Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'opulent'

English Word: opulent

Key Russian Translations:

• роскошный (/rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/) - [Adjective, Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in descriptive contexts like literature or formal descriptions, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp its usage in complex sentences, as it involves adjective agreement and nuanced vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

роскошный: /rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/

Note on роскошный: The 'ш' sound (/ʂ/) is a retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'sh' in 'she' but with the tongue curled back. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Wealthy, luxurious, or richly abundant (e.g., describing something extravagant or opulent in appearance or quality)

Translation(s) & Context:

• роскошный - Used in formal or descriptive contexts to describe luxury, such as in architecture, fashion, or lifestyle; common in written Russian or sophisticated speech.

Usage Examples:

• В этом отеле роскошные номера с золотыми украшениями и антикварной мебелью.

  In this hotel, the rooms are opulent with gold decorations and antique furniture.

• Её платье было роскошным, украшенным драгоценными камнями и шелком.

  Her dress was opulent, adorned with precious stones and silk.

• Роскошный ужин в ресторане включал деликатесы из разных стран.

  The opulent dinner at the restaurant included delicacies from various countries.

• Этот дом выглядит роскошно благодаря мраморным полам и хрустальным люстрам.

  This house looks opulent thanks to the marble floors and crystal chandeliers.

• В роскошном саду цвели экзотические цветы, создавая атмосферу изобилия.

  In the opulent garden, exotic flowers bloomed, creating an atmosphere of abundance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Роскошный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective follows regular patterns, so once learners understand basic adjective declension, it's straightforward.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • богатый (wealthy; more general, often implying financial richness)
  • шикарный (chic; used for stylish luxury, slightly more informal)
• Antonyms:
  • бедный (poor; implies lack of wealth)
  • скромный (modest; suggests simplicity rather than extravagance)

Related Phrases:

• роскошная жизнь - A luxurious life (Refers to a lifestyle of wealth and indulgence, often in cultural or social contexts.)
• роскошный интерьер - Opulent interior (Common in design or real estate discussions.)
• роскошный банкет - Lavish banquet (Used for extravagant events or celebrations.)

Usage Notes:

"Роскошный" directly corresponds to "opulent" in English, emphasizing visual or material extravagance. It is typically used in formal or descriptive language, such as in literature, advertising, or travel descriptions. Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian sentences—always match gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For example, choose between "роскошный" (for masculine nouns) or "роскошная" (for feminine nouns). If the context is more casual, "шикарный" might be a better alternative, but "роскошный" is preferred for a sophisticated tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., using "роскошный" with a feminine noun like "комната" (room), resulting in "роскошный комната" (incorrect).

  Correct: "роскошная комната" (opulent room). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, so always check the noun's gender before using the adjective.

• Error: Overusing in casual speech, e.g., saying "Это роскошный обед" for a simple meal, which might sound exaggerated.

  Correct: Use in appropriate contexts, like for truly extravagant settings. Explanation: Reserve it for formal or descriptive scenarios to avoid sounding pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "роскошный" often evoke images of historical opulence, such as the grandeur of imperial palaces in St. Petersburg or the luxury of Soviet-era elite lifestyles. It can carry a connotation of aspiration or criticism, depending on context—post-Soviet Russia frequently uses it in discussions of wealth inequality, highlighting the stark contrast between opulent displays and everyday realities.

Related Concepts:

• богатство (wealth)
• шик (chic)
• роскошь (luxury)