Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'metaphorical'

English Word: metaphorical

Key Russian Translations:

• метафорический [mʲɪtɐˈforʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj] - [Adjective, Formal, Used in literary and academic contexts]
• образный [ɐˈbrɑznɨj] - [Adjective, Informal, Often used in everyday discussions of figurative language]

Frequency: Low (Primarily encountered in literary, educational, or specialized discussions; not common in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjectives and abstract concepts, but manageable for learners with intermediate vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метафорический: [mʲɪtɐˈforʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj]

образный: [ɐˈbrɑznɨj]

Note on метафорический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("for"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants; pronounce with a soft 'r' sound.

Note on образный: This word has a clear emphasis on the second syllable; it's simpler but may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to or characteristic of a metaphor, involving figurative language rather than literal meaning

Translation(s) & Context:

• метафорический - Used in formal writing, literary analysis, or educational settings to describe language that employs metaphors for expressive purposes.
• образный - Applied in more casual or creative contexts, such as poetry discussions or informal critiques, emphasizing vivid imagery.

Usage Examples:

• В его речи часто встречаются метафорические выражения, которые делают текст более живым.

  In his speech, metaphorical expressions often appear, which make the text more vivid.

• Этот фильм использует образный язык, чтобы передать эмоции зрителей.

  This film employs metaphorical language to convey the viewers' emotions.

• Метафорический подход в литературе помогает глубже понять человеческие переживания.

  A metaphorical approach in literature helps to understand human experiences more deeply.

• Образный стиль поэта делает его произведения доступными для широкой аудитории.

  The poet's metaphorical style makes his works accessible to a wide audience.

• В повседневной беседе люди иногда прибегают к метафорическим оборотам, чтобы избежать прямолинейности.

  In everyday conversation, people sometimes resort to metaphorical turns of phrase to avoid directness.

Meaning 2: Not literal; symbolic or figurative in nature

Translation(s) & Context:

• метафорический - Common in philosophical or artistic discussions where symbolism is key.
• образный - Used in contexts involving visual or sensory imagery, such as in art criticism.

Usage Examples:

• Её метафорический портрет отражает внутренний мир художника.

  Her metaphorical portrait reflects the artist's inner world.

• Образный смысл этого символа понятен только посвященным.

  The metaphorical meaning of this symbol is understandable only to the initiated.

• Метафорический язык в науке иногда приводит к новым открытиям.

  Metaphorical language in science sometimes leads to new discoveries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which in Russian inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives typically agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for most forms, though "метафорический" is a borrowed word and follows regular adjective declension without irregularities.

For "образный," the inflections are fully regular, making it easier for learners. These adjectives do not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фигуральный [fʲɪɡʊˈralʲnɨj] - More neutral, often used interchangeably in artistic contexts.
  • символический [sʲɪmˈvolʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj] - Emphasizes symbolic representation, with a slight nuance towards deeper meaning.
• Antonyms:
  • буквальный [bʊkˈvalʲnɨj] - Directly opposite, meaning literal or exact.
  • прямой [prɐˈmoj] - Implies straightforwardness, without figurative elements.

Related Phrases:

• метафорический язык - Refers to figurative language used in literature or rhetoric.
• образный стиль - Describes a style rich in imagery, common in poetry.
• метафорическое выражение - A metaphorical expression, used for idiomatic phrases in everyday communication.

Usage Notes:

"Метафорический" directly corresponds to "metaphorical" in English, making it the preferred choice for formal translations, while "образный" is more versatile for creative or informal settings. Be mindful of adjective agreement with nouns in Russian sentences; for example, use the feminine form if modifying a feminine noun. In Russian, these words often appear in literary analysis, so they are less common in spoken language. When choosing between translations, opt for "метафорический" in academic contexts for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "метафорический" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "метафорический женщина" instead of "метафорическая женщина" (metaphorical woman).

  Correct: Ensure gender agreement; explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case to maintain grammatical accuracy.

• Error: Confusing it with "буквальный," leading to misuse in contexts requiring figurative language.

  Correct: Use "метафорический" for non-literal meanings; explanation: This mix-up can alter the sentence's intent, as "буквальный" means literal, the opposite concept.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, metaphorical language is deeply rooted in literature and folklore, influenced by writers like Pushkin and Tolstoy. Words like "метафорический" reflect the Russian emphasis on poetic expression, where indirect meanings often convey complex emotions or societal critiques, differing from more straightforward Western styles.

Related Concepts:

• символический
• аллегорический
• поэтический