Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grandstand'

English Word: grandstand

Key Russian Translations:

• трибуна [ˈtrʲibunə] - [Formal; typically used in contexts involving sports, events, or public gatherings]
• выставлять напоказ [vɨˈstavlʲɪtʲ nɐˈpokəz] - [Informal; for the figurative sense of showing off or grandstanding behavior]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly encountered in discussions of sports, events, and everyday language, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and verb constructions, suitable for learners with some grasp of Russian grammar, though the figurative sense may vary to B2 for nuanced usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трибуна: [ˈtrʲibunə]

выставлять напоказ: [vɨˈstavlʲɪtʲ nɐˈpokəz]

Note on трибуна: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A raised stand or seating area for spectators at events (Literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трибуна - Used in formal or neutral contexts like sports stadiums, theaters, or public assemblies; implies a structured viewing area.

Usage Examples:

• На стадионе есть огромная трибуна, где болельщики смотрят матч.

  At the stadium, there is a huge grandstand where fans watch the match.

• Трибуна была заполнена до отказа во время финала чемпионата.

  The grandstand was packed to capacity during the championship final.

• В парке установили временную трибуну для концерта.

  They set up a temporary grandstand in the park for the concert.

• С трибуны открывается отличный вид на поле.

  From the grandstand, you get an excellent view of the field.

• Дети взобрались на трибуну, чтобы лучше увидеть парад.

  The children climbed onto the grandstand to get a better view of the parade.

2. To show off or engage in ostentatious behavior (Figurative meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выставлять напоказ - Used in informal or everyday contexts to describe self-promotion, often with a negative connotation, such as in politics or social situations.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда старается выставлять напоказ свои достижения на встречах.

  He always tries to grandstand his achievements at meetings.

• Политик выставлял напоказ свою щедрость, чтобы привлечь голоса.

  The politician was grandstanding his generosity to attract votes.

• Вместо реальной помощи, она просто выставляла напоказ свои навыки.

  Instead of providing real help, she was just grandstanding her skills.

• Не стоит выставлять напоказ богатство в скромной компании.

  There's no need to grandstand your wealth in a modest group.

• Он выставлял напоказ мужество, но на самом деле был напуган.

  He was grandstanding his bravery, but in reality, he was scared.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For трибуна (a feminine noun in the first declension), it follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections for cases and numbers. It does not have irregular forms.

For выставлять напоказ (a verb phrase), the verb "выставлять" is imperfective and conjugates regularly as a first-conjugation verb. Example: Present tense - выставляю, выставляешь, etc. It has an aspectual pair: perfective "выставить".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зрительская трибуна (more specific, emphasizing the audience aspect; used in event planning)
  • показуха (for the figurative sense, implying superficial showiness)
• Antonyms:
  • скромность (modesty; contrasts with grandstanding behavior)
  • кулуары (backstage areas; opposite of a public viewing stand)

Related Phrases:

• Занять место на трибуне - To take a seat in the grandstand; often used in event contexts.
• Выставлять напоказ богатство - To flaunt wealth; a common phrase for showing off material possessions.
• Трибуна для прессы - Press grandstand; refers to a designated area for journalists.

Usage Notes:

The English word "grandstand" corresponds most directly to "трибуна" in literal contexts, such as sports or public events, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the context (e.g., sports vs. theater). For the figurative sense, "выставлять напоказ" is preferred in informal settings and carries a slightly negative connotation, similar to "grandstanding" in English. Be mindful of grammatical gender and case when using "трибуна" – it's feminine and must agree with adjectives and verbs. When choosing between translations, opt for "трибуна" in neutral or formal writing, and "выставлять напоказ" for behavioral descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "трибуна" without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "на трибуна" instead of "на трибуне" (prepositional case). Correct: "на трибуне". Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, so learners must identify the governing preposition.

• Error: Translating the figurative sense directly as "grandstand" without adaptation, e.g., using "трибуна" for showing off. Correct: Use "выставлять напоказ". Explanation: This avoids confusion, as "трибуна" is strictly literal, and misapplying it can make the sentence nonsensical.

• Error: Forgetting the aspect in verbs like "выставлять", using it where a perfective form is needed. Correct: Switch to "выставить" for completed actions. Explanation: Russian verbs have aspects, and mixing them can alter the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "трибуна" often evokes images of massive stadiums during events like soccer matches or political rallies, reflecting the importance of communal gatherings in Soviet and post-Soviet history. The figurative use of grandstanding, as in "выставлять напоказ", highlights a cultural value on modesty, where overt self-promotion can be seen as distasteful, especially in professional or social settings.

Related Concepts:

• стадион (stadium)
• болельщики (fans)
• показной (showy or ostentatious)