Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'debacle'

English Word: debacle

Key Russian Translations:

• провал [prɐˈval] - [Neutral, Common]
• катастрофа [kətɐˈstrofə] - [Formal, Stronger Negative Connotation]
• фиаско [fɪˈaskə] - [Informal, Often Used for Personal or Professional Failures]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "провал" and "катастрофа"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "фиаско" due to stylistic nuances

Pronunciation (Russian):

провал: [prɐˈval]

Note on провал: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

катастрофа: [kətɐˈstrofə]

Note on катастрофа: Stress on the third syllable. The final "а" is pronounced as a schwa sound [ə].

фиаско: [fɪˈaskə]

Note on фиаско: Stress on the second syllable. Borrowed from Italian, it retains a foreign pronunciation vibe.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Complete Failure or Collapse (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• провал - Often used for plans, projects, or events that fail completely.
• катастрофа - Used for more severe or dramatic failures, often with serious consequences.

Usage Examples:

• Проект оказался полным провалом.

  The project turned out to be a complete debacle.

• Его попытка открыть бизнес стала катастрофой.

  His attempt to start a business became a debacle.

• Этот план был обречён на провал с самого начала.

  This plan was doomed to be a debacle from the start.

2. A Personal or Embarrassing Failure

Translation(s) & Context:

• фиаско - Commonly used for personal failures or embarrassing situations, often with a lighter tone.

Usage Examples:

• Его выступление на сцене закончилось полным фиаско.

  His performance on stage ended in a complete debacle.

• Первое свидание было настоящим фиаско.

  The first date was a real debacle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

провал (noun, masculine):

катастрофа (noun, feminine): Follows standard feminine noun declension patterns (similar structure as above).

фиаско (noun, neuter): Indeclinable noun; does not change form regardless of case or number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for провал:

• неудача (subtle difference: less severe)
• крах (stronger, often financial or systemic collapse)

Antonyms for провал:

• успех (success)
• достижение (achievement)

Related Phrases:

• полный провал - "total debacle" (used for complete failure in any context)
• катастрофа века - "debacle of the century" (used hyperbolically for major failures)
• закончиться фиаско - "to end in a debacle" (often for personal or small-scale failures)

Usage Notes:

• "провал" is the most neutral and widely applicable term for "debacle," suitable for most contexts involving failure.
• "катастрофа" implies a more severe or disastrous outcome and is often used in formal or dramatic contexts.
• "фиаско" carries a lighter, sometimes humorous tone and is often used for personal or less serious failures.
• Be mindful of the tone and severity of the situation when choosing between these translations.

Common Errors:

1. Overusing "катастрофа": English learners often use "катастрофа" for minor failures, but it should be reserved for serious or tragic events. For example, saying "Мой экзамен был катастрофой" might sound overly dramatic; "провал" or "фиаско" would be more appropriate.

2. Incorrect Declension of "провал": Beginners often forget to adjust the noun case, e.g., using "провал" instead of "провала" in genitive. Correct: "После провала проекта..." (After the debacle of the project...).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the term "фиаско" often carries a theatrical or dramatic connotation due to its foreign origin (from Italian via French). It is frequently used in contexts related to performances or public failures, reflecting a cultural appreciation for expressive language.

Related Concepts:

• неудача (failure)
• крах (collapse)
• поражение (defeat)