Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ostentation'

English Word: ostentation

Key Russian Translations:

• Пафос [ˈpafəs] - [Formal; used in literary or rhetorical contexts]
• Шикарность [ʂɨˈkarnəsʲtʲ] - [Informal; often implies superficial luxury]
• Выпендривание [vɨˈpʲɛndrʲɪvənʲɪje] - [Informal; colloquial, with a negative connotation]

Frequency: Medium; this word and its translations appear in literary, descriptive, or critical discussions but are not everyday vocabulary in casual conversation.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate); requires understanding of nuanced emotional or cultural contexts. For "Пафос", it's B2; for informal ones like "Выпендривание", it might be A2 due to simpler structure, but overall intermediate for non-native speakers.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Пафос: [ˈpafəs]

Шикарность: [ʂɨˈkarnəsʲtʲ]

Выпендривание: [vɨˈpʲɛndrʲɪvənʲɪje]

Note on Пафос: The stress is on the first syllable; be cautious with the 'ф' sound, which is a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English.

Note on Шикарность: The 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative; pronounce it like 'sh' in "she", and note the soft sign 'ь' affecting the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A showy or pretentious display of wealth, knowledge, or emotion intended to impress others, often with a negative connotation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Пафос - Used in formal or literary settings to describe exaggerated emotional display; context: academic or artistic criticism.
• Шикарность - Applied in informal everyday talk for superficial ostentation, like flaunting material possessions; context: social media or casual conversations.
• Выпендривание - Informal and derogatory, for boastful behavior; context: youth slang or humorous critique.

Usage Examples:

• Его речь была полна пафоса, что отпугивало слушателей. (His speech was full of ostentation, which repelled the listeners.)

  His speech was full of ostentation, which repelled the listeners.

• Эта шикарность в его одежде выглядела фальшивой и наигранной. (This ostentation in his clothing looked fake and contrived.)

  This ostentation in his clothing looked fake and contrived.

• Её выпендривание на вечеринке всех разозлило. (Her ostentation at the party annoyed everyone.)

  Her ostentation at the party annoyed everyone.

• В этой книге автор использует пафос, чтобы подчеркнуть социальные проблемы. (In this book, the author uses ostentation to highlight social issues.)

  In this book, the author uses ostentation to highlight social issues.

• Такая шикарность не всегда впечатляет; иногда она кажется пустой. (Such ostentation doesn't always impress; sometimes it seems empty.)

  Such ostentation doesn't always impress; sometimes it seems empty.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пафос" is a masculine noun (e.g., in the nominative case). It follows standard Russian noun declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a declension table:

"Шикарность" is a feminine noun with regular declension:

"Выпендривание" is a neuter noun and does not change in most cases, making it relatively invariable in informal use.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Похвальба (similar to "boasting", but more direct)
  • Хвастовство (implies excessive pride; used in everyday contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Скромность (modesty; contrasts with showy behavior)
  • Простота (simplicity; emphasizes unpretentiousness)

Related Phrases:

• С демонстрацией пафоса (With a display of ostentation) - Used to describe exaggerated presentations in art or speeches.
• Фальшивая шикарность (Fake ostentation) - Refers to insincere shows of wealth or status.
• Выпендриваться перед всеми (To show off in front of everyone) - A colloquial phrase for boastful behavior in social settings.

Usage Notes:

"Ostentation" translates variably in Russian based on context: use "Пафос" for formal or literary scenarios, "Шикарность" for materialistic displays, and "Выпендривание" for informal, negative critiques. Be mindful of register—formal translations like "Пафос" are common in written Russian, while informal ones suit spoken language. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with verbs or prepositions, e.g., in genitive for possession. Choose based on tone: "Пафос" might suit intellectual discussions, whereas "Выпендривание" is for casual, humorous use.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing "Пафос" with positive enthusiasm; learners might overuse it neutrally. Correct: It's often negative, as in "Его пафос раздражал" (His ostentation was irritating), not for genuine passion.
• Mistake: Incorrect declension, e.g., saying "Пафосы" when singular is needed. Correct: Use "Пафос" in nominative singular; example: Wrong: "Я видел пафосы" (I saw ostentation plural incorrectly); Right: "Я видел пафос" for singular instance.
• Mistake: Mixing formal and informal in the same context, e.g., using "Пафос" in slang. Correct: Stick to context; in casual talk, opt for "Выпендривание".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Пафос" often appear in literary critiques, influenced by authors like Tolstoy, who depicted ostentation as a flaw in aristocratic society. It reflects historical themes of excess in pre-revolutionary Russia, helping users understand its negative undertones in modern contexts, such as social media where "шикарность" might mock influencer culture.

Related Concepts:

• Гордость (pride)
• Хвастовство (boasting)
• Демонстрация (demonstration or show)