Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dumpy'

English Word: dumpy

Key Russian Translations:

• коренастый [kɐrʲɪˈnastɨj] - [Informal, used for describing a short and stout build]
• полноватый [pɐlˈnovətɨj] - [Informal, emphasizing plumpness]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in descriptive literature or casual descriptions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections. For 'коренастый', it's B1; for 'полноватый', it's also B1.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коренастый: [kɐrʲɪˈnastɨj]

Note on коренастый: The stress falls on the third syllable ('nas'). Be careful with the palatalized 'r' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

полноватый: [pɐlˈnovətɨj]

Note on полноватый: The 'o' in the second syllable is pronounced as a short 'a' sound; this word has a diminutive suffix that softens its meaning.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Short and stout, especially describing a person's build.

Translation(s) & Context:

• коренастый - Used in informal contexts to describe someone who is solidly built, often with a neutral or slightly positive connotation, such as in physical descriptions.
• полноватый - Applied in everyday conversations for someone who is somewhat plump, typically in a light-hearted or affectionate way.

Usage Examples:

• Его фигура коренастая, но он очень выносливый.

  His figure is dumpy, but he is very enduring. (This example shows the word in a descriptive physical context.)

• Она выглядит полноватой в этом платье, но это ей к лицу.

  She looks a bit dumpy in this dress, but it suits her. (Illustrates usage in fashion or appearance discussions, with a softer tone.)

• В детстве он был коренастым мальчиком, всегда готовым к играм.

  As a child, he was a dumpy boy, always ready for games. (Demonstrates the word in nostalgic or childhood narratives.)

• Этот актер играет роль полноватого персонажа в комедии.

  This actor plays the role of a dumpy character in a comedy. (Shows application in media or entertainment contexts.)

• Не суди по внешности; даже коренастые люди могут быть атлетами.

  Don't judge by appearance; even dumpy people can be athletes. (Highlights usage in motivational or advisory sentences.)

Meaning 2: Shabby or rundown, especially for buildings or objects (less common for 'dumpy').

Translation(s) & Context:

• небрежный - Used in contexts describing something unkempt or poorly maintained, though not a perfect direct match.

Usage Examples:

• Этот старый дом выглядит небрежным и коренастым.

  This old house looks shabby and dumpy. (Combines with other words for a fuller description.)

• В фильме показан небрежный, полноватый интерьер.

  The film shows a shabby, dumpy interior. (Used in visual or artistic descriptions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'коренастый' and 'полноватый' are Russian adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. They follow the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives.

These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners, but remember to agree with the noun's gender and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • полный (full, plump; similar to полноватый but more general)
  • короткий (short; focuses on height rather than build)
• Antonyms:
  • худой (thin; direct opposite for build)
  • высокий (tall; opposite for stature)

Related Phrases:

• Коренастый мужчина - A dumpy man (Used in descriptions of physical appearance in literature or casual talk.)
• Полноватый вид - A dumpy appearance (Common in fashion or self-description contexts.)
• Небрежный и коренастый стиль - Shabby and dumpy style (Refers to outdated or unkempt fashion.)

Usage Notes:

'Dumpy' in English often carries a mildly negative connotation, but its Russian equivalents like 'коренастый' can be neutral or even positive in contexts emphasizing strength. Choose 'коренастый' for physical robustness and 'полноватый' for a softer, affectionate description. Be mindful of grammatical agreement with nouns, as Russian adjectives change form. This word is rarely used in formal writing; opt for it in spoken or informal settings.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'коренастый' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "коренастый женщина" instead of "коренастая женщина".
  Correct: Ensure gender agreement; explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender (feminine here).
  Erroneous example: "Он встретил коренастый женщина." (Wrong)
  Correct example: "Он встретил коренастую женщину." (Right)
• Mistake: Confusing it with synonyms, e.g., using 'полный' when 'коренастый' implies stockiness, not just weight.
  Explanation: 'Полный' means simply 'full' or 'fat', which might overemphasize obesity; use 'коренастый' for a balanced, sturdy image.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'коренастый' can evoke images of traditional strength, such as in folk tales where sturdy characters represent resilience. However, in modern contexts, they might subtly reference body positivity movements, contrasting with historical ideals of slenderness.

Related Concepts:

• мужественный (manly, brave)
• атлетичный (athletic)
• внешность (appearance)