Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'facade'

English Word: facade

Key Russian Translations:

• Фасад [fɐˈsad] - [Formal, Architectural term]

Frequency: Medium (Common in architectural, professional, and literary contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves specialized vocabulary and basic understanding of Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with some exposure to formal language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Фасад: [fɐˈsad]

Note on Фасад: The stress is on the second syllable, which is a common feature in Russian words of foreign origin. Pronounce the "ф" as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to "f" in "phone".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The front or face of a building (Architectural meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Фасад - Used in formal or technical discussions about architecture, design, or urban planning to refer to the outward-facing side of a structure.

Usage Examples:

• Фасад здания украшен классическими колоннами.

  The facade of the building is adorned with classical columns.

• В Москве многие фасады исторических зданий восстановлены.

  In Moscow, the facades of many historical buildings have been restored.

• Архитектор спроектировал фасад, чтобы он гармонировал с окружающим ландшафтом.

  The architect designed the facade to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

• Фасад музея освещается специальными прожекторами ночью.

  The facade of the museum is illuminated with special spotlights at night.

2. A deceptive outward appearance or superficial impression (Metaphorical meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Фасад - Used metaphorically in literature, psychology, or everyday language to describe something that hides the true nature, often in formal or introspective contexts.

Usage Examples:

• За внешним фасадом успеха скрываются личные проблемы.

  Behind the facade of success lie personal problems.

• Её улыбка была всего лишь фасадом, маскирующим грусть.

  Her smile was just a facade masking her sadness.

• Политик поддерживал фасад уверенности, несмотря на кризис.

  The politician maintained a facade of confidence despite the crisis.

• Фасад дружбы между ними рухнул, когда раскрылась правда.

  The facade of friendship between them collapsed when the truth was revealed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Фасад is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple facades, and the noun is invariant in terms of gender but changes based on case as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Внешний вид (Vneshniy vid) - Outer appearance, often used interchangeably in metaphorical contexts.
  • Лицо (Litso) - Face, for a more general or human-like facade.
• Antonyms:
  • Внутренность (Vnutrennost') - Interior or inside, contrasting with the external facade.
  • Истина (Istina) - Truth, especially in metaphorical uses where facade implies deception.

Related Phrases:

• Внешний фасад (Vneshniy fasad) - External facade; refers to the outermost part of a building, often in architectural descriptions.
• Фасад здания (Fasad zdaniya) - Facade of the building; a common phrase in real estate or design contexts.
• Ломать фасад (Lamaty fasad) - To break the facade; used metaphorically to mean revealing the truth behind a deceptive appearance.

Usage Notes:

Фасад directly corresponds to the English "facade" in both literal and figurative senses, making it a straightforward translation. However, in Russian, it is more commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as architecture, literature, or psychology. When using it metaphorically, ensure the context implies deception or superficiality. For everyday conversations, consider alternatives like "внешний вид" for a less formal tone. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to fit sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the word by treating it as indeclinable, e.g., saying "на фасад" instead of the correct genitive "на фасаде" in prepositional phrases. Incorrect: "Я смотрю на фасад." (This implies direct action, which is wrong); Correct: "Я смотрю на фасад здания." with proper context, or "Я смотрю на фасаде" for "I am looking at the facade from on it."

• Confusing it with synonyms: Learners might use "лицо" interchangeably, but "лицо" is more for human faces, leading to awkward phrasing. For example, Incorrect: "Лицо дома" (Face of the house, which sounds odd); Correct: "Фасад дома."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "facade" often ties to historical architecture, such as the ornate facades of buildings in Moscow or St. Petersburg from the imperial era. Metaphorically, it reflects the Russian literary tradition of exploring hidden truths, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov, where social facades mask deeper emotional struggles.

Related Concepts:

• Архитектура (Arkhitektura)
• Внешний вид (Vneshniy vid)
• Маска (Maska)