Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'melodrama'

English Word: melodrama

Key Russian Translations:

• мелодрама [mʲɪlədráma] - [Formal; Used in literary, cinematic, and theatrical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of film, literature, and theater, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Involves understanding loanwords and cultural contexts; suitable for learners with a grasp of basic Russian grammar and vocabulary

Pronunciation (Russian):

мелодрама: [mʲɪlədráma]

Note on мелодрама: The stress falls on the third syllable ('dráma'). The initial 'м' is palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers; practice with native audio to master the soft 'л' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A dramatic work characterized by exaggerated emotions, plot twists, and sentimental elements, often in film, theater, or literature.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мелодрама - Used in formal contexts like film reviews or literary analysis to describe works with heightened emotional drama.

Usage Examples:

• Этот фильм — классическая мелодрама с неожиданными поворотами сюжета.

  This film is a classic melodrama with unexpected plot twists.

• В русской литературе XIX века мелодрама часто использовалась для передачи глубоких эмоций.

  In 19th-century Russian literature, melodrama was often used to convey deep emotions.

• Современные мелодрамы на телевидении привлекают зрителей своей сентиментальностью.

  Modern melodramas on television attract viewers with their sentimentality.

• Актеры в этой мелодраме мастерски изображают страсть и трагедию.

  The actors in this melodrama skillfully portray passion and tragedy.

• Мелодрама как жанр сочетает элементы драмы и романтики, делая её популярной среди широкой аудитории.

  Melodrama as a genre combines elements of drama and romance, making it popular among a wide audience.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мелодрама" is a feminine noun (imported from Greek via English/French) and follows the patterns of second-declension nouns in Russian, with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is invariable in plural forms in modern usage but changes in cases for singular.

Note: As a loanword, it doesn't always follow strict Russian inflection rules and may remain unchanged in informal contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: драма (drama - more general, without the exaggerated elements), сентиментальный роман (sentimental novel - for literary contexts)
• Антонимы: комедия (comedy - focuses on humor rather than drama)

Related Phrases:

• Сентиментальная мелодрама - A sentimental melodrama; often used for films or plays with emotional depth.
• Мелодраматический сюжет - Melodramatic plot; refers to stories with over-the-top twists.
• Классическая мелодрама - Classic melodrama; typically denotes traditional works from the 19th or early 20th century.

Usage Notes:

"Мелодрама" directly corresponds to the English "melodrama" and is used in similar contexts, such as film criticism or literary discussions. It is more formal and less common in everyday speech; prefer it in written or academic settings. Be mindful of its feminine gender when using adjectives or verbs (e.g., "эта мелодрама интересная" - this melodrama is interesting). If multiple translations exist, "мелодрама" is the most precise for theatrical/filmic contexts, while "драма" might be chosen for broader dramatic works.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [mɛlədrama] without palatalization. Correct: [mʲɪlədráma]. Explanation: English speakers often overlook the soft 'м' sound; practice with audio to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Error: Using in plural without context (e.g., saying "мелодрама" when "мелодрамы" is needed). Correct: Check case requirements, as in "в мелодрамах" (in melodramas). Explanation: Russian nouns require agreement in case, which can confuse learners from non-inflected languages.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, melodrama has historical roots in 19th-century literature and theater, influenced by writers like Alexander Ostrovsky. It often reflects societal emotions and moral dilemmas, symbolizing the romanticism of the era. Today, it's associated with Soviet-era films, where exaggerated plots highlighted personal struggles against a backdrop of social realism, helping audiences connect emotionally to historical events.

Related Concepts:

• драма
• комедия
• трагедия