Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eyesore'

English Word: eyesore

Key Russian Translations:

• уродство [ʊˈrɔtstva] - [Informal, often used for something visually unappealing]
• неприятное зрелище [nʲɪprʲiˈjatnəje zɾʲɪˈlʲiʂt͡ɕe] - [Formal, suitable for descriptive or literary contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in descriptive writing or critiques.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian nouns and basic vocabulary, with 'уродство' being slightly more challenging due to its emotional connotation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уродство: [ʊˈrɔtstva]

Note on уродство: The stress falls on the second syllable ('rɔt'), and the 'у' is pronounced as a short 'u' sound, which can be tricky for beginners. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'r' sound.

неприятное зрелище: [nʲɪprʲiˈjatnəje zɾʲɪˈlʲiʂt͡ɕe]

Note on неприятное зрелище: This phrase has a rolling 'r' in 'зрелище' and a soft 'н' in 'неприятное'; practice the palatalization for accurate pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: An ugly or unpleasant thing to look at, often detracting from the surroundings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• уродство - Used in informal, everyday contexts to express strong disapproval of something visually offensive, such as a dilapidated building.
• неприятное зрелище - Applied in more formal or neutral contexts, like architecture critiques or descriptions in literature.

Usage Examples:

• Этот старый дом в центре города — настоящее уродство, которое портит весь вид.

  This old house in the city center is a real eyesore that ruins the entire view.

• Для местных жителей заброшенный завод стал неприятным зрелищем, от которого они не могут избавиться.

  For the local residents, the abandoned factory has become an unpleasant sight that they can't get rid of.

• В парке стоит уродство в виде ржавого памятника, который никто не реставрирует.

  In the park, there's an eyesore in the form of a rusty monument that no one is restoring.

• Неприятное зрелище представляет собой эту серию граффити на историческом здании.

  This series of graffiti on the historical building is an unpleasant sight.

• Мой соседский сад превратился в уродство из-за зарослей сорняков и сломанной мебели.

  My neighbor's garden has turned into an eyesore because of the overgrown weeds and broken furniture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. 'Уродство' is a neuter noun (singular), and it follows standard Russian neuter declension patterns. 'Неприятное зрелище' is a phrase where 'зрелище' is also a neuter noun.

For 'уродство' (neuter, singular):

It does not have a plural form in common usage. 'Неприятное зрелище' declines based on 'зрелище', which is similar: Nominative - неприятное зрелище, Genitive - неприятного зрелища, etc. No irregular changes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • уродливость (slight emphasis on deformity)
  • гадость (more negative, implying disgust)
  • безобразие (used for something outrageously ugly, often in moral contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • красотa (beauty, directly opposite in aesthetic appeal)
  • зрелище (sight, neutral; but in positive contexts)

Related Phrases:

• уродливое строение — An ugly building (used to describe architectural eyesores).
• неприятное для глаз зрелище — Unpleasant sight for the eyes (a more literal phrase for visual discomfort).
• пятно на ландшафте — Stain on the landscape (implies something that mars an otherwise nice view).

Usage Notes:

'Eyesore' translates most directly to 'уродство' in informal settings, but 'неприятное зрелище' is preferable in formal or written contexts to avoid overly emotional language. Be cautious with 'уродство' as it carries a strong negative connotation and might offend in sensitive discussions. In Russian, these terms often appear in descriptive narratives or complaints about urban planning. When choosing between translations, consider the audience: use 'уродство' for casual conversations and 'неприятное зрелище' for professional or literary use.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'уродство' in formal writing, which can sound too vulgar. Correct: Opt for 'неприятное зрелище' instead. Example of error: "Это уродство в музее." (This is awkward.) Correct: "Это неприятное зрелище в музее." (This is an unpleasant sight in the museum.) Explanation: 'Уродство' is more colloquial and may not fit formal tones.

• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "в уродство" instead of "в уродстве". Correct: Use the proper prepositional case. Example of error: "Я думаю о уродство." Correct: "Я думаю об уродстве." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'уродство' often reflect a deep appreciation for aesthetics and beauty, influenced by historical art and literature (e.g., from Pushkin or Dostoevsky). An 'eyesore' might symbolize broader societal issues, such as neglect in post-Soviet urban areas, highlighting themes of decay and renewal in Russian identity.

Related Concepts:

• красотa
• зрелище
• безобразие