Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'figurative'

English Word: figurative

Key Russian Translations:

• фигуративный [fɪɡʊrəˈtɪvnɨj] - [Formal, Literary]
• метафорический [mʲɪtəfɐˈrʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Linguistic Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, literary, and artistic discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections; "фигуративный" may be slightly easier for art-related contexts, while "метафорический" aligns with language studies)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фигуративный: [fɪɡʊrəˈtɪvnɨj]

Note on фигуративный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ti"). This word is derived from Latin roots, so it may feel more straightforward for English speakers, but be cautious with the soft "г" sound, which is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative.

метафорический: [mʲɪtəfɐˈrʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on метафорический: Stress is on the fourth syllable ("ri"). The "ф" is pronounced as in English "f," but the palatalized "рʲ" can be tricky for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to representation in art or literature, as opposed to abstract (e.g., depicting real objects or figures)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фигуративный - Used in art criticism or visual arts contexts, such as describing paintings that include human forms.

Usage Examples:

• В этой картине художник использовал фигуративный стиль, чтобы передать эмоции персонажей.

  In this painting, the artist used a figurative style to convey the emotions of the characters.

• Фигуративный подход в искусстве часто предпочитают тем, кто избегает абстракций.

  A figurative approach in art is often preferred by those who avoid abstractions.

• Музей выставляет только фигуративные работы этого периода.

  The museum exhibits only figurative works from this period.

• Художник перешёл от фигуративного к абстрактному стилю в 1920-х годах.

  The artist transitioned from a figurative to an abstract style in the 1920s.

Meaning 2: Involving metaphor or non-literal language (e.g., in literature or everyday speech)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метафорический - Common in literary analysis, poetry, or discussions of figurative language.

Usage Examples:

• В его поэзии преобладает метафорический язык, делающий тексты более выразительными.

  In his poetry, metaphorical language predominates, making the texts more expressive.

• Метафорический смысл этого предложения ускользает от начинающих читателей.

  The metaphorical meaning of this sentence eludes beginner readers.

• Авторы часто используют метафорический стиль, чтобы обогатить нарратив.

  Authors often use a metaphorical style to enrich the narrative.

• В метафорическом выражении "время — деньги" подчёркивается ценность времени.

  In the metaphorical expression "time is money," the value of time is emphasized.

• Её речь была полна метафорических оборотов, что сделало её запоминающейся.

  Her speech was full of metaphorical turns, making it memorable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "фигуративный" and "метафорический" are adjectives in Russian, which follow the standard adjectival inflection patterns. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. They are inflected based on the standard paradigm for first-declension adjectives.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изобразительный (izobrazitel'nyy) - More visual art-focused, often interchangeable with "фигуративный" in artistic contexts.
  • образный (obraznyy) - Emphasizes imagery, with a slight poetic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • абстрактный (abstraktnyy) - Directly opposes "фигуративный" in art.
  • буквальный (bukval'nyy) - Opposes "метафорический" in literary contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Фигуративное искусство - Figurative art; Refers to visual representations of real objects.
• Метафорический язык - Metaphorical language; Used in discussions of rhetoric and literature.
• В фигуративном стиле - In a figurative style; Common in art critiques to describe techniques.

Usage Notes:

• Choose "фигуративный" for art-related contexts, as it directly translates the English "figurative" in visual arts, aligning closely with Western art terminology.
• "Метафорический" is better for linguistic or literary uses, where the focus is on non-literal meanings; it doesn't perfectly overlap with "figurative" in English but is the most idiomatic Russian equivalent.
• Be mindful of context: In formal writing or academic settings, these words are preferred, but in casual speech, simpler alternatives like "непрямой" (nepryamoy) for metaphorical might be used.
• Grammar note: Always inflect the adjective to match the noun's gender, number, and case to avoid errors in agreement.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "фигуративный" in a purely literary context instead of "метафорический".
  Correct: "Его речь была метафорической" (His speech was metaphorical) vs. Incorrect: "Его речь была фигуративной" (which sounds odd and more art-focused).
  Explanation: Learners often confuse the two due to similar English roots; select based on domain.
• Error: Failing to inflect properly, e.g., using "фигуративный" with a feminine noun without changing to "фигуративная".
  Correct: "Фигуративная картина" (Figurative painting) vs. Incorrect: "Фигуративный картина".
  Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement, which English speakers might overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "фигуративный" art gained prominence during the Soviet era, where realistic depictions were favored for propaganda, contrasting with abstract movements suppressed under Stalin. "Метафорический" language is deeply rooted in Russian literature, as seen in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy, where metaphors enrich national identity and philosophical depth.

Related Concepts:

• абстрактный (abstraktnyy)
• символический (simvolicheskiy)
• аллегорический (allegoricheskiy)