Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hipster'

English Word: hipster

Key Russian Translations:

• хипстер [ˈxʲipstɛr] - [Informal, Slang; Used in modern urban contexts to describe countercultural trends]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contemporary media, social discussions, and youth culture, but not everyday basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with borrowed English words and Russian slang, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хипстер: [ˈxʲipstɛr]

Note on хипстер: The pronunciation features a soft 'х' sound (like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable, and the word is often pronounced with a slight Russian accent that softens vowels.

Audio: Listen to pronunciation (Insert actual audio player or link here)

Meanings and Usage:

A person who follows alternative trends in fashion, music, and lifestyle, often associated with counterculture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• хипстер - Used in informal conversations, social media, or articles about youth culture; typically refers to someone embracing indie aesthetics, vintage clothing, and non-mainstream interests.

Usage Examples:

• Он настоящий хипстер, всегда посещает независимые кафе и слушает винил.

  He is a real hipster, always visiting independent cafes and listening to vinyl records.

• В Москве много хипстеров, которые носят ретро-одежду и экспериментируют с едой.

  In Moscow, there are many hipsters who wear retro clothes and experiment with food.

• Эта вечеринка полна хипстеров с их фирменными бородами и татуировками.

  This party is full of hipsters with their signature beards and tattoos.

• Хипстеры часто критикуют массовую культуру, предпочитая аутентичные опыты.

  Hipsters often criticize mass culture, preferring authentic experiences.

• Моя сестра стала хипстером после переезда в Санкт-Петербург; теперь она коллекционирует старые фотоаппараты.

  My sister became a hipster after moving to St. Petersburg; now she collects old cameras.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Хипстер" is a masculine noun (masc. animate) borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is inflected based on case and number, but as a relatively modern slang word, it may not always be declined in informal speech.

Note: In informal usage, the word may remain undeclined (e.g., "про хипстер" instead of "про хипстера"), especially in online contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: инди-культурник (indie culturist; emphasizes alternative subcultures), модник (fashionista; focuses more on style than ideology)
• Antonyms: консерватор (conservative; someone who resists modern trends), массовики (mass culture followers; implies mainstream conformity)

Related Phrases:

• Хипстерская культура - Refers to hipster culture as a whole, often involving niche interests and anti-establishment vibes.
• Жизнь хипстера - The life of a hipster; used to describe a lifestyle centered on authenticity and creativity.
• Хипстерский бар - A hipster bar; typically means a trendy, alternative venue with craft drinks and vintage decor.

Usage Notes:

This term is a direct borrowing from English and is primarily used in informal, urban Russian to describe individuals embodying a specific subculture. It corresponds closely to the English "hipster" but may carry a slightly ironic or humorous connotation in Russian contexts. Be mindful of the informal register—avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings. When choosing between synonyms like "инди-культурник," opt for "хипстер" in casual conversations about modern trends, as it is more universally understood among younger demographics.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Confusing "хипстер" with "хиппи" (hippie). English learners might mix them due to similar roots. Incorrect: "Он хиппи, потому что носит бороду" (implying 1960s counterculture). Correct: "Он хипстер, потому что носит бороду и посещает фестивали" (focusing on contemporary trends). Explanation: "Хиппи" refers to the 1960s movement, while "хипстер" is about current alternative lifestyles.

• Another error: Forgetting declension in sentences. Incorrect: "Я видел хипстер на улице" (grammatically incorrect). Correct: "Я видел хипстера на улице." Explanation: Always adjust for case, as Russian requires noun agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "хипстер" is often linked to urban youth in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where it represents a rejection of Soviet-era conservatism in favor of globalized, Western-influenced trends. This term highlights Russia's evolving cultural landscape, blending irony and creativity, but it can sometimes be used pejoratively to mock perceived pretentiousness.

Related Concepts:

• винтаж
• инди-рок
• альтернатива