Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fiasco'

English Word: fiasco

Key Russian Translations:

• фиаско /fʲiˈasko/ - [Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and informal discussions of failures, but not as everyday as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; as a borrowed word, it's straightforward for learners with basic Russian knowledge, but requires familiarity with loanwords)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фиаско: /fʲiˈasko/

Note on фиаско: The initial 'ф' is pronounced like 'f' in "fun," with a soft 'и' sound that may be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Main meaning: A complete or spectacular failure, often in events, plans, or performances

Translation(s) & Context:

• фиаско - Used in contexts of dramatic failures, such as a failed event or project; common in neutral or formal settings, like news or critiques.

Usage Examples:

• Этот концерт превратился в полное фиаско из-за технических проблем.

  This concert turned into a complete fiasco due to technical issues.

• Его бизнес-план закончился фиаско, потому что рынок изменился.

  His business plan ended in a fiasco because the market changed.

• Фильм, который ожидался как хит, стал фиаско у критиков.

  The film, which was expected to be a hit, became a fiasco among critics.

• Вместо успеха, их поездка в горы обернулась фиаско из-за плохой погоды.

  Instead of success, their trip to the mountains turned into a fiasco due to bad weather.

• Политическая кампания превратилась в фиаско после скандала.

  The political campaign turned into a fiasco after the scandal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фиаско" is a neuter noun borrowed from Italian via English, and it follows the standard patterns of Russian neuter nouns in the second declension. It is relatively invariable but can change in cases like other nouns. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a loanword, "фиаско" often remains unchanged in most forms, which makes it easier for learners, but in plural contexts, it is uncommon and used only when referring to multiple instances of failure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: провал (complete failure, more general), катастрофа (catastrophe, emphasizes disaster), неудача (failure, less dramatic)
• Antonyms: успех (success, direct opposite in achievement contexts)

Brief notes: "Провал" is often used interchangeably but can imply a more sudden collapse, while "катастрофа" adds a sense of severity.

Related Phrases:

• полное фиаско - Complete fiasco; used to emphasize total failure in a dramatic context.
• обернуться фиаско - To turn into a fiasco; common in narratives describing unexpected outcomes.
• фиаско проекта - Project fiasco; refers to failed initiatives in professional or creative settings.

Usage Notes:

"Фиаско" directly corresponds to the English "fiasco" as a borrowed term, making it a precise match for situations involving spectacular failures. It is typically neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., business reports) and informal contexts (e.g., casual conversations). Be cautious with grammatical agreement: as a neuter noun, it pairs with neuter adjectives and verbs. When choosing between synonyms like "провал" or "неудача," opt for "фиаско" when the failure is particularly public or humiliating. English learners should note that Russian often requires specifying the context more explicitly, such as with prepositions like "в" for "in a fiasco."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "фиаско" in the wrong case, e.g., treating it as masculine and saying "фиаско был" instead of the correct neuter form.

  Correct: Это фиаско было неожиданным. (This fiasco was unexpected.)

  Explanation: "Фиаско" is neuter, so verbs and adjectives must agree; beginners often confuse it with masculine nouns.

• Error: Overusing "фиаско" for minor failures, which can sound exaggerated.

  Correct: Instead of "Это фиаско" for a small mistake, use "неудача."

  Explanation: Reserve "фиаско" for significant events to maintain naturalness in speech.

Cultural Notes:

"Фиаско" is a loanword that entered Russian via Italian and English, often associated with theatrical or public failures, reflecting Russia's cultural exposure to Western media. In Russian literature and media, it might evoke historical events like failed political campaigns, highlighting a cultural emphasis on resilience in the face of public humiliation.

Related Concepts:

• провал
• катастрофа
• успех