Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plump'

English Word: plump

Key Russian Translations:

• полный [ˈpo.lɨ.nɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Singular]
• пухлый [ˈpuχ.lɨj] - [Adjective, Informal, Often used for soft, rounded objects]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp the basic forms and usage, but mastering inflections may require practice. For 'пухлый', it is also B1, as it follows standard adjective patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полный: [ˈpo.lɨ.nɨj]

пухлый: [ˈpuχ.lɨj]

Note on полный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a back vowel not found in English. Pronounce it with a soft, rounded quality.

Note on пухлый: The 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As an adjective, describing something full, rounded, or slightly overweight (e.g., a plump person or fruit).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полный - Used in formal or neutral contexts, such as describing body shape in literature or medical discussions.
• пухлый - Used in informal contexts, like everyday talk about food or children, implying a soft, cuddly appearance.

Usage Examples:

• Её щёки были полны и румяны после прогулки на свежем воздухе.

  Her cheeks were plump and rosy after a walk in the fresh air.

• Этот пухлый ребёнок всегда вызывает улыбку у всех в семье.

  This plump child always brings a smile to everyone in the family.

• Яблоки в саду были полны сока, готовые к сбору.

  The apples in the garden were plump with juice, ready for picking.

• Пухлый кошелёк в его кармане указывал на удачный день.

  The plump wallet in his pocket indicated a successful day.

• После ужина она почувствовала себя полной и довольной.

  After dinner, she felt plump and content.

Meaning 2: As a verb, meaning to make something fuller or to drop heavily (e.g., plump down on a chair).

Translation(s) & Context:

• усадить [uˈsa.dʲitʲ] - Used in contexts involving seating or making something settle, often informally.

Usage Examples:

• Он уселся на стул с тяжёлым вздохом после долгого дня.

  He plumped down on the chair with a heavy sigh after a long day.

• Подушка была усадена, чтобы сделать её более удобной.

  The pillow was plumped to make it more comfortable.

• Дети уселись на диван, чтобы посмотреть фильм.

  The children plumped down on the sofa to watch a movie.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For adjectives like 'полный' and 'пухлый', Russian adjectives inflect based on gender, number, and case. They follow the standard adjective declension patterns.

For verbs like 'усадить', it is a perfective verb and conjugates irregularly in some forms. Base form: усадить; Past tense: усадил (he sat), усадило (it sat). It does not change for person in the infinitive form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • толстый (thick, sturdy) - Often used interchangeably with 'полный' for body descriptions, but implies more bulk.
  • округлый (rounded) - Similar to 'пухлый', but more neutral and less affectionate.
• Antonyms:
  • худой (thin, skinny)
  • тощий (gaunt, emaciated)

Related Phrases:

• Полный дом гостей - A house full of guests (implies a lively, crowded atmosphere).
• Пухлый кошелёк - A plump wallet (meaning financially prosperous).
• Усадить на место - To plump down in place (used for settling arguments or positioning objects).

Usage Notes:

'Полный' is the most direct translation for the adjective 'plump' in formal contexts, such as in literature or professional descriptions, and aligns closely with English in terms of neutrality. In contrast, 'пухлый' carries a softer, more endearing connotation, making it ideal for informal or affectionate speech. For the verb form, 'усадить' is preferred in dynamic scenarios like sitting heavily, but be mindful of context—Russian verbs often require perfective/imperfective pairs for accurate tense usage. When choosing between translations, consider the gender and case of the noun it modifies to ensure grammatical agreement. English learners should note that Russian adjectives inflect, unlike in English, so practice declensions for fluency.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'полный' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "полный яблоко" instead of "полное яблоко" for neuter nouns. Correct: "Полное яблоко" (The plump apple). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe.
• Mistake: Confusing 'пухлый' with 'полный' in formal writing, leading to an overly casual tone. Correct: Use 'полный' in professional contexts. Explanation: 'Пухлый' implies softness, which might not fit serious descriptions.
• Mistake: Forgetting the perfective aspect in verbs, e.g., using 'саживать' (imperfective) when 'усадить' (perfective) is needed for a completed action. Correct: "Он усадил ребенка" instead of "Он садит ребенка" for "He plumped the child down." Explanation: Aspect is crucial in Russian to convey whether an action is ongoing or completed.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'пухлый' often carry positive connotations in contexts like describing children or food, reflecting a cultural appreciation for fullness as a sign of health and abundance. Historically, in Russian literature (e.g., Tolstoy's works), 'полный' might symbolize prosperity or vitality, contrasting with Western ideals of slimness.

Related Concepts:

• круглый (round)
• жирный (fatty)
• усадка (settling or compression)