Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'exquisite'

English Word: exquisite

Key Russian Translations:

• изысканный /ɪzɨˈskannɨj/ - [Formal, used for describing refined beauty or elegance]
• утонченный /ʊtɐnˈt͡ɕɛnnɨj/ - [Formal, often in artistic or cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, art, and formal discussions, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective declensions and nuanced vocabulary, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

изысканный: /ɪzɨˈskannɨj/

утонченный: /ʊtɐnˈt͡ɕɛnnɨj/

Note on изысканный: The stress falls on the third syllable; be careful with the soft 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Extremely beautiful, delicate, or refined in a subtle way

Translation(s) & Context:

• изысканный - Used in formal or artistic contexts, such as describing fine art or cuisine, to convey elegance and sophistication.
• утонченный - Applied in cultural or intellectual settings, emphasizing subtlety and refinement, often in literature or social commentary.

Usage Examples:

• Этот изысканный дизайн интерьера сочетает классику и современность.

  This exquisite interior design combines classic and modern elements.

• Ее платье было утонченным, с тонкими вышивками и шелковыми вставками.

  Her dress was exquisite, with delicate embroidery and silk inserts.

• В музее выставлены изысканные ювелирные изделия эпохи Возрождения.

  The museum displays exquisite jewelry from the Renaissance era.

• Утонченный вкус в музыке отличает истинных ценителей искусства.

  Exquisite taste in music distinguishes true art connoisseurs.

• Изысканный аромат чая завораживал гостей на вечере.

  The exquisite aroma of the tea captivated the guests at the evening event.

Secondary Meaning: Extremely intense or acute (e.g., exquisite pain)

Translation(s) & Context:

• изысканный - Less common in this sense; typically used metaphorically in literary contexts for heightened sensations.
• утонченный - Not ideal; instead, consider острый (ostryi) for pain, but if insisting on nuance, изысканный can imply refined intensity.

Usage Examples:

• Изысканная боль от потери близкого человека не уходит быстро.

  The exquisite pain from losing a loved one doesn't fade quickly.

• Утонченное ощущение холода в горах было одновременно приятным и острым.

  The exquisite sensation of cold in the mountains was both pleasant and acute.

• В поэзии изысканная эмоция передается через метафоры.

  Exquisite emotion is conveyed through metaphors in poetry.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives.

These adjectives are regular and do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прекрасный (prekrasnyi) - More general beauty, but less emphasis on refinement.
  • роскошный (roskoshnyi) - Implies luxury, often used for opulent items.
  • элегантный (elegantnyi) - Focuses on grace and style, similar to exquisite in fashion contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • грубый (grubyi) - Rough or crude.
  • простой (prostoi) - Simple or unrefined.
  • обыденный (obydennyi) - Ordinary or everyday, lacking special quality.

Related Phrases:

• Изысканная кухня - Refined cuisine; refers to gourmet or high-end food preparation.
• Утонченный вкус - Exquisite taste; used for someone with sophisticated preferences in art or culture.
• Изысканный стиль - Exquisite style; common in fashion or design contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "изысканный" directly corresponds to "exquisite" in contexts of beauty and refinement, but it's more formal than everyday English equivalents. Use it sparingly in casual speech to avoid sounding overly literary. For "утонченный," it's ideal for intellectual or artistic discussions. When choosing between translations, opt for "изысканный" for tangible elegance (e.g., objects) and "утонченный" for abstract or sensory experiences. Always consider gender and case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "изысканный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "изысканный дом" in genitive case as "изысканный дома" instead of "изысканного дома." Correct: Ensure the adjective matches the noun's case. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which English speakers often overlook.

• Error: Confusing with "красивый" (beautiful), leading to overuse of less precise synonyms. Correct: Use "изысканный" for nuanced refinement. Explanation: While "красивый" means simply beautiful, "изысканный" adds layers of sophistication, so swapping them can dilute the meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "изысканный" often evoke the elegance of pre-revolutionary aristocratic life or Soviet-era intellectual circles. For instance, in literature by authors like Pushkin, it describes the refined society of St. Petersburg, highlighting a cultural appreciation for subtlety amidst historical contrasts of simplicity and opulence.

Related Concepts:

• элегантность (elegantnost')
• роскошь (roskosh')
• художественный вкус (khudozhestvennyi vkus)