Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'melancholy'

English Word: melancholy

Key Russian Translations:

• меланхолия /mʲɪlənˈxolʲɪjə/ - [Formal, Literary]
• грусть /ɡrustʲ/ - [Informal, Everyday]
• печаль /pʲɪˈt͡ɕalʲ/ - [Neutral, Emotional]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary and introspective contexts, but less frequent in casual conversation).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for most translations, as it involves nuanced emotional vocabulary; 'меланхолия' may be C1 (Advanced) due to its formal and historical connotations.

Pronunciation (Russian):

меланхолия: /mʲɪlənˈxolʲɪjə/ (Stress on the third syllable; the 'х' is pronounced as a guttural 'kh' sound, similar to the Scottish 'loch').

грусть: /ɡrustʲ/ (Soft 'tʲ' sound at the end; pronounced with a gentle, melancholic tone in speech).

печаль: /pʲɪˈt͡ɕalʲ/ (The 'ч' is a palatalized 'ch' sound; stress on the second syllable).

Note on меланхолия: This word often has a borrowed pronunciation from Greek roots, so non-native speakers may struggle with the 'х' sound; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A deep, pensive sadness or sorrow, often reflective or prolonged.

Translation(s) & Context:

• меланхолия - Used in formal, literary, or psychological contexts, such as describing artistic or philosophical states.
• грусть - Applied in everyday, informal situations, like personal emotions or casual conversations.
• печаль - Common in neutral contexts, often implying a shared or communal sadness.

Usage Examples:

• После долгой зимы он часто ощущает меланхолию, размышляя о прошлом.

  After a long winter, he often feels melancholy, reflecting on the past.

• Её грусть от разлуки с друзьями была заметна в каждом слове.

  Her melancholy from separation from friends was evident in every word.

• В старом фильме главная героиня выражает печаль через тихие монологи.

  In the old film, the main heroine expresses melancholy through quiet monologues.

• Меланхолия осени всегда вдохновляет поэтов на новые стихи.

  The melancholy of autumn always inspires poets to write new verses.

• Его грусть превратилась в творческую энергию после потери.

  His melancholy turned into creative energy after the loss.

Meaning 2: A state of mild depression or gloom, sometimes with a romantic or aesthetic quality.

Translation(s) & Context:

• меланхолия - Preferred in artistic or historical contexts, evoking a sense of beauty in sadness.
• печаль - Used when the emotion is more straightforward and less idealized.

Usage Examples:

• Меланхолия романтиков XIX века часто изображалась в картинах и поэмах.

  The melancholy of 19th-century romantics was often depicted in paintings and poems.

• Её печаль в глазах делала её ещё более привлекательной для художников.

  Her melancholy in her eyes made her even more appealing to artists.

• Грусть осеннего вечера наполнила комнату тихой меланхолией.

  The melancholy of an autumn evening filled the room with quiet gloom.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most key translations are feminine nouns, which follow standard Russian declension patterns. 'Меланхолия' is a feminine noun (from Greek origin) and inflects regularly. 'Грусть' and 'печаль' are also feminine and show typical variations based on case and number.

These nouns do not change in an irregular way, making them straightforward for learners, but pay attention to soft endings in instrumental case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • грусть (similar to 'melancholy' but more everyday; implies lighter sadness)
  • печаль (overlaps with 'melancholy' in emotional depth; used for profound sorrow)
  • тоска (a deeper, longing form of melancholy, often with homesickness)
• Antonyms:
  • радость (joy; directly opposite in emotional tone)
  • веселье (merriment; suggests lively happiness)

Related Phrases:

• чувство меланхолии - Feeling of melancholy; used to describe an introspective emotional state.
• осенняя грусть - Autumn melancholy; a common phrase evoking seasonal sadness.
• глубокая печаль - Deep melancholy; implies a more intense form of sorrow.
• меланхолический настрой - Melancholic mood; often in artistic contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Меланхолия' is the most direct equivalent to 'melancholy' in formal English, especially in literary or psychological discussions, while 'грусть' or 'печаль' may be chosen for everyday contexts to convey a similar but less intense emotion. Be mindful of register: use 'меланхолия' in written or academic settings, as it's borrowed from English/Greek and carries a sophisticated connotation. Grammatically, these nouns are feminine and require agreement in adjectives and verbs. When selecting among translations, consider the context—'грусть' is ideal for personal narratives, whereas 'печаль' fits shared experiences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'меланхолия' with 'мелодия' (melody), which sounds similar but means music. Error: Saying "Я чувствую мелодию" instead of "Я чувствую меланхолию." Correct: Use 'меланхолия' for emotions. This mistake arises from similar spellings for English learners.
• Overusing 'грусть' in formal contexts. Error: "В его речи была грусть" in a literary analysis. Correct: Opt for 'меланхолия' for precision. Explanation: 'Грусть' is too casual and may dilute the intended depth.
• Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "большой грусть" instead of "большая грусть." Correct: Always use feminine adjectives like "большая грусть."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, melancholy (especially 'меланхолия') is often romanticized in literature and art, as seen in the works of poets like Pushkin and Lermontov. It reflects the 'Russian soul'—a concept of deep introspection and sadness tied to historical events like long winters or societal upheavals, making it a staple in folklore and modern media for evoking national identity.

Related Concepts:

• ностальгия (nostalgia)
• тоска (longing or yearning)
• апатия (apathy)