Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'legendary'

English Word: legendary

Key Russian Translations:

• легендарный /lʲɪɡʲɪˈnarnɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal, Used in descriptive contexts for historical or famous entities]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, media, and everyday discussions about history or achievements, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "хороший").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and vocabulary for fame or mythology; if used in varied contexts, may approach B2 for nuances).

Pronunciation (Russian):

легендарный: /lʲɪɡʲɪˈnarnɨj/

Note on легендарный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nar"), which is typical for many Russian adjectives. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting the pronunciation of the 'л' sound, making it palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Famous or renowned, often in a historical or cultural context

Translation(s) & Context:

• легендарный - Used in formal writing, historical narratives, or discussions about celebrities; implies a mix of admiration and myth, e.g., in biographies or stories.

Usage Examples:

• Этот футболист легендарный; он выиграл множество чемпионатов.

  This footballer is legendary; he won numerous championships.

• Легендарный писатель Толстой оказал влияние на мировую литературу.

  The legendary writer Tolstoy influenced world literature.

• В горах есть легендарный замок, полный тайн и историй.

  In the mountains, there is a legendary castle full of mysteries and stories.

• Её легендарный голос сделал её иконой музыки.

  Her legendary voice made her an icon of music.

• Легендарный подвиг героя спас город от разрушения.

  The legendary feat of the hero saved the city from destruction.

Meaning 2: Mythical or exaggerated, not necessarily real

Translation(s) & Context:

• легендарный - Applied in storytelling or informal contexts where something is embellished; common in folklore or casual conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Легендарный дракон охраняет сокровища в древних сказках.

  The legendary dragon guards treasures in ancient tales.

• Эта легендарная история о привидениях пугает детей.

  This legendary story about ghosts scares children.

• Легендарный артефакт, якобы обладающий магией, привлекает искателей приключений.

  The legendary artifact, supposedly possessing magic, attracts adventure seekers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As an adjective, "легендарный" follows the standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which are regular for most adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: знаменитый (more neutral, used for well-known figures), прославленный (implies glory or praise, often in heroic contexts) - "прославленный" is preferred in literary or formal settings for emphasis on achievement.
• Antonyms: неизвестный (unknown), обычный (ordinary) - "обычный" highlights lack of exceptional status.

Related Phrases:

• легендарная история - A legendary story; refers to a tale with mythical elements, often used in folklore.
• легендарный герой - A legendary hero; common in discussions of mythology or history, implying extraordinary deeds.
• легендарный успех - Legendary success; used in motivational or business contexts to describe remarkable achievements.

Usage Notes:

"Легендарный" directly corresponds to the English "legendary" in most contexts, but it carries a slightly more emphatic tone in Russian, often evoking a sense of myth or exaggeration. Use it in formal or narrative settings rather than casual speech, where simpler synonyms like "известный" might suffice. Pay attention to gender and case agreement; for example, choose the feminine form for female subjects. When multiple translations exist, opt for "легендарный" if the context involves cultural or historical reverence, but avoid overusing it to prevent sounding hyperbolic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "легендарный" as a noun, e.g., saying "Я видел легендарный" instead of "Я видел легендарного героя". Correct: Always use it as an adjective with a noun, like "легендарного героя". Explanation: Russian adjectives must modify nouns and agree in case, unlike English where "legendary" can stand alone.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "легендарный" in the genitive case as "легендарный" instead of "легендарного". Correct: "Книга легендарного автора" (The book of the legendary author). Explanation: Learners often forget case changes, which can alter meaning or make sentences grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "легендарный" is frequently associated with national heroes like Alexander Nevsky or literary figures such as Pushkin, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of folklore and historical epics. It often carries a patriotic connotation, emphasizing enduring legacy and collective memory, which can make it a powerful word in storytelling or public discourse.

Related Concepts:

• мифический (mythical)
• героический (heroic)
• исторический (historical)