Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hyperbole'

English Word: hyperbole

Key Russian Translations:

• гипербола /ɡʲɪˈpɛrbələ/ - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, educational, and rhetorical contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with literary terminology and Russian grammar rules for nouns.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гипербола: /ɡʲɪˈpɛrbələ/

Note on гипербола: The initial "г" is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian words of Greek origin. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Exaggeration for rhetorical effect

Translation(s) & Context:

• гипербола - Used in formal literary or educational contexts to describe deliberate exaggeration for emphasis, such as in poetry, speeches, or writing.

Usage Examples:

• Он сказал, что дождь лил как из ведра. (He said that the rain was pouring like from a bucket.)

  This hyperbole exaggerates the intensity of the rain for dramatic effect in everyday storytelling.

• В её речи гипербола помогла подчеркнуть эмоциональность: "Я умираю от голода!" (In her speech, hyperbole helped emphasize the emotion: "I'm dying of hunger!")

  Here, hyperbole is used to express extreme hunger, common in informal or dramatic conversations.

• Писатель мастерски использовал гиперболу в романе: "Его глаза были как океан." (The writer masterfully used hyperbole in the novel: "His eyes were like an ocean.")

  This illustrates hyperbole in literary writing to create vivid imagery.

• В рекламе часто применяют гиперболу: "Это средство избавит вас от всех проблем навсегда!" (In advertising, hyperbole is often used: "This product will solve all your problems forever!")

  Hyperbole in commercial contexts to persuade or entertain, though it may not be taken literally.

• Дети любят гиперболу в играх: "Я самый сильный в мире!" (Children love hyperbole in games: "I'm the strongest in the world!")

  This shows hyperbole in playful, informal settings among children to enhance fun and imagination.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гипербола" is a feminine noun in the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преувеличение (preuvelichenie) - Similar but more general, often used for any exaggeration, with a slight nuance of overstatement in casual speech.
  • возвеличение (vozvelichenie) - Emphasizes elevation or amplification, typically in formal or poetic contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • унижение (unizhenie) - Used for understatement or downplaying, contrasting hyperbole's amplification.
  • литота (litota) - A specific rhetorical device for understatement, often in literary analysis.

Related Phrases:

• использовать гиперболу (ispol'zovat' gipersbolu) - To use hyperbole; often in discussions about writing or rhetoric.
• гипербола в литературе (gipersbola v literature) - Hyperbole in literature; refers to its role in enhancing narratives.
• пример гиперболы (primer gipersboly) - Example of hyperbole; commonly used in educational settings.

Usage Notes:

Hyperbole in Russian, translated as "гипербола," is primarily a literary or rhetorical term and does not directly map to everyday English usage. It is most accurate in formal contexts like literature, education, or public speaking. When choosing between synonyms like "преувеличение," opt for "гипербола" when discussing specific rhetorical devices. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a feminine noun, it must align with adjectives and verbs accordingly (e.g., "эта гипербола очень яркая" for "this hyperbole is very vivid"). In informal speech, Russians might use hyperbolic expressions without naming them, so this term is more analytical than conversational.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with other rhetorical devices: English learners often mix "гипербола" with "метафора" (metaphor). For example, incorrectly saying "Это метафора" when describing an exaggeration. Correct usage: Use "гипербола" for exaggeration, as in "Это гипербола, а не метафора." Explanation: Hyperbole involves overstatement for effect, while metaphor is a direct comparison.

• Improper inflection: Beginners might forget to decline it correctly, e.g., saying "в гипербола" instead of "в гиперболе." Correct: "в гиперболе" (in hyperbole). Explanation: Always apply the correct prepositional case for proper sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, hyperbole is prevalent in literature and folklore, as seen in works by authors like Pushkin or in folk tales where exaggerated elements add humor or moral emphasis. It reflects a tradition of expressive storytelling, influenced by Slavic oral traditions, where amplifying details makes narratives more engaging and memorable.

Related Concepts:

• метафора (metaphor)
• ирония (irony)
• аллегория (allegory)