Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lifelike'

English Word: lifelike

Key Russian Translations:

• реалистичный [IPA: rɪalʲɪˈstɪtɕnɨj] - [Formal; used in descriptive contexts like art, technology, or simulations]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts involving art, media, and everyday descriptions, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective forms and nuanced vocabulary, per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

реалистичный: rɪalʲɪˈstɪtɕnɨj

Note on реалистичный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("stɪtɕ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 't' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Resembling or appearing to be real or alive, often used to describe objects, images, or simulations that mimic reality closely.

Translation(s) & Context:

• реалистичный - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing lifelike animations, models, or photographs; appropriate for written and spoken language in educational or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Эта кукла очень реалистичная и может обмануть кого угодно.

  This doll is very lifelike and could fool anyone.

• В компьютерной игре спецэффекты сделаны реалистичными, чтобы погрузить игрока в мир.

  In the computer game, the special effects are made lifelike to immerse the player in the world.

• Художник создал реалистичный портрет, где каждая деталь выглядит как в реальной жизни.

  The artist created a lifelike portrait where every detail looks like in real life.

• Музей выставил реалистичные восковые фигуры знаменитостей для посетителей.

  The museum displayed lifelike wax figures of celebrities for visitors.

• Фильм использует реалистичные звуки, чтобы сделать сцены более убедительными.

  The film uses lifelike sounds to make the scenes more convincing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"реалистичный" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый. It inflects based on gender, number, and case, making it a regular adjective with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: Always agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. For example, in instrumental case: реалистичным (Masc. Sing.), реалистичной (Fem. Sing.), etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • реалистический (very similar, often interchangeable in modern usage, but slightly more technical)
  • натуральный (focuses on natural resemblance, used when emphasizing authenticity over artificiality)
• Antonyms:
  • нереалистичный (directly opposite, meaning unrealistic or exaggerated)
  • идеализированный (meaning idealized, which contrasts by being overly perfect rather than true-to-life)

Related Phrases:

• Очень реалистичный - Very lifelike; used to intensify the description, e.g., in reviews of movies or art.
• Реалистичный образ - Lifelike image; common in photography or digital media contexts.
• Как в реальной жизни - As in real life; a phrase that conveys the lifelike quality, often paired with descriptions.

Usage Notes:

"Реалистичный" directly corresponds to "lifelike" in English, emphasizing a close resemblance to reality without implying actual life. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing, art criticism, or technical discussions, but can appear in everyday conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "реалистичный" for inanimate objects or simulations; avoid "живой" (alive) as it might imply literal vitality. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with the noun it modifies, which is a key feature of Russian adjectives. For example, use it with plural nouns in plural form for subject-verb agreement.

• Context tip: In informal speech, Russians might say "очень похожий на настоящий" for a more casual equivalent.
• Selection guide: If the context involves art or technology, "реалистичный" is ideal; for biological contexts, consider alternatives like "натуральный."

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "реалистичный" with "живой" (alive), thinking it means something is literally living. For example:

• Error: Using "живой" to describe a statue, saying "Эта статуя живая" (This statue is alive), which implies it's magically animated.
• Correct: "Эта статуя реалистичная" (This statue is lifelike), as it accurately conveys resemblance without literal meaning.
• Explanation: The mistake arises from direct translation; always check for contextual fit. Another error is forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "реалистичный книга" instead of "реалистичная книга" for a feminine noun like "книга" (book).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "lifelike" is prominent in literature and art, influenced by realism movements like those of 19th-century writers such as Tolstoy and Chekhov. Words like "реалистичный" often evoke a preference for authenticity in storytelling, reflecting Russia's historical emphasis on portraying everyday life truthfully, which can help English users appreciate the depth in Russian media and visual arts.

Related Concepts:

• натуральный (natural)
• идеальный (ideal)
• абстрактный (abstract)