Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'masquerade'

English Word: masquerade

Key Russian Translations:

• маскарад [mɐskɐˈrat] - [Formal, often used in cultural or historical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, events, and discussions about culture, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and cultural nuances, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

маскарад: [mɐskɐˈrat]

Note on маскарад: The stress is on the third syllable ('rat'), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as in faster speech where the 'a' sounds become more centralized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A festive event involving masks and costumes (e.g., a masquerade ball)

Translation(s) & Context:

• маскарад - Used in formal or cultural settings, such as describing parties or historical events in Russia.

Usage Examples:

• Вчера мы посетили великолепный маскарад в историческом музее.

  Yesterday, we attended a magnificent masquerade at the historical museum.

• На маскараде все гости надевали маски и костюмы эпохи Возрождения.

  At the masquerade, all guests wore masks and Renaissance-era costumes.

• Маскарад стал традицией нашего города во время зимних праздников.

  The masquerade has become a tradition in our city during winter holidays.

• Дети с восторгом готовились к школьному маскараду, выбирая яркие наряды.

  The children excitedly prepared for the school masquerade, choosing bright outfits.

• Этот маскарад был не просто развлечением, а частью культурного фестиваля.

  This masquerade was not just entertainment but part of a cultural festival.

2. A deceptive disguise or pretense (e.g., to masquerade as someone else)

Translation(s) & Context:

• маскарад - Used metaphorically in informal or literary contexts to imply hiding one's true identity.

Usage Examples:

• Он устроил маскарад, притворяясь богатым бизнесменом, чтобы ввести в заблуждение друзей.

  He put on a masquerade, pretending to be a wealthy businessman to deceive his friends.

• В фильме главный герой участвует в маскараде, чтобы раскрыть заговор.

  In the movie, the main character engages in a masquerade to uncover a conspiracy.

• Её улыбка была всего лишь маскарадом, скрывающим глубокую грусть.

  Her smile was just a masquerade, hiding deep sadness.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "маскарад" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • карнавал (carnival) - Often used interchangeably for festive events, but implies a more public celebration.
  • бал-маска (masked ball) - Specifically for formal dances, with a slight emphasis on elegance.
• Antonyms:
  • откровенность (openness) - Refers to being straightforward, contrasting with deception.

Related Phrases:

• маскарадный костюм - A costume worn at a masquerade; used in event planning or theater.
• маскарадная маска - A mask for a masquerade; common in cultural festivals, with connotations of mystery.
• организовать маскарад - To organize a masquerade; typically in the context of parties or events.

Usage Notes:

"Маскарад" directly corresponds to the English "masquerade" in both literal (e.g., a ball) and metaphorical senses (e.g., pretense). It is more formal in Russian and often appears in literary or historical contexts. When choosing this word, consider the audience: it's ideal for written Russian or educated speech. For everyday deception, alternatives like "притворство" might be more natural. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence structure to avoid errors in case agreement.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "маскарад" with "маска" (mask), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying "Я ношу маскарад" instead of "Я ношу маску" (I wear a mask). Correct usage: Use "маскарад" only for the full event, not the individual item. Explanation: "Маскарад" is a noun for the entire concept, so specify with adjectives if needed, like "маскарадный костюм".

• Another error is improper declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., "в маскарад" instead of "в маскараде"). Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "на маскараде" (at the masquerade). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which can be tricky for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "маскарад" is often linked to historical traditions like those in 18th- and 19th-century aristocratic balls, as depicted in literature by authors like Pushkin. It symbolizes mystery and social satire, reflecting themes of hidden identities in Russian folklore and modern events, such as Maslenitsa celebrations.

Related Concepts:

• карнавал
• костюм
• маска