Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'danseuse'

English Word: danseuse

Key Russian Translations:

• танцовщица [tɐnˈt͡sovʂʲɪt͡sə] - [Formal, Feminine noun, Used in general contexts for a female dancer]
• балерина [bɐlʲɪˈrʲinə] - [Formal, Feminine noun, Specifically for a female ballet dancer]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in cultural, artistic, or biographical contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - The vocabulary involves understanding feminine nouns and basic inflections; "танцовщица" may be slightly easier for beginners, while "балерина" requires familiarity with Russian arts terminology.

Pronunciation (Russian):

танцовщица: [tɐnˈt͡sovʂʲɪt͡sə]

Note on танцовщица: The 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' which can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

балерина: [bɐlʲɪˈrʲinə]

Note on балерина: Stress falls on the third syllable; the 'лʲ' is a soft 'l', common in Russian but less so in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A female dancer, especially in ballet or professional dance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• танцовщица - Used in general contexts for any female dancer, such as in modern or folk dance (e.g., in everyday or artistic discussions).
• балерина - Applied specifically to a female ballet dancer, often in formal or classical settings (e.g., in theater or cultural events).

Usage Examples:

• В театре выступает талантливая танцовщица из Франции.

  In the theater, a talented danseuse from France is performing.

• Её карьера как балерины началась в раннем детстве.

  Her career as a danseuse began in early childhood.

• Танцовщица грациозно исполнила сложный па де де.

  The danseuse gracefully performed a complex pas de deux.

• Молодая балерина покорила публику своим мастерством.

  The young danseuse captivated the audience with her skill.

• В этом балете главная роль отведена опытной танцовщице.

  In this ballet, the lead role is assigned to an experienced danseuse.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "танцовщица" and "балерина" are feminine nouns in Russian, belonging to the first declension. They follow standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -а, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining the key inflections:

These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • артистка (artiska) - A female performer, often in a broader artistic sense; less specific to dance.
  • танцовщица балета (tantsovshchitsa baleta) - Emphasizes ballet context; more descriptive.
• Antonyms:
  • танцор (tantsor) - Male dancer, contrasting the feminine form.

Related Phrases:

• балетная танцовщица - Ballet danseuse; refers to a dancer in a ballet company. (Used in contexts discussing classical dance.)
• профессиональная артистка - Professional female performer; broader term including danseuses. (Common in theater or entertainment discussions.)
• танцовщица на сцене - Danseuse on stage; emphasizes performance aspect. (Often used in reviews or descriptions of shows.)

Usage Notes:

"Danseuse" directly translates to "танцовщица" in most general contexts, but "балерина" is preferred when referring specifically to ballet, as in Russian culture where ballet holds significant prestige. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences, as these are feminine nouns. For example, adjectives and verbs must agree in gender. When choosing between translations, opt for "балерина" in formal or artistic settings, and "танцовщица" for everyday dance references. Avoid direct word-for-word translation; consider the context to ensure cultural appropriateness.

Common Errors:

• Using the masculine form "танцор" instead of the feminine: Incorrect: "Она танцор." (She is a dancer - wrong gender.) Correct: "Она танцовщица." Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, so match the subject's gender for accuracy.
• Incorrect case usage: Incorrect: "Я видел танцовщица." (I saw the danseuse - wrong case.) Correct: "Я видел танцовщицу." Explanation: In accusative case, the ending changes to -у for this noun; learners often forget declension rules.
• Confusing with synonyms: Incorrectly using "артистка" when "балерина" is needed, leading to vagueness. Explanation: "Артистка" is more general; specify with "балерина" for precision in ballet contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "балерина" evoke the rich tradition of Russian ballet, exemplified by figures like Anna Pavlova and the Bolshoi Ballet. This word carries connotations of grace, discipline, and national pride, often linked to historical institutions like the Mariinsky Theatre. Understanding this can deepen appreciation for how dance intersects with Russian identity and heritage.

Related Concepts:

• балет (balet)
• хореография (khoreografiya)
• артист (artist)