Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Disastrous'

English Word: Disastrous

Key Russian Translations:

• катастрофический [kətəstrɐˈfʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• ужасный [uˈʐasnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective]
• разрушительный [rəzruˈʂɨtʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "катастрофический" and "разрушительный"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "ужасный"

Pronunciation (Russian):

катастрофический: [kətəstrɐˈfʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on катастрофический: Stress falls on the fourth syllable; the "ф" sound is pronounced as a soft [fʲ].

ужасный: [uˈʐasnɨj]

Note on ужасный: Stress on the first syllable; the "ж" is a voiced fricative sound unique to Russian.

разрушительный: [rəzruˈʂɨtʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on разрушительный: Stress on the third syllable; note the soft [lʲ] sound at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Causing Great Damage or Harm (Literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• катастрофический - Used in formal or technical contexts to describe catastrophic events or outcomes.
• разрушительный - Often refers to physical destruction or devastating effects, suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Последствия землетрясения были катастрофическими.

  The consequences of the earthquake were disastrous.

• Этот ураган оказал разрушительное воздействие на город.

  This hurricane had a disastrous impact on the city.

• Экономический кризис стал катастрофическим для многих семей.

  The economic crisis was disastrous for many families.

2. Extremely Bad or Unsuccessful (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ужасный - Commonly used in informal contexts to describe something very bad or unsuccessful.

Usage Examples:

• Его выступление было просто ужасным.

  His performance was simply disastrous.

• Это был ужасный выбор для нашей команды.

  It was a disastrous choice for our team.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

катастрофический (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	катастрофический	катастрофическая	катастрофическое	катастрофические
Genitive	катастрофического	катастрофической	катастрофического	катастрофических

ужасный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

разрушительный (Adjective): Declines similarly; often used attributively.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for катастрофический:

• трагический (tragic)
• пагубный (detrimental)

Note: "трагический" often implies emotional or dramatic tragedy, while "пагубный" focuses on harmful effects.

Antonyms for катастрофический:

• благоприятный (favorable)
• успешный (successful)

Related Phrases:

• катастрофические последствия - Disastrous consequences
• ужасный провал - Disastrous failure
• разрушительное влияние - Disastrous influence

Usage Notes:

• "катастрофический" is typically used in serious or formal contexts, often related to large-scale events or crises. It is less common in everyday speech.
• "ужасный" is more versatile and frequently used in informal settings to express strong disapproval or failure.
• "разрушительный" emphasizes physical or metaphorical destruction and can be used in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
• When choosing between these translations, consider the tone and context: use "катастрофический" for formal reports, "ужасный" for casual conversation, and "разрушительный" for emphasis on destruction.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ужасный" in formal writing to describe a major crisis. Incorrect: "Ужасный экономический спад." Correct: "Катастрофический экономический спад." (Disastrous economic downturn.) Explanation: "ужасный" sounds too colloquial for formal contexts.
• Error: Misusing "катастрофический" for minor issues. Incorrect: "Катастрофический результат теста." Correct: "Ужасный результат теста." (Disastrous test result.) Explanation: "катастрофический" is reserved for severe, large-scale disasters.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the word "катастрофический" often evokes associations with historical or natural disasters, reflecting the country's experiences with such events. It carries a heavier, more dramatic connotation than in English. Meanwhile, "ужасный" is frequently used hyperbolically in everyday speech, even for minor inconveniences.

Related Concepts:

• трагедия (tragedy)
• бедствие (calamity)
• провал (failure)