Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'humour'

English Word: humour

Key Russian Translations:

• юмор [ˈjʊmər] - [Informal, General use in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in casual conversations, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; requires understanding of basic Russian nouns and cultural nuances, but straightforward for learners familiar with everyday topics).

Pronunciation (Russian):

юмор: [ˈjʊmər]

Note on юмор: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ю' sound is similar to the 'yu' in "yule," which may be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonant blend. Pronounce it with a clear 'm' at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: The quality of being amusing, comic, or witty; often referring to a sense of humor in social contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• юмор - Used in informal and formal settings to describe something funny or light-hearted, such as in storytelling or comedy.

Usage Examples:

• Его юмор всегда поднимает настроение. (Yego yumor vsegda podnimaet nastroyeniye.)

  His humor always lifts the mood. (This example shows 'юмор' in a positive, everyday context describing someone's personality.)

• В этой книге много британского юмора. (V etoy knige mnogo britanskogo yumora.)

  This book has a lot of British humor. (Illustrates 'юмор' in a cultural or literary context, highlighting its adaptability to specific styles.)

• Без юмора жизнь кажется серой. (Bez yumora zhizn' kazhletsya seryoy.)

  Without humor, life seems gray. (Demonstrates 'юмор' in a philosophical or reflective sentence, emphasizing its role in daily life.)

• Её юмор помог преодолеть трудности. (Yeyo yumor pomog preodolete trudnosti.)

  Her humor helped overcome difficulties. (Shows 'юмор' in a supportive or coping context, varying grammatical structure.)

• Юмор в этой сцене был слишком саркастичным. (Yumor v etoy scene byl slishkom sarkasticheskim.)

  The humor in this scene was too sarcastic. (Highlights 'юмор' with an adjective, illustrating nuances like sarcasm in different scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'юмор' is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows standard patterns for second-declension nouns. It is relatively straightforward but has variations based on case and number.

Note: 'юмор' is often used in its singular form as an abstract concept and does not change irregularly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • остроумие (ostroumie) - More intellectual wit, often implying cleverness.
  • шутка (shutka) - Refers to a joke or light-hearted remark, with a focus on humor in short forms.
• Antonyms:
  • серьезность (seryoznost') - Seriousness, contrasting with light-heartedness.
  • тоска (toska) - Melancholy or boredom, emphasizing the absence of amusement.

Related Phrases:

• чувство юмора (chuvstvo yumora) - Sense of humor; a common phrase used to describe someone's ability to appreciate or create funny situations.
• черный юмор (chernyy yumor) - Black humor; refers to dark or ironic comedy, often in contexts involving taboo topics.
• юмористический рассказ (yumoristicheskiy rasskaz) - Humorous story; used in literary or storytelling scenarios.

Usage Notes:

'юмор' directly corresponds to the English 'humour' in its sense of amusement, but it's more commonly used in Russian to denote a general quality rather than the outdated medical meaning (e.g., bodily fluids). Be mindful of context: in formal writing or speech, pair it with adjectives like 'тонкий юмор' (subtle humor) to specify nuances. English learners should note that Russian humor often leans towards sarcasm or irony, so usage might vary by cultural setting. When choosing between synonyms, opt for 'юмор' in casual contexts and 'остроумие' for intellectual ones.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'юмор' with 'humor' in its medical sense: English learners might mistakenly use 'юмор' for 'bodily humor,' but in Russian, this is better translated as 'гуморальная теория.' Incorrect: 'У него проблемы с юмором' (meaning bodily issues); Correct: 'У него проблемы с гумором' or more accurately 'with bodily fluids.' Explanation: 'юмор' is primarily comedic, so clarify the context to avoid misunderstandings.

• Overusing in formal contexts: Beginners might overuse 'юмор' in serious discussions. Incorrect: 'В научном докладе есть юмор' (in a way that sounds out of place); Correct: Avoid it or use 'элементы юмора' sparingly. Explanation: Russian prefers more neutral terms in formal settings to maintain tone.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'юмор' plays a significant role in literature, such as in the works of writers like Gogol or Zoshchenko, where it often involves satire and irony to critique society. This reflects a historical tradition of using humor as a coping mechanism during challenging times, like in Soviet-era anecdotes, helping users appreciate its deeper social and emotional connotations.

Related Concepts:

• сатира (satira)
• ирония (ironia)
• анекдот (anekdot)