Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'macho'

English Word: macho

Key Russian Translations:

• мачо [ˈmatʃo] - [Informal, Borrowed term, Often used in modern slang]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in media or discussions about Western culture.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate learners may encounter this as a loanword, requiring familiarity with phonetic adaptations and cultural contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мачо: [ˈmatʃo]

Note on мачо: The pronunciation features a soft 'ч' sound, similar to the English 'ch' in "church." Stress is on the first syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Exhibiting machismo or exaggerated masculinity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мачо - Used in informal contexts to describe someone with stereotypical tough, masculine traits, often with a humorous or critical connotation in Russian media.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда ведет себя как мачо, но на самом деле очень чувствительный.

  He always acts like a macho, but in reality, he's very sensitive.

• В фильме главный герой — типичный мачо, который решает все проблемы силой.

  In the movie, the main character is a typical macho who solves all problems with force.

• Не будь таким мачо; иногда лучше поговорить, чем драться.

  Don't be such a macho; sometimes it's better to talk than to fight.

• Мачо вроде него популярны в голливудских боевиках, но в реальной жизни это не всегда работает.

  Machos like him are popular in Hollywood action films, but it doesn't always work in real life.

Meaning 2: Virile or strong in a physical sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мужественный - Used in more formal or literary contexts to imply strength without the negative connotations of мачо.

Usage Examples:

• Его мужественный вид делает его похожим на мачо из старых фильмов.

  His manly appearance makes him look like a macho from old movies.

• В этой культуре мачо ценится, но мужественный человек знает, когда показать слабость.

  In this culture, being macho is valued, but a manly person knows when to show weakness.

• Он пытается выглядеть мачо, но его мужественный характер проявляется в повседневных делах.

  He tries to look like a macho, but his manly character shows in everyday tasks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation "мачо" is a loanword and functions as an indeclinable noun in Russian, meaning it does not change form based on case, number, or gender. For example:

• Nominative: мачо
• Genitive: мачо (no change)
• Dative: мачо
• Accusative: мачо
• Instrumental: мачо
• Prepositional: мачо

For the alternative translation "мужественный" (an adjective), it follows standard Russian adjective inflections. Below is a basic inflection table for masculine singular forms:

Note: This adjective can also inflect for feminine, neuter, and plural forms, following regular patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мужественный (more neutral and formal, emphasizing inner strength)
  • брутальный (implying roughness or brutality, with subtle differences in connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • слабый (weak, contrasting with physical strength)
  • женственный (feminine, highlighting gender stereotypes)

Related Phrases:

• Типичный мачо - A typical macho (Used to describe stereotypical masculine behavior in humorous contexts.)
• Мачо-стиль - Macho style (Refers to fashion or attitude associated with machismo.)
• Быть настоящим мачо - To be a real macho (Implies living up to exaggerated masculine ideals, often with irony.)

Usage Notes:

The term "мачо" is a direct borrowing from English/Spanish and is not native to Russian, so it's mostly used in informal or pop culture contexts. It corresponds closely to the English "macho" but may carry a more playful or mocking tone in Russian. When choosing between translations like "мачо" and "мужественный," opt for "мачо" in casual conversations about gender roles, and "мужественный" in formal writing or when emphasizing positive traits. Be aware of gender sensitivity, as these words can perpetuate stereotypes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мачо" in formal settings, e.g., saying "Он мачо" in a business report instead of "Он мужественный."

  Correct Usage: "Он мужественный лидер" (He is a manly leader). Explanation: "Мачо" is too informal and slangy for professional contexts, which might come across as unprofessional.

• Error: Mispronouncing as [maˈtʃo] instead of [ˈmatʃo], placing stress incorrectly.

  Correct Usage: Stress the first syllable: [ˈmatʃo]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or lead to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "мачо" is often associated with Western stereotypes from Hollywood films or Latin American influences, rather than traditional Russian ideals of masculinity, which emphasize endurance and stoicism (e.g., as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works). It can sometimes be used satirically to critique toxic masculinity, reflecting broader global discussions on gender.

Related Concepts:

• мужественность (manliness)
• брутальность (brutality)
• маскулинность (masculinity, another loanword)