Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'femininity'

English Word: femininity

Key Russian Translations:

• женственность /ʐɛnskvʲɪn.nəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Abstract Noun; Used in discussions of gender traits]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, psychology, and gender discussions, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun declensions in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

женственность: /ʐɛnskvʲɪn.nəsʲtʲ/ (The 'ж' is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure', and the stress is on the second syllable.)

Note on женственность: Be cautious with the palatalized consonants; mispronouncing /ʐ/ as /z/ can alter the word's perceived elegance. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being feminine; characteristics associated with women, such as grace or softness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• женственность - Typically used in formal or reflective contexts, such as essays on gender roles or personal development.

Usage Examples:

• Её женственность проявляется в элегантных манерах и мягком голосе.

  Her femininity is evident in her elegant manners and soft voice. (This example shows the word in a descriptive, personal context.)

• В современном обществе женственность часто ассоциируется с силой, а не только с хрупкостью.

  In modern society, femininity is often associated with strength, not just fragility. (Illustrates usage in a broader social or philosophical discussion.)

• Художник подчеркнул женственность модели в своем портрете.

  The artist emphasized the femininity of the model in his portrait. (Demonstrates the word in an artistic or creative context.)

• Развитие женственности – это не только внешний вид, но и внутренняя гармония.

  The development of femininity is not just about appearance but also inner harmony. (Shows usage in self-improvement or psychological contexts.)

• Культурные нормы влияют на восприятие женственности в разных странах.

  Cultural norms influence the perception of femininity in different countries. (Highlights cross-cultural application.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Женственность" is a feminine abstract noun in Russian, derived from "женский" (feminine). It follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ость, which are regular but must agree in case, number, and gender. As an abstract concept, it is typically singular and does not have plural forms in most contexts.

Note: This word is invariant in plural forms due to its abstract nature, but always ensure agreement with adjectives or verbs in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • женскость (zhenskost') - More neutral, often used in scientific contexts; less emphasis on emotional traits.
  • феминность (femninnost') - A borrowed term, implying a more modern or Western-influenced concept.
• Antonyms:
  • мужественность (muzhestvennost') - Directly contrasts with femininity, implying masculine traits.
  • маскулинность (maskulinnost') - A borrowed term for masculinity in contemporary discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Женская привлекательность (Female attractiveness) - Refers to the appeal derived from feminine qualities; often used in media or social contexts.
• Идеалы женственности (Ideals of femininity) - Discusses cultural standards; common in feminist literature.
• Развитие женственности (Development of femininity) - Implies personal growth; used in self-help scenarios.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "женственность" directly corresponds to "femininity" but carries a more poetic or idealized connotation, often linked to traditional gender roles. It is typically used in formal writing or speech rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations like "женственность" and "женскость," opt for the former in emotional or descriptive contexts and the latter for factual ones. Always ensure the noun agrees in case with surrounding elements, as Russian grammar requires; for example, use the genitive form in phrases like "в поисках женственности" (in search of femininity).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "женственность" with "женщина" (woman), leading to misuse in sentences like "Она имеет женщина" instead of "Она обладает женственностью."

  Correct Usage: "Она обладает женственностью" (She possesses femininity). Explanation: "Женственность" is an abstract noun, not a person, so it cannot replace "женщина" directly; this mistake stems from literal translations without considering Russian's abstract noun structures.

• Error: Forgetting case agreement, e.g., saying "о женственность" instead of "о женственности" in prepositional phrases.

  Correct Usage: "Размышления о женственности" (Reflections on femininity). Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case, so always adjust endings based on sentence function to avoid sounding unidiomatic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "женственность" often evokes images from literature like Tolstoy's works, where it symbolizes grace and emotional depth. However, in contemporary contexts, it intersects with feminist movements, challenging traditional views and emphasizing empowerment, reflecting evolving gender dynamics in post-Soviet society.

Related Concepts:

• феминизм (feminism)
• гендерные роли (gender roles)
• мягкость (softness)