style.

Related Concepts:

• мода (moda) - Fashion.
• стиль (stil) - Style.
• элегантность (elegantnost) - Elegance.