Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'malodorous'

English Word: malodorous

Key Russian Translations:

• Вонючий [vɐˈnut͡ɕɪj] - [Informal; commonly used in everyday speech for strong, unpleasant odors]
• Зловонный [zlɐˈvo nnɨj] - [Formal; often found in literary or scientific contexts for pervasive bad smells]

Frequency: Medium; these words are encountered in general descriptions of odors but are not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "плохой" (bad).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate); Learners at this level should grasp the concept, but mastering inflections and context requires familiarity with Russian adjective agreements.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Вонючий: [vɐˈnut͡ɕɪj]

Note on Вонючий: The stress falls on the second syllable ("nu"), and the "ch" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a quick, sharp "ch" as in "church".

Зловонный: [zlɐˈvo nnɨj]

Note on Зловонный: Stress is on the third syllable ("von"), and the double "n" indicates a prolonged nasal sound; be careful not to soften it excessively in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Having an unpleasant or foul smell

Translation(s) & Context:

• Вонючий - Used in casual, everyday situations to describe something with a strong, repulsive odor, such as food or environments.
• Зловонный - Applied in more formal or descriptive contexts, like in literature or when discussing health-related smells, emphasizing a pervasive and noxious quality.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Этот вонючий мусорный бак нужно срочно вынести. (This malodorous garbage bin needs to be taken out immediately.)

  English: This malodorous garbage bin needs to be taken out immediately.

• Русский: В старом подвале распространился зловонный запах, который всех отпугивал. (A malodorous smell spread in the old basement, repelling everyone.)

  English: A malodorous smell spread in the old basement, repelling everyone.

• Русский: Летом в жару некоторые фрукты становятся вонючими, если их не хранить правильно. (In the summer heat, some fruits become malodorous if not stored properly.)

  English: In the summer heat, some fruits become malodorous if not stored properly.

• Русский: Зловонный воздух в городе из-за фабрик заставляет людей носить маски. (The malodorous air in the city due to factories makes people wear masks.)

  English: The malodorous air in the city due to factories makes people wear masks.

• Русский: Её вонючий парфюм был слишком интенсивным для маленькой комнаты. (Her malodorous perfume was too intense for the small room.)

  English: Her malodorous perfume was too intense for the small room.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Вонючий" and "Зловонный" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining the key forms for each:

Note: These adjectives follow regular patterns, so they change endings based on the noun's case, gender, and number. For irregular forms or exceptions, consult a full grammar reference.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Пахучий - Similar but can imply any strong smell, not necessarily bad; often used for neutral or positive contexts.
  • Гнилой - Specifically for rotten smells, with a connotation of decay.
• Antonyms:
  • Ароматный - Meaning fragrant or pleasant-smelling.
  • Свежий - Implies fresh and odor-free, often in contrast to stale smells.

Related Phrases:

• Вонючий запах - A malodorous smell; used to describe foul odors in everyday situations. (Context: Common in complaints about hygiene.)
• Зловонный воздух - Malodorous air; refers to polluted or contaminated atmospheres. (Context: Often in environmental discussions.)
• Вонючий сыр - Malodorous cheese; a phrase for strong-smelling foods like aged cheese. (Context: Humorous or descriptive in culinary talks.)

Usage Notes:

"Malodorous" directly corresponds to "Вонючий" in informal settings and "Зловонный" in formal ones. Choose "Вонючий" for everyday conversations to sound natural, as it's more colloquial and vivid, but avoid it in professional writing where "Зловонный" provides a more elegant tone. Be mindful of adjective agreement with nouns in Russian sentences, e.g., "вонючий дом" (malodorous house) changes based on case. English learners should note that Russian often pairs these words with nouns related to smells, like "запах" (smell), to enhance clarity.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "Вонючий" in formal contexts, which can sound crude. Correct: Opt for "Зловонный" in essays or official reports. Example of error: "Зловонный еда" (incorrect form); Correct: "Зловонная еда" (with proper adjective agreement).
• Mistake: Confusing with "Пахучий," which might not imply negativity. Explanation: "Пахучий" can mean simply "smelly" without the negative connotation, so it doesn't fully translate "malodorous." Always check context to avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Вонючий" are often used humorously in everyday life to describe pungent foods, such as traditional pickled items or aged cheeses, reflecting a pragmatic attitude toward strong smells. However, "Зловонный" might carry a more serious tone in literature, evoking themes of decay or pollution, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where environmental descriptions highlight social issues.

Related Concepts:

• Запах
• Аромат
• Гнилой
• Свежий