Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marionette'

English Word: marionette

Key Russian Translations:

• марионетка (/mərʲɪɐˈnʲetkə/) - [Feminine noun, typically used in formal or literary contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in literature, theater discussions, or metaphorical expressions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and metaphorical language, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

марионетка: /mərʲɪɐˈnʲetkə/

Note on марионетка: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲetkə"). Pay attention to the palatalized 'rʲ' and 'nʲ', which are common in Russian but can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A puppet controlled by strings, often used in theater or metaphorically to describe someone being manipulated.

Translation(s) & Context:

• марионетка - Used in contexts related to theater, performances, or figurative expressions of control and manipulation (e.g., in literature or psychology).

Usage Examples:

• В театре показывают представление с марионетками, которые оживают под руками кукловода.

  In the theater, they are showing a performance with marionettes that come to life under the puppeteer's hands.

• Он ощущает себя марионеткой в политических интригах, где каждый шаг dictated внешними силами.

  He feels like a marionette in political intrigues, where every step is dictated by external forces.

• Дети с восторгом смотрят на марионеток, танцующих на сцене кукольного театра.

  Children watch in delight as the marionettes dance on the stage of the puppet theater.

• В её глазах он видел марионетку, которой управляют амбиции и страх.

  In her eyes, he was a marionette controlled by ambitions and fear.

• Мастерски сделанная марионетка может имитировать человеческие движения с удивительной точностью.

  A masterfully made marionette can imitate human movements with astonishing accuracy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Марионетка" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for most feminine nouns ending in -a. It does not have irregularities but changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a regular feminine noun, it does not have stem changes, making it straightforward once basic declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кукла (kukla) - More general term for "doll"; differs as it can refer to toys or figures not necessarily controlled by strings.
  • паяц (pajac) - Implies a clownish or comedic puppet; used in specific performance contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "марионетка" is a specific type of object; however, in metaphorical use, antonyms could include words implying autonomy, like "свободный" (free), though not exact synonyms.

Related Phrases:

• марионеточный театр - A type of theater featuring marionettes; used for performances involving string puppets.
• танец марионетки - The dance of a marionette; refers to stylized movements in puppet shows or metaphorically for controlled actions.
• марионетка судьбы - A marionette of fate; a common idiomatic expression meaning someone controlled by destiny or circumstances.

Usage Notes:

"Марионетка" directly corresponds to "marionette" in English, emphasizing a puppet manipulated by strings. It is often used literally in discussions of theater or arts but frequently appears metaphorically to describe people under external control, such as in politics or personal relationships. Be mindful of its feminine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "большая марионетка" for "big marionette"). In formal or literary contexts, it's preferred over more general terms like "кукла." When choosing between translations, use "марионетка" for precision in string-controlled puppets, and avoid it in casual settings where "кукла" might suffice.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "марионетка" with "кукла": English learners often use "кукла" interchangeably, but it's less specific. Error: Saying "Я купил куклу для театра" (I bought a doll for the theater) when meaning a marionette. Correct: "Я купил марионетку для театра." Explanation: "Кукла" refers to any doll, while "марионетка" implies string manipulation, so context matters for accuracy.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., using "марионетка" in genitive instead of "марионетки." Error: "Я думаю о марионетка" (I think about marionette). Correct: "Я думаю о марионетке." Explanation: Always decline based on sentence role to follow Russian grammar rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, marionettes are tied to traditional puppet theater, which has roots in folk performances and satire, such as the famous Petrushka shows. This form of entertainment often carries connotations of social commentary or humor, reflecting how individuals can be "pulled by strings" in society, much like in European puppet traditions.

Related Concepts:

• театр (theater)
• кукольный театр (puppet theater)
• паяц (clown or jester)