Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dilapidated'

English Word: Dilapidated

Key Russian Translations:

• ветхий [ˈvʲetxɪj] - [Formal, Often used for buildings or structures]
• разрушенный [rəzˈruʂɨnːɨj] - [Neutral, Emphasizes destruction or severe damage]
• обветшалый [ɐbʲvʲɪtˈʂalɨj] - [Informal, Often used for old, worn-out objects or places]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts related to old or damaged structures)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate, varies slightly by translation; "ветхий" is simpler, while "обветшалый" may be more nuanced)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ветхий: [ˈvʲetxɪj]

Note on ветхий: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "х" is a guttural sound, unfamiliar to many English speakers.

разрушенный: [rəzˈruʂɨnːɨj]

Note on разрушенный: Stress on the second syllable; the "ш" sound is like "sh" in "ship."

обветшалый: [ɐbʲvʲɪtˈʂalɨj]

Note on обветшалый: Stress on the third syllable; the "в" sounds softer due to palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Referring to Buildings or Structures in Poor Condition

Translation(s) & Context:

• ветхий - Commonly used for old houses or structures that are falling apart due to age.
• разрушенный - Used when a building is not just old but significantly damaged or destroyed, often by external forces.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ветхий дом стоит на окраине деревни.

  This dilapidated house stands on the outskirts of the village.

• Разрушенный замок привлекал туристов своей историей.

  The dilapidated castle attracted tourists with its history.

2. Referring to Objects or Places Worn Out by Time

Translation(s) & Context:

• обветшалый - Often used for objects or places that have become shabby or outdated over time.

Usage Examples:

• На чердаке лежала обветшалая мебель.

  Dilapidated furniture was lying in the attic.

• Обветшалый район города нуждался в реконструкции.

  The dilapidated district of the city needed reconstruction.

• Его обветшалый костюм выглядел нелепо на современной вечеринке.

  His dilapidated suit looked out of place at the modern party.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All translations are adjectives and follow standard Russian adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case.

ветхий (masculine nominative singular):

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	ветхий	ветхая	ветхое	ветхие
Genitive	ветхого	ветхой	ветхого	ветхих

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to "разрушенный" and "обветшалый."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• старый (old, general term)
• изношенный (worn out, often for objects)
• дряхлый (decrepit, often for people or things)

Note on Synonyms: "старый" is more general and less specific to damage; "дряхлый" may carry a stronger negative connotation.

Antonyms:

• новый (new)
• отремонтированный (renovated)
• современный (modern)

Related Phrases:

• ветхий дом - A dilapidated house (common phrase for old, crumbling homes).
• разрушенные стены - Dilapidated walls (used for structures damaged over time or by events).
• обветшалый вид - A dilapidated appearance (used metaphorically for shabby looks or outdated styles).

Usage Notes:

• "ветхий" is the most common translation for "dilapidated" when referring to buildings or structures and often implies age rather than deliberate destruction.
• "разрушенный" emphasizes a state of ruin or destruction, often due to external factors like war or natural disasters, and may not always imply age.
• "обветшалый" is more colloquial and can apply to both objects and places, often with a sense of outdatedness or neglect.
• Choose the translation based on the specific context and the degree of damage or age you want to convey.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "старый" (old) instead of "ветхий" or "обветшалый" to describe a dilapidated structure. While "старый" means "old," it lacks the connotation of decay or ruin.
  Incorrect: Этот старый дом опасен для жизни. (This old house is dangerous to live in.)
  Correct: Этот ветхий дом опасен для жизни. (This dilapidated house is dangerous to live in.)
• Error: Misusing "разрушенный" for something merely old but not destroyed.
  Incorrect: У меня разрушенный стул. (I have a dilapidated chair - implying it is completely destroyed.)
  Correct: У меня обветшалый стул. (I have a dilapidated chair - implying it is worn out.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "ветхий" or "обветшалый" often evokes a sense of nostalgia or historical value, especially when referring to old villages or traditional wooden houses. Such structures are sometimes preserved as cultural heritage despite their dilapidated state.

Related Concepts:

• заброшенный (abandoned)
• развалины (ruins)
• упадок (decline)