Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'modish'

English Word: modish

Key Russian Translations:

• модный [ˈmodnɨj] - [Formal; commonly used in contexts of fashion and trends]
• стильный [ˈstʲilʲnɨj] - [Informal; implies stylishness with a broader aesthetic appeal]

Frequency: Medium (The word is frequently encountered in discussions about fashion, design, and modern trends, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should understand basic adjective forms, though mastering inflections requires practice. For 'модный', it's straightforward, but 'стильный' may vary slightly in nuance.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

модный: [ˈmodnɨj]

стильный: [ˈstʲilʲnɨj]

Note on модный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound is a distinct Russian vowel, often challenging for English speakers; it sounds like a softened 'i' in 'bit'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Fashionable or stylish in appearance

Translation(s) & Context:

• модный - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing clothing, trends, or cultural phenomena in Russian media and everyday fashion talk.
• стильный - Applied in informal settings, emphasizing elegance and personal style rather than fleeting trends.

Usage Examples:

• Эта одежда очень модная в этом сезоне. (This clothing is very modish this season.)

  This clothing is very fashionable this season. (Context: Discussing current trends in a fashion magazine.)

• Он всегда носит стильные аксессуары. (He always wears modish accessories.)

  He always wears stylish accessories. (Context: Describing someone's personal style in a social conversation.)

• Модный дизайн интерьера привлекает молодых людей. (The modish interior design attracts young people.)

  The fashionable interior design attracts young people. (Context: Talking about modern home decor trends.)

• Её стильный наряд был заметен на вечеринке. (Her modish outfit was noticeable at the party.)

  Her stylish outfit was noticeable at the party. (Context: Informal social event description.)

• В Москве много модных бутиков с последними тенденциями. (In Moscow, there are many modish boutiques with the latest trends.)

  In Moscow, there are many fashionable boutiques with the latest trends. (Context: Travel or urban lifestyle discussion.)

Outdated or overly trendy

Translation(s) & Context:

• модный - Sometimes implies something temporarily popular, which might become outdated; used cautiously in critical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот модный гаджет быстро устаревает. (This modish gadget becomes outdated quickly.)

  This fashionable gadget becomes outdated quickly. (Context: Discussing technology trends.)

• Модные идеи в искусстве не всегда долговечны. (Modish ideas in art are not always long-lasting.)

  Fashionable ideas in art are not always long-lasting. (Context: Cultural or artistic critique.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'модный' and 'стильный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify.

For 'модный' (meaning 'modish'):

For 'стильный', it follows the same inflection pattern as 'модный'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стильный (similar but emphasizes elegance; often used interchangeably with модный in casual speech)
  • элегантный (more formal, focusing on refined style)
• Antonyms:
  • немодный (not fashionable; directly opposite)
  • старомодный (old-fashioned; implies outdated style)

Related Phrases:

• модная одежда - (Modish clothing; refers to trendy apparel in fashion contexts.)
• стильный дизайн - (Stylish design; used for describing modern aesthetics in art or architecture.)
• быть в моде - (To be in fashion; an idiomatic expression for something currently popular.)

Usage Notes:

'Модный' directly corresponds to 'modish' in English, capturing the idea of something fashionable and contemporary, but it can sometimes imply a temporary trend. Use 'стильный' for a more enduring sense of style. In Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical rule. For example, in formal writing, prefer 'модный' for objective descriptions, while in informal speech, 'стильный' might feel more natural. Be cautious with context: in cultural discussions, these words often relate to Russian fashion scenes like Moscow Fashion Week.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'модный' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "модный женщина" instead of "модная женщина". Correct: Adjectives must agree with the noun's gender (here, feminine). Explanation: This is a common mistake for English speakers who overlook Russian case systems.

• Error: Confusing 'модный' with 'модерн' (meaning 'modern' as in art style). Correct: Use 'модный' for fashion trends. Example: Incorrect: "Модерн дом" (for a fashionable house); Correct: "Модный дом".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'модный' are tied to the evolving fashion industry, influenced by historical events such as the Soviet era's emphasis on functionality versus post-Soviet trends towards Western styles. For instance, during fashion weeks in cities like Moscow, 'модный' evokes a sense of global integration and youth culture.

Related Concepts:

• тренд (trend)
• мода (fashion)
• стиль (style)