Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gargoyle'

English Word: gargoyle

Key Russian Translations:

• горгулья (/ɡɐrˈɡulʲjə/) - [Formal, Noun; Used in architectural or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's mostly encountered in literature, art, or historical discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2; As a borrowed word from English/French, it requires familiarity with Russian phonetics and noun declensions, but it's straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горгулья: /ɡɐrˈɡulʲjə/

Note on горгулья: The stress is on the third syllable ('gulʲjə'). Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A grotesque carved human or animal figure projecting from the gutter of a building, often used as a spout to carry water clear of walls.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горгулья - Used in formal or artistic contexts, such as describing medieval architecture; common in discussions about Gothic cathedrals.

Usage Examples:

• Горгулья на готическом соборе служит для отвода дождевой воды.

  The gargoyle on the Gothic cathedral serves to drain rainwater.

• В музее есть экспонат, изображающий древнюю горгулью с устрашающим выражением лица.

  In the museum, there is an exhibit depicting an ancient gargoyle with a terrifying facial expression.

• Архитекторы часто включают горгульи в дизайн, чтобы добавить мистический элемент.

  Architects often incorporate gargoyles into designs to add a mystical element.

• Туристы фотографируют горгулью на башне, считая её символом старины.

  Tourists photograph the gargoyle on the tower, considering it a symbol of antiquity.

• В фильме горгулья оживает и становится частью сюжета.

  In the film, the gargoyle comes to life and becomes part of the plot.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горгулья" is a feminine noun (from the first declension group) in Russian. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. As a borrowed word, it doesn't have irregular forms, but learners should note its declensions for proper usage in sentences.

Note: This word does not change in the plural form as dramatically as some native Russian nouns, making it relatively straightforward.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кариатида (caryatid - a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support, with a similar artistic connotation); скульптура (sculpture - more general term for artistic figures).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "горгулья" is a specific architectural element without a clear opposite.

Brief note: "Кариатида" is often used in contexts of classical architecture, differing from "горгулья" by its functional support role rather than drainage.

Related Phrases:

• Каменная горгулья - A stone gargoyle; Refers to the material commonly used in construction.
• Готическая горгулья - A Gothic gargoyle; Used to specify the architectural style.
• Устрашающая горгулья - A terrifying gargoyle; Describes the intimidating appearance in folklore or art.

Usage Notes:

"Горгулья" is a direct borrowing from French/English into Russian, making it a precise match for the English "gargoyle." It is typically used in formal, academic, or cultural contexts rather than everyday speech. When discussing architecture, ensure it agrees with Russian grammar rules, such as proper case endings (e.g., in genitive: "горгульи"). For learners, choose this word over more general terms like "скульптура" when specificity is needed. Avoid using it in informal settings, as it may sound overly literary.

• Grammar tip: As a feminine noun, it pairs with feminine adjectives (e.g., "древняя горгулья" for "ancient gargoyle").
• Context guidance: Prefer this term in historical or artistic discussions; for modern equivalents, consider related words like "декоративный элемент."

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "горгулья" by softening the 'г' sound too much or omitting the stress, saying something like "горгуlya" instead of "/ɡɐrˈɡulʲjə/". Correct usage: Always stress the third syllable and pronounce the 'л' as soft. Another error is incorrect declension, e.g., using "горгулья" in the wrong case, such as "Я вижу горгулья" (wrong) instead of "Я вижу горгулью" (correct in accusative). Explanation: Russian cases are essential for sentence structure, so practice with examples to avoid these mistakes.

Cultural Notes:

"Горгулья" is deeply rooted in European medieval architecture, particularly Gothic styles, and often symbolizes protection against evil spirits in Russian folklore interpretations. In Russia, gargoyles are commonly associated with Western influences, such as those seen on cathedrals like Notre-Dame, and they appear in literature and art as motifs of mystery or the supernatural, reflecting historical exchanges between Russian and Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• скульптура (sculpture)
• архитектура (architecture)
• готический стиль (Gothic style)