Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'figurine'

English Word: figurine

Key Russian Translations:

• фигурка [fʲɪˈɡurkə] - [Informal, commonly used for small, everyday decorative items]
• статуэтка [stətuˈɛtkə] - [Formal, often for more artistic or valuable pieces]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in everyday conversations about art, collectibles, and home decor, but not as common as basic nouns like "house".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp basic noun forms, but understanding nuances between informal and formal uses may require additional practice. For 'фигурка', it's B1; for 'статуэтка', it's B2 due to its more formal context.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фигурка: [fʲɪˈɡurkə]

Note on фигурка: The stress is on the second syllable ('gur'). Be mindful of the palatalized 'f' sound, which is common in Russian but may be tricky for English speakers.

статуэтка: [stətuˈɛtkə]

Note on статуэтка: The stress is on the third syllable ('et'). This word has a softer 't' sound due to the following vowel, a typical Russian feature.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small carved, molded, or decorative figure, often used in art or as a collectible.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фигурка - Typically used in informal settings, such as describing toys or casual decorations; common in everyday speech among friends or in shopping contexts.
• статуэтка - Preferred in formal or professional contexts, like museums, art discussions, or when referring to valuable items; implies a higher level of artistry.

Usage Examples:

• У меня на полке стоит маленькая фигурка слона, которую я купил в сувенирном магазине.

  On my shelf, there's a small figurine of an elephant that I bought in a souvenir shop.

• Дети любят играть с фигурками животных из пластика.

  Children love playing with plastic animal figurines.

• Эта фигурка из фарфора стоит дорого, потому что она антикварная.

  This porcelain figurine is expensive because it's an antique.

• В музее выставлена красивая статуэтка древнего бога.

  In the museum, there's a beautiful figurine of an ancient god on display.

• Я собрал коллекцию статуэток из разных стран мира.

  I've collected a set of figurines from different countries around the world.

Secondary Meaning: Figuratively, a representation or symbol in a broader sense (e.g., in literature or metaphor).

Translation(s) & Context:

• фигурка - Rarely used figuratively, but can appear in informal storytelling; e.g., as a metaphor for a character in a tale.
• статуэтка - Less common in figurative use, but might be employed in formal writing to denote symbolic representations.

Usage Examples:

• В этой книге фигурка героя символизирует стойкость.

  In this book, the figurine of the hero symbolizes resilience.

• Статуэтка в фильме представляет собой аллегорию власти.

  The figurine in the film serves as an allegory for power.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'фигурка' and 'статуэтка' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard patterns for first-declension nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. 'Фигурка' is more commonly used and has regular inflections, while 'статуэтка' follows similar rules but is less frequently inflected in casual speech.

For 'статуэтка', the inflections are identical in pattern: e.g., Genitive singular: статуэтки; Plural: статуэток. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: статуэтка (more formal alternative), идол (if referring to a figurine with religious connotations), фигурная игрушка (for toy-like figures) - Note: 'статуэтка' is preferred in artistic contexts, while 'фигурка' is more general.
• Antonyms: абстракция (abstraction, as it contrasts with concrete, representational forms)

Related Phrases:

• Собрание фигурок - A collection of figurines; often used when discussing hobbies or museums.
• Декоративная фигурка - Decorative figurine; common in interior design contexts.
• Антикварная статуэтка - Antique figurine; refers to valuable, historical items.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'фигурка' directly corresponds to the informal English use of 'figurine' for everyday items, while 'статуэтка' aligns with more formal or artistic contexts. English speakers should note that Russian nouns have gender and cases, so 'фигурка' must agree with adjectives and verbs (e.g., 'красивая фигурка' for feminine singular). Choose 'фигурка' for casual conversations and 'статуэтка' in professional settings to match the appropriate register. Be cautious with diminutive forms like 'фигурочка' for added affection.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'фигурка' in formal contexts, e.g., saying "В музее есть фигурка" instead of "В музее есть статуэтка". Correct: Opt for 'статуэтка' to convey formality. Explanation: This can make the speaker sound too casual in professional settings.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., saying "Я увидел фигурка" (incorrect accusative) instead of "Я увидел фигурку". Correct: "Я увидел фигурку". Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on their role in the sentence, which English speakers often overlook.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like 'фигура' (figure as in shape or person). Correct: Use 'фигурка' specifically for small objects. Explanation: 'Фигура' refers to body shape or a diagram, so context is key to avoid misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, figurines like Matryoshka dolls ('матрешка') hold significant cultural value, often symbolizing family, tradition, and folklore. While 'фигурка' might not always carry this weight, it's commonly associated with Soviet-era collectibles or folk art, reflecting Russia's rich history of craftsmanship and decorative traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Матрешка (nested doll, a type of figurine)
• Сувенир (souvenir, often including small figurines)
• Коллекционирование (collecting, as in figurine collections)