Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'limerick'

English Word: limerick

Key Russian Translations:

• лимерик [lʲɪˈmʲerʲɪk] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and primarily used in literary or educational contexts, not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) (Requires familiarity with literary terminology; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лимерик: [lʲɪˈmʲerʲɪk]

Note on лимерик: The stress falls on the second syllable ("mʲerʲ"). Be mindful of the soft consonants (e.g., 'л' and 'м' are palatalized), which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different Russian dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A humorous, five-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often absurd or witty.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лимерик - Used in formal literary discussions or when referring to English-origin poems adapted into Russian contexts, such as in poetry anthologies or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Этот лимерик рассказывает забавную историю о старике из Лимерика.

  This limerick tells a funny story about an old man from Limerick.

• В русской литературе лимерик часто используется для сатирических целей.

  In Russian literature, a limerick is often used for satirical purposes.

• Дети любят читать лимерики перед сном, чтобы посмеяться.

  Children love reading limericks before bed to have a laugh.

• Современные поэты адаптируют лимерик, добавляя элементы русской фольклоры.

  Modern poets adapt the limerick by adding elements of Russian folklore.

• На поэтическом вечере он прочёл свой собственный лимерик о повседневной жизни.

  At the poetry evening, he read his own limerick about everyday life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лимерик" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, borrowed from English. It follows the standard third declension pattern for most masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once the basic patterns are memorized.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • юмористическое стихотворение (humorous poem) - More general term, often used interchangeably but lacks the specific structure of a limerick.
  • абсурдная рифмовка (absurd rhyme) - Emphasizes the witty, nonsensical aspect, suitable for informal contexts.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "лимерик" is a specific genre without direct opposites in Russian literary terminology.

Related Phrases:

• написать лимерик - To write a limerick; used in creative writing contexts.
• прочитать лимерик на публике - To read a limerick in public; common in poetry readings or performances.
• лимерик о повседневной жизни - A limerick about everyday life; refers to themes in modern adaptations.

Usage Notes:

"Лимерик" is a direct borrowing from English and is primarily used in formal or literary settings in Russian. It precisely corresponds to the English "limerick" as a five-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. Be aware of its limited everyday usage; it's more common in educational or artistic discussions. When choosing this term over synonyms like "юмористическое стихотворение," opt for "лимерик" if the context specifically involves the traditional structure. Grammatically, it behaves as a standard masculine noun, so ensure correct declension based on sentence role.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking it for a verb: Learners might incorrectly use "лимерик" as if it were a verb, e.g., saying "Я лимерикую" (wrong) instead of "Я пишу лимерик" (correct: I write a limerick). Explanation: "Лимерик" is a noun, so pair it with appropriate verbs like "писать" (to write).
• Incorrect pronunciation: Non-native speakers often stress the wrong syllable, saying [ˈlʲɪmʲerʲɪk] instead of [lʲɪˈmʲerʲɪk]. Correct usage: Practice the second-syllable stress to sound natural.
• Overgeneralization: Confusing it with other poem types, e.g., translating "This is a limerick" as "Это сонет" (This is a sonnet). Correct: Use "Это лимерик" and explain the difference in context.

Cultural Notes:

The term "лимерик" reflects the influence of English literature on Russian culture, originating from the Irish city of Limerick. In Russia, limericks are not as traditionally rooted as in English-speaking countries but have been adopted in modern poetry to add humor and satire. This highlights Russia's openness to Western literary forms, especially in the 20th century, though they are often adapted to fit Russian humor and themes.

Related Concepts:

• сонет (sonnet)
• хайку (haiku)
• эпиграмма (epigram)