Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grimy'

English Word: grimy

Key Russian Translations:

• грязный (/ɡrʲazˈnɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective; Used to describe objects or surfaces that are dirty or covered in grime]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media to describe unclean conditions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; Suitable for beginners as it follows standard adjective patterns, but understanding its declensions may require basic grammar knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грязный: /ɡrʲazˈnɨj/

Note on грязный: The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go" but softer. Stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be challenging for English speakers as it's a centralized vowel. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Describing something dirty, filthy, or covered in grime (e.g., surfaces, clothes, or environments)

Translation(s) & Context:

• грязный - Used in formal and informal contexts to describe physical dirtiness, such as a grimy window or street; Common in everyday descriptions of unclean conditions.

Usage Examples:

• Мои руки грязные после работы в саду.

  My hands are grimy after working in the garden.

• Эта старая машина выглядит грязной и изношенной.

  This old car looks grimy and worn out.

• Грязный воздух в городе вызывает проблемы со здоровьем.

  The grimy air in the city causes health problems.

• После дождя улицы становятся грязными и скользкими.

  After the rain, the streets become grimy and slippery.

• Его одежда была грязной от долгой поездки.

  His clothes were grimy from the long trip.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Грязный" is a standard Russian adjective that follows the first declension pattern for hard-stem adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case, which is typical for Russian adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward once basic declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Пыльный (pyl'nyy) - More specific to dust-covered surfaces; often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • Замаранный (zamarannyj) - Implies staining or soiling, with a slight connotation of messiness.
• Antonyms:
  • Чистый (chistyj) - Clean or spotless; directly opposite in meaning.
  • Свежий (svezhij) - Fresh, often implying cleanliness in contexts like air or food.

Related Phrases:

• Грязные руки (grimy hands) - Refers to hands that are dirty from work or play; Used in contexts emphasizing hygiene.
• Грязный воздух (grimy air) - Describes polluted air; Common in discussions about environmental issues.
• Грязная работа (grimy job) - Means a dirty or unpleasant task; Often used metaphorically for manual labor.

Usage Notes:

"Грязный" directly corresponds to the English "grimy" in describing physical dirt or grime, but it can also extend to metaphorical uses like moral uncleanliness in literature. It is versatile across formal and informal settings, though in polite conversation, Russians might opt for euphemisms. Always decline it according to the noun it modifies to maintain grammatical agreement. When choosing among translations, use "грязный" for literal grime and "замаранный" for more stained contexts.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget to decline "грязный" properly. For example, incorrectly saying "Я вижу грязный" instead of "Я вижу грязное" for a neuter noun like "окно" (window). Correct usage: "Я вижу грязное окно" – Always match gender, number, and case.

• Confusing it with "грязь" (grime as a noun), leading to errors like using "грязный" where a noun is needed. Wrong: "Это грязный на улице" (This grime on the street). Correct: "Это грязь на улице" – Remember, "грязный" is an adjective only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cleanliness is highly valued, often linked to hospitality and personal pride. Words like "грязный" can carry subtle judgments about negligence or poverty, especially in urban settings. Historically, during the Soviet era, grimy conditions were associated with industrial life, influencing literature like in works by authors such as Chekhov, where grime symbolizes social issues.

Related Concepts:

• Пыльный
• Замаранный
• Чистота (cleanliness)