Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gracile'

English Word: gracile

Key Russian Translations:

• Стройный /ˈstroj.nɨj/ - [Formal, often used in literary or descriptive contexts]
• Худощавый /xʊˈdo.ʂə.vɨj/ - [Informal, emphasizing slimness rather than grace]
• Изящный /ɪˈzjaʂ.nɨj/ - [Formal, when focusing on elegance]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in literature, descriptions of people or objects, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions, but the core vocabulary is accessible to learners with basic grammar knowledge. For 'Стройный', it's B1; for 'Худощавый', it might be A2 due to simpler usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Стройный: /ˈstroj.nɨj/

Худощавый: /xʊˈdo.ʂə.vɨj/

Изящный: /ɪˈzjaʂ.nɨj/

Note on Стройный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ой' sound can be tricky for English speakers as it resembles 'oy' in 'boy'. Pay attention to the soft 'н' which affects the preceding vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Slender or graceful in form or build (e.g., describing a person's physique).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Стройный - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who is tall, slim, and elegant, such as in fashion or art descriptions.
• Худощавый - Applied in everyday informal settings, like casual conversations about health or appearance.

Usage Examples:

• Её фигура была стройной и грациозной, как у балерины.

  Her figure was slender and graceful, like that of a ballerina.

• Молодой человек имел худощавый вид, что придавало ему лёгкость в движениях.

  The young man had a slim build, which gave him ease in his movements.

• Стройные линии здания подчёркивали его элегантность.

  The slender lines of the building emphasized its elegance.

• Она всегда предпочитала одежду, которая подчёркивает худощавую фигуру.

  She always preferred clothing that highlights her slim figure.

• Изящный силуэт кошки напоминал древние статуи.

  The graceful silhouette of the cat resembled ancient statues.

Meaning 2: Delicate or fine in structure (e.g., in scientific or anatomical contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Стройный - Used in technical descriptions, such as in biology or architecture.
• Изящный - Common in artistic or poetic contexts to denote refinement.

Usage Examples:

• В анатомии термин "стройный" часто применяется к костям с тонкой структурой.

  In anatomy, the term "gracile" is often applied to bones with a fine structure.

• Изящные ветви дерева создавали стройный узор на фоне неба.

  The delicate branches of the tree created a graceful pattern against the sky.

• Худощавые черты лица делали его похожим на классическую скульптуру.

  The slim features of his face made him resemble a classical sculpture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow standard first-declension patterns for adjectives, with some irregularities in certain forms.

For Стройный (an adjective):

For Худощавый and Изящный, they follow similar patterns but may have slight phonetic variations in certain cases, making them mostly regular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Изящный (similar to 'Стройный' but emphasizes refinement over slimness)
  • Симпатичный (more general, meaning attractive, but can overlap in casual contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Крепкий (sturdy or robust, opposite of slender)
  • Полный (full or plump, contrasting with slimness)

Related Phrases:

• Стройная фигура - A slender figure (used to describe an ideal body shape in fashion or fitness contexts).
• Худощавый вид - A slim appearance (common in everyday descriptions of health or diet).
• Изящные формы - Graceful forms (often in artistic or architectural discussions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Стройный' directly corresponds to the elegant aspect of 'gracile', making it ideal for formal writing or poetry, while 'Худощавый' is more neutral and fits casual speech. Always consider the gender and case of the noun it modifies—e.g., use 'Стройная' for feminine nouns. When choosing between translations, opt for 'Изящный' if the context emphasizes beauty over mere slimness. Be cautious with regional variations; in some dialects, these words might carry subtle connotations of health or frailty.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Стройный' without proper declension, e.g., saying "стройный женщина" instead of "стройная женщина". Correct: Always decline the adjective to match the noun's gender and case. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe, unlike in English.

• Error: Confusing 'Худощавый' with 'Стройный' in formal contexts, leading to "худощавый балерина" when 'Стройная' is more appropriate. Correct: Use 'Стройный' for graceful connotations. Explanation: 'Худощавый' implies thinness without elegance, which can sound less polished.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'Стройный' often reflect ideals of beauty tied to historical art and literature, such as in the works of Pushkin, where slender figures symbolize grace and nobility. However, modern contexts, influenced by global media, may associate these terms with body image pressures, highlighting the importance of context in usage.

Related Concepts:

• Красота (beauty)
• Фигура (figure)
• Элегантность (elegance)