Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'exterior'

English Word: exterior

Key Russian Translations:

• экстерьер (/ɛkˈstʲerʲjer/) - [Formal, Used in contexts like architecture or automotive design]
• внешний вид (/vnéʂnɨj vɨd/) - [Informal, General everyday language]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized fields like design and real estate, but less frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and vocabulary related to descriptions, though basic forms are straightforward for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

экстерьер: /ɛkˈstʲerʲjer/

внешний вид: /vnéʂnɨj vɨd/

Note on экстерьер: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'ть' sound is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The outer surface or appearance of something (e.g., a building or vehicle)

Translation(s) & Context:

• экстерьер - Used in formal or professional contexts, such as describing the exterior design of a car or house.
• внешний вид - More general and informal, often in everyday descriptions of appearance.

Usage Examples:

• Экстерьер этого здания впечатляет своей современной архитектурой.

  The exterior of this building impresses with its modern architecture.

• Внешний вид машины был поврежден в аварии.

  The exterior of the car was damaged in the accident.

• При покупке дома важно оценить его экстерьер и интерьер.

  When buying a house, it's important to evaluate its exterior and interior.

• Ее внешний вид всегда аккуратный, но экстерьер дома нуждается в ремонте.

  Her appearance is always neat, but the exterior of the house needs repair.

• Дизайнеры фокусируются на экстерьере, чтобы сделать продукт привлекательным.

  Designers focus on the exterior to make the product appealing.

The external part as opposed to the internal (e.g., in contrast to interior)

Translation(s) & Context:

• экстерьер - Preferred in technical or artistic discussions for emphasis on outer features.
• внешняя часть - Used when specifying physical components in a more literal sense.

Usage Examples:

• Экстерьер автомобиля должен гармонировать с его интерьером.

  The exterior of the car should harmonize with its interior.

• Внешняя часть дома была покрашена, но внутренняя отделка еще не готова.

  The exterior of the house was painted, but the interior finishing is not ready yet.

• Фокус на экстерьере помогает привлечь покупателей.

  Focusing on the exterior helps attract buyers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns and follow standard Russian inflection patterns. "Экстерьер" is a masculine noun (from French loanword) and declines irregularly in some cases due to its foreign origin. "Внешний вид" is a phrase where "внешний" is an adjective and "вид" is a masculine noun.

Note: "Экстерьер" does not change in the plural as frequently as native Russian words, and its inflections are somewhat simplified.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • внешность (/vnéʂnəstʲ/) - More general, often for personal appearance.
  • облик (/ɐˈblʲik/) - Emphasizes overall form or shape, with a poetic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • интерьер (/ɪnʲtʲerʲjer/) - The internal part or interior.
  • внутренность (/vnʊtrʲennəstʲ/) - Internal features or essence.

Related Phrases:

• Экстерьер здания - The exterior of the building; refers to the outer facade in architectural contexts.
• Внешний вид продукта - The appearance of the product; used in marketing to describe visual appeal.
• Обновить экстерьер - To update the exterior; a common phrase in renovation discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Экстерьер" is a loanword from French via English and is typically used in more formal or technical settings, making it a direct equivalent to "exterior" in contexts like design or real estate. In contrast, "внешний вид" is more versatile for everyday use and can cover broader meanings of appearance. English learners should note that Russian nouns require agreement in case, number, and gender, so always check the context for proper inflection. When choosing between translations, opt for "экстерьер" in professional writing and "внешний вид" in casual speech to match the appropriate register.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "экстерьер" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в экстерьер" instead of "в экстерьере".

  Correct: "В экстерьере дома есть проблемы" (The exterior of the house has issues). Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case for locations, so learners must adjust the ending accordingly.

• Error: Confusing "экстерьер" with "интерьер", leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Use "экстерьер" for outer parts and "интерьер" for inner parts. Example: Incorrect: "Экстерьер комнаты красивый" (should be "Интерьер комнаты красивый"). Explanation: This mix-up often stems from similar sounds, so double-check the context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, especially in urban planning and architecture, "экстерьер" often carries connotations of Soviet-era aesthetics, where the external appearance of buildings was emphasized for public image. This reflects a historical focus on collective presentation over individual comfort, which can influence how Russians discuss and value exteriors in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• интерьер
• архитектура
• дизайн