Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hideous'

English Word: hideous

Key Russian Translations:

• ужасный [ʊˈʐasnɨj] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday speech]
• отвратительный [ɐtvratʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj] - [Formal, often in written or descriptive contexts]
• уродливый [ʊrɐˈdlʲivɨj] - [Informal, with a stronger emphasis on physical deformity]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in various contexts but not as common as basic adjectives like "big" or "small".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level can understand and use these adjectives in context, though inflection patterns may require practice. For "ужасный" and "отвратительный", the difficulty is B1; "уродливый" may be B2 due to its nuanced connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ужасный: [ʊˈʐasnɨj]

отвратительный: [ɐtvratʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj]

уродливый: [ʊrɐˈdlʲivɨj]

Note on ужасный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ʐas"), which is common in Russian adjectives; misplacing it can alter perceived fluency.

Note on отвратительный: This word has a soft "тʲ" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at (e.g., describing appearance).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ужасный - Used in casual conversations to describe something visually unappealing, such as a building or outfit.
• отвратительный - Applied in more formal or critical contexts, like art criticism or descriptions of repulsive objects.
• уродливый - Often used for physical deformities or exaggerated ugliness, with a slightly negative emotional tone.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Этот старый дом ужасный и требует ремонта.

  English: This old house is hideous and needs repairs.

• Русский: Картина была отвратительной, но художник настаивал на её красоте.

  English: The painting was hideous, but the artist insisted on its beauty.

• Русский: Её платье уродливое, оно не подходит к её стилю.

  English: Her dress is hideous; it doesn't suit her style.

• Русский: Городские граффити иногда ужасны, но они отражают уличную культуру.

  English: Urban graffiti can sometimes be hideous, but they reflect street culture.

Meaning 2: Morally or ethically repulsive (e.g., describing behavior or ideas).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ужасный - In informal settings, to express shock at something unethical.
• отвратительный - In formal discussions, such as in literature or debates, for deeply offensive actions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Его поведение было ужасным во время встречи.

  English: His behavior was hideous during the meeting.

• Русский: Отвратительная ложь, которую он рассказал, шокировала всех.

  English: The hideous lie he told shocked everyone.

• Русский: Война оставила ужасные воспоминания в умах людей.

  English: War left hideous memories in people's minds.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are adjectives, which in Russian inflect based on gender, number, and case. They follow standard adjective declension patterns, which are regular for most forms but can vary slightly.

Note: These adjectives do not change in predicative position (e.g., after "быть" - to be), but they inflect fully in attributive positions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: отвратительный (similar but more intense), уродливый (focuses on deformity), мерзкий (disgusting, with a connotation of filth)
• Antonyms: красивый (beautiful), привлекательный (attractive), эстетичный (aesthetic)

Related Phrases:

• ужасно выглядеть - To look hideous (used to describe someone's appearance in a casual, negative way).
• отвратительная правда - The hideous truth (in contexts like storytelling or revelations).
• уродливый шрам - A hideous scar (often in medical or emotional descriptions).

Usage Notes:

"Hideous" in English often carries a strong emotional weight, similar to its Russian counterparts. Choose "ужасный" for everyday, informal situations where you're emphasizing ugliness without formality. "Отвратительный" is better for written or professional contexts, as it implies deeper repulsion. Be cautious with "уродливый," as it can sound harsh or judgmental due to its association with physical defects. In Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical difference from English.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ужасный" in formal writing without proper inflection, e.g., saying "ужасный дом" in genitive as "ужасный дома" instead of "ужасного дома". Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "ужасного дома". Explanation: Russian adjectives must inflect, unlike English adjectives.

• Error: Confusing "отвратительный" with "ужасный" in intensity, leading to overuse of "отвратительный" in casual speech. Correct: Use "ужасный" for lighter contexts. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly dramatic or inappropriate for the situation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "ужасный" or "отвратительный" are often used in literature and art to critique societal issues, such as in the works of authors like Dostoevsky, where "hideous" elements reflect moral decay. This reflects a broader tradition of using language to explore the darker aspects of human experience, helping users appreciate the depth in Russian expressions.

Related Concepts:

• красивый
• привлекательный
• эстетичный