Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fashionable'

English Word: fashionable

Key Russian Translations:

• модный [ˈmodnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective; used to describe trends, clothing, or styles in everyday contexts]
• стильный [ˈstilʲnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective; often implies a more elegant or sophisticated sense of fashion]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in casual conversations, media, and fashion discussions, but not as basic as everyday adjectives like "big" or "small").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can use it in simple sentences, but mastering nuances and inflections requires familiarity with Russian adjective agreements, per CEFR standards).

Pronunciation (Russian):

модный: [ˈmodnɨj] (Stress on the first syllable; the "ы" sound is a distinct Russian vowel, similar to a soft "i" in "bit").

стильный: [ˈstilʲnɨj] (Stress on the first syllable; note the palatalized "лʲ" sound, which softens the "l" before "н").

Note on модный: Be careful with the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables; in fast speech, it may sound like [ˈmodnəj].

Note on стильный: The palatalization can be tricky for English speakers; practice with native audio to master the soft "l".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Following the latest trends in fashion, style, or popularity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• модный - Used in casual or modern contexts, such as describing clothes, accessories, or social trends; common in informal speech or advertising.
• стильный - Applied in contexts emphasizing elegance and sophistication, like high-fashion or design; suitable for both informal and semi-formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Эта куртка очень модная в этом сезоне. (This jacket is very fashionable this season.)

  This jacket is very fashionable this season. (Shows adjective use with clothing in a seasonal context.)

• Она всегда носит стильные аксессуары. (She always wears stylish accessories.)

  She always wears stylish accessories. (Illustrates use in describing personal style and possessions.)

• Модные тенденции меняются каждые несколько месяцев. (Fashionable trends change every few months.)

  Fashionable trends change every few months. (Demonstrates use in discussing broader cultural or industry shifts.)

• Его модный вид привлекает внимание на вечеринках. (His fashionable look attracts attention at parties.)

  His fashionable look attracts attention at parties. (Highlights use in social or interpersonal contexts.)

• Стильные интерьеры в доме делают его современным. (Stylish interiors in the house make it modern.)

  Stylish interiors in the house make it modern. (Extends the word to non-clothing contexts like design.)

Meaning 2: Socially popular or in vogue (e.g., ideas or behaviors).

Translation(s) & Context:

• модный - Used metaphorically for trends in culture, ideas, or behaviors; informal and versatile.

Usage Examples:

• Модные диеты не всегда полезны для здоровья. (Fashionable diets aren't always healthy.)

  Fashionable diets aren't always healthy. (Applies to non-fashion contexts like health trends.)

• В наше время модно быть экологически сознательным. (It's fashionable to be environmentally conscious these days.)

  It's fashionable to be environmentally conscious these days. (Shows use in social or ethical discussions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "модный" and "стильный" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow the standard first-declension adjective pattern, with no irregularities. Here's a breakdown:

Note: These adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. For example, "модный дом" (fashionable house) changes to "модного дома" in genitive case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стильный (stylish; more emphasis on elegance than pure trendiness)
  • элегантный (elegant; used for refined, sophisticated fashion)
  • актуальный (relevant or current; implies timeliness in trends)
• Antonyms:
  • немодный (unfashionable; directly opposite, meaning out of style)
  • старомодный (old-fashioned; implies outdatedness)

Related Phrases:

• В моде (In fashion) - Refers to something currently trendy or popular.
• Модная одежда (Fashionable clothing) - Describes stylish apparel in everyday contexts.
• Быть в тренде (To be on trend) - A phrase meaning to follow current fashions or ideas.

Usage Notes:

"Модный" directly corresponds to "fashionable" in most contexts, especially for clothing and trends, but "стильный" is preferred when emphasizing elegance over mere popularity. In Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical difference from English. For formal writing, use "модный" sparingly in professional contexts like fashion journalism. When choosing between translations, opt for "стильный" if the connotation is more about sophistication, as in describing a person's overall appearance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to inflect the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "модный женщина" instead of "модная женщина" (fashionable woman). Correct: Always match gender and case, as in "модная женщина". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, unlike in English where "fashionable" remains unchanged.

• Error: Confusing "модный" with "модернизированный" (modernized), which means updated or technologically advanced. Correct: Use "модный" for fashion trends only. Explanation: This mix-up can occur due to similar roots, but they have distinct meanings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "модный" are often tied to urban fashion scenes in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, influenced by global trends but with a local twist, such as incorporating traditional elements into modern designs. For instance, during events like Moscow Fashion Week, "модный" highlights the blend of Soviet-era aesthetics with contemporary styles, reflecting Russia's evolving cultural identity.

Related Concepts:

• стиль (style)
• тренд (trend)
• мода (fashion)