Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'manful'

English Word: manful

Key Russian Translations:

• мужественный (/muˈʐɛstvʲɪnːɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium (This word is moderately common in literary and formal contexts, but less so in everyday spoken Russian.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian adjectives and their inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мужественный: /muˈʐɛstvʲɪnːɨj/

Note on мужественный: The stress is on the third syllable ("stvʲɪ"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ʲ) which affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant, making it softer and more palatalized. This can be challenging for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Brave and determined in a manly or resolute way

Translation(s) & Context:

• мужественный - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone showing courage and resolve, often with a connotation of traditional masculinity.

Usage Examples:

• Он проявил мужественный характер в трудной ситуации. (He showed a manful character in a difficult situation.)

  Translation: He demonstrated bravery and determination in a challenging circumstance.

• Её мужественный поступок спас жизнь многим людям. (Her manful act saved the lives of many people.)

  Translation: Her courageous and resolute action rescued many individuals.

• Мужественный лидер всегда стоит на защите своих идеалов. (A manful leader always stands up for their ideals.)

  Translation: A brave and determined leader consistently defends their principles.

• В романе главный герой предстаёт мужественным воином. (In the novel, the main character is portrayed as a manful warrior.)

  Translation: In the novel, the protagonist is depicted as a courageous and resolute fighter.

• Мужественный ответ на вызовы судьбы делает человека сильнее. (A manful response to life's challenges makes a person stronger.)

  Translation: A brave and determined reaction to life's obstacles builds inner strength.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мужественный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a regular pattern for most short adjectives, but this one is a long-form adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies. Below is a table showing its key inflections:

Note: This adjective follows standard first-declension patterns, with no irregularities. Always ensure agreement with the noun in gender, number, and case for grammatical correctness.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • смелый (smelyy) - More general term for brave, often used in everyday contexts.
  • храбрый (khrabryy) - Emphasizes courage in the face of danger, with a heroic nuance.
• Antonyms:
  • трусливый (truslivyy) - Cowardly, highlighting the opposite of bravery.
  • слабый (slabyy) - Weak, which can imply a lack of resolve or strength.

Related Phrases:

• Мужественный поступок - A brave or manful act; used to describe heroic deeds in narratives or real-life situations.
• Мужественный дух - Manful spirit; refers to inner strength and resilience, often in motivational contexts.
• Быть мужественным в борьбе - To be manful in the struggle; a phrase emphasizing determination during challenges.

Usage Notes:

"Мужественный" closely corresponds to the English "manful" in its emphasis on bravery and resolve, but it carries a cultural connotation of traditional masculinity in Russian. It is typically used in formal, literary, or historical contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "смелый" or "храбрый," opt for "мужественный" when highlighting moral or ethical strength. Be cautious with gender agreements, as Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe. For English learners, this word is ideal for discussing literature or personal development, but avoid it in informal settings where simpler terms might be more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мужественный" without proper gender agreement, e.g., saying "мужественный женщина" (incorrect) instead of "мужественная женщина" (correct).

  Explanation: In Russian, adjectives must agree with the noun's gender. Correct usage: Always check the noun's gender and adjust the adjective ending accordingly to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with "мужской" (meaning "male" or "men's"), e.g., using "мужской" to mean "manful" in a behavioral sense.

  Explanation: "Мужской" refers literally to gender or attributes typically associated with men, while "мужественный" implies character traits. Correct: Use "мужественный" for bravery, not "мужской."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "мужественный" often evokes ideals from literature and history, such as the stoic heroes in works by Tolstoy or Pushkin. It reflects traditional values of endurance and moral strength, particularly in the context of wartime or personal adversity, which are prominent themes in Russian folklore and national identity. English speakers should note that this word can carry a slightly gendered implication, aligning with historical views of masculinity, though modern usage is evolving to be more inclusive.

Related Concepts:

• героизм (Heroism)
• смелость (Bravery)
• стойкость (Resilience)