Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'masterpiece'

English Word: masterpiece

Key Russian Translations:

• шедевр (/ʂɨˈdʲɛvr/) - [Formal, used in artistic or cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, art discussions, and cultural contexts, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian nouns and cultural vocabulary, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шедевр: /ʂɨˈdʲɛvr/

Note on шедевр: The initial "ш" is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in "she," but with a more retroflex quality in Russian. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship (e.g., in art, literature, or craftsmanship)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шедевр - Used in formal discussions of art, literature, or historical achievements; implies high cultural value and excellence.

Usage Examples:

• Это настоящий шедевр Леонардо да Винчи.

  This is a true masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

• Её последняя книга — шедевр современной прозы.

  Her latest book is a masterpiece of modern prose.

• В музее выставлен шедевр русской иконописи.

  A masterpiece of Russian icon painting is exhibited in the museum.

• Этот фильм стал шедевром мирового кинематографа.

  This film became a masterpiece of world cinema.

• Мастера ювелирного дела создали шедевр из золота и драгоценных камней.

  The master jewelers created a masterpiece from gold and precious stones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шедевр is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The word does not change in gender or have verbal inflections, as it is a noun. Always use appropriate adjectives in agreement (e.g., великий шедевр for "great masterpiece").

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • произведение искусства (work of art; more general and less emphatic)
  • шедевр искусства (masterpiece of art; specifies the field, often used interchangeably)
• Antonyms:
  • провал (failure; refers to a complete lack of success in creative works)
  • посредственность (mediocrity; implies average or subpar quality)

Related Phrases:

• шедевр архитектуры - A masterpiece of architecture; refers to iconic buildings like the Kremlin.
• шедевр русской литературы - A masterpiece of Russian literature; often used for classics like Tolstoy's works.
• создать шедевр - To create a masterpiece; implies achieving excellence in any creative endeavor.

Usage Notes:

шедевр directly corresponds to "masterpiece" in English, emphasizing exceptional quality in creative fields. It is typically formal and cultural, so avoid using it in casual conversations; instead, opt for this term in academic, artistic, or professional contexts. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations, use шедевр for artistic connotations, while произведение искусства is broader. Be mindful of cultural nuances: in Russian, this word often evokes national pride in literature and art.

Common Errors:

• Confusing шедевр with обычное произведение (ordinary work): Learners might overuse шедевр for any good creation. Error: "Это хорошая картина" translated incorrectly as "Это шедевр." Correct: Use шедевр only for truly outstanding works to avoid exaggeration. Explanation: This dilutes the word's impact; in Russian, it's reserved for elite status.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "в шедевр" instead of "в шедевре" (in the masterpiece). Error: в шедевр (wrong prepositional case). Correct: в шедевре. Explanation: Proper case agreement is crucial for grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, шедевр often carries deep historical and national significance, frequently linked to figures like Pushkin or Dostoevsky in literature, or icons in Orthodox art. It reflects Russia's rich artistic heritage, where masterpieces are not just aesthetic but symbols of cultural identity and resilience, especially post-Soviet era revivals of interest in classical works.

Related Concepts:

• произведение искусства
• классика
• шедевр живописи