Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hunchback'

English Word: hunchback

Key Russian Translations:

• горбун [ɡɐrˈbun] - [Informal, Masculine]
• горбунья [ɡɐrˈbunʲə] - [Informal, Feminine]
• горб [ɡɐrp] - [Formal, Referring to the physical condition]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literature, medical contexts, or historical discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; involves understanding Russian noun genders and inflections, which can be challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горбун: [ɡɐrˈbun]

горбунья: [ɡɐrˈbunʲə]

горб: [ɡɐrp]

Note on горбун: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the rolled 'r' sound, which is a common difficulty for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person with a hunched or curved back (Literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горбун - Used in informal or descriptive contexts to refer to a male individual with a physical deformity, often in storytelling or historical narratives.
• горбунья - Applied to a female individual in similar contexts, highlighting gender agreement in Russian nouns.

Usage Examples:

• В старом замке жил горбун, который знал все тайны подземелий.

  In the old castle lived a hunchback who knew all the secrets of the dungeons.

• Горбун в фильме стал символом стойкости и мудрости.

  The hunchback in the film became a symbol of resilience and wisdom.

• Мой дедушка рассказывал истории о горбуне из деревни.

  My grandfather used to tell stories about the hunchback from the village.

• Горбунья в этой картине изображена с удивительной грацией.

  The hunchback woman in this painting is depicted with remarkable grace.

The physical condition of having a hunched back (Medical or descriptive)

Translation(s) & Context:

• горб - Used in formal, medical, or neutral contexts to describe the condition itself, without implying a person.

Usage Examples:

• У него развился горб из-за долгой работы за компьютером.

  He developed a hunchback due to prolonged work at the computer.

• Горб может быть вызван различными заболеваниями позвоночника.

  A hunchback can be caused by various spinal diseases.

• Врачи рекомендовали упражнения для предотвращения горба.

  Doctors recommended exercises to prevent a hunchback.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горбун" and "горбунья" are nouns that follow Russian declension patterns for masculine and feminine genders, respectively. "Горб" is a masculine noun with standard inflection. Below is a table outlining key inflections:

Note: These are standard patterns, but irregularities can occur in poetic or archaic usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Кривизна (krivizna) - More neutral term for curvature, often used in medical contexts.
  • Горбатик (gorbatik) - A diminutive form, implying affection or informality.
• Antonyms:
  • Прямая спина (pryamaya spina) - Straight back, contrasting the physical condition.
  • Идеальная осанка (idealnaya osanka) - Perfect posture, emphasizing the opposite state.

Related Phrases:

• Горбун из Нотр-Дама (Gorbun iz Notr-Dama) - Refers to "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame"; a famous literary phrase.
• Иметь горб (Imet' gorb) - To have a hunchback; used in casual health discussions.
• Горб от работы (Gorb ot raboty) - Hunchback from work; implies occupational hazards, with the meaning: strain leading to poor posture.

Usage Notes:

Be cautious with these translations, as "hunchback" can carry negative connotations in English, and in Russian, words like "горбун" may be seen as outdated or insensitive in modern contexts. Prefer "горб" for medical discussions to maintain formality. Gender agreement is crucial in Russian; always match the noun to the subject's gender. For example, use "горбун" for males and "горбунья" for females. In informal settings, these words are rare and might be replaced with euphemisms like "человек с дефектом позвоночника" (person with a spinal defect).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "горбун" without gender agreement, e.g., saying "горбун" for a female subject. Correct: Use "горбунья" instead. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in gender, number, and case, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable in "горбун." Correct: [ɡɐrˈbun] with stress on the second syllable. Explanation: Incorrect stress can change the word's perceived meaning or make it sound unnatural to native speakers.

• Error: Directly translating idioms without context, e.g., confusing "hunchback" in a metaphorical sense. Correct: In Russian, use phrases like "горбун судьбы" (hunchback of fate) carefully. Explanation: This term isn't common in Russian idioms, so over-literal translation can lead to confusion or offense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "горбун" often evoke literary references, such as Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," which has been adapted into Russian literature and media. Historically, individuals with physical deformities were sometimes portrayed as wise or mystical figures in folklore, reflecting a mix of sympathy and superstition. However, in contemporary society, such terms are avoided to promote inclusivity and respect for people with disabilities.

Related Concepts:

• Остеохондроз (osteokhondroz) - A related medical condition involving spinal issues.
• Осанка (osanka) - Posture, often discussed in health and fitness contexts.
• Деформация (deformatsiya) - Deformity, a broader term for physical abnormalities.