Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'encore'

English Word: encore

Key Russian Translations:

• бис [bʲis] - [Used in formal and informal contexts, particularly in performing arts; Singular, often as a borrowed term]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts related to music, theater, and performances, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should understand its usage in cultural or artistic discussions, as it involves recognizing borrowed vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бис: [bʲis]

Note on бис: The initial 'б' is a soft bilabial stop [bʲ], which may be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization. It sounds similar to the 'b' in "beauty" but softer. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: An additional performance or repetition demanded by the audience, often in music or theater.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бис - Used in the context of live performances where the audience requests an extra piece; Informal to formal settings in cultural events.

Usage Examples:

• Зрители аплодировали и кричали: «Бис!» после потрясающего концерта.

  The audience applauded and shouted: "Encore!" after the amazing concert.

• Певица исполнила бис на требование публики, спев свою самую популярную песню.

  The singer performed an encore at the audience's demand, singing her most popular song.

• В театре после финального акта раздались крики «Бис!», и актёры вернулись на сцену.

  In the theater, after the final act, shouts of "Encore!" rang out, and the actors returned to the stage.

• Оркестр согласился на бис, но только один раз, чтобы не затягивать представление.

  The orchestra agreed to an encore, but only once, to not prolong the performance.

• После бурных оваций дирижёр объявил, что будет бис из-за энтузиазма зрителей.

  After the thunderous ovations, the conductor announced an encore due to the audience's enthusiasm.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Бис" is a masculine noun borrowed from French/German via English, and it generally does not undergo complex inflections in modern Russian. It remains largely invariable in most cases, which is common for loanwords.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • повтор (povtor) - [Means 'repetition'; Used more generally for repeating something, with a slight difference in connotation as it can apply beyond performances.]
  • добавка (dobavka) - [Informal; Implies an extra addition, but less specific to audience demands.]
• Antonyms:
  • финал (final) - [Refers to the end of a performance; No direct antonym, but this contrasts with the idea of extension.]

Related Phrases:

• На бис - [Literally 'as an encore'; Used to indicate performing something extra, e.g., in a concert setting.]
• Требовать бис - [To demand an encore; Common in audience interactions during live events.]
• Бис из-за аплодисментов - [Encore due to applause; Highlights the responsive nature of performances.]

Usage Notes:

"Бис" directly corresponds to the English "encore" in the context of performing arts, but it's a borrowed term and is most commonly used in Russia for music and theater. It's versatile across formal and informal settings, though it's more prevalent in cultural events. When choosing between translations like "повтор" or "бис", opt for "бис" if the context involves audience interaction, as it carries the specific connotation of a demanded repetition. Grammatically, it functions as a noun and can be used in various cases, but its invariable nature makes it straightforward for English learners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "encore" directly in Russian speech, e.g., saying "encore" instead of "бис". Correct: Stick to "бис" in Russian contexts to sound natural. Explanation: Russian audiences expect native terms, so borrowing English words can confuse communication.

• Error: Misinflecting the word, e.g., treating it as a fully regular noun like "биса" in unnecessary places. Correct: Use "бис" in its base form where possible, as in "Кричать бис" (Shout encore). Explanation: Over-inflection can make the sentence awkward since it's a loanword with limited changes.

• Error: Confusing it with "бисс" (a different word meaning 'bishop' in some contexts). Correct: Ensure the context is clear, as in "бис в концерте". Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings, so context is key in Russian vocabulary.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "бис" is deeply tied to the tradition of live performances, such as in Moscow's Bolshoi Theater or classical music concerts. It's a nod to European influences in Russian arts, originating from French via German. Shouting "бис" reflects an audience's appreciation and can create a lively, interactive atmosphere, emphasizing the communal joy of theater and music in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• аплодисменты (applause)
• концерт (concert)
• спектакль (performance)
• овации (ovations)