Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'puppet'

English Word: puppet

Key Russian Translations:

• кукла [ˈkuklə] - [Informal, for toys or dolls; Plural: куклы]
• марионетка [mərʲɪɐˈnʲetkə] - [Formal, for theatrical puppets or figurative use, e.g., in politics; Plural: марионетки]

Frequency: Medium - "кукла" is commonly used in everyday contexts like children's toys, while "марионетка" appears in more specific or literary settings, such as theater or metaphorical expressions.

Difficulty: A2 for "кукла" (beginner level, as it's a basic noun); B1 for "марионетка" (intermediate level, due to its less frequent use and potential for figurative meanings).

Pronunciation (Russian):

кукла: [ˈkuklə]

Note on кукла: The stress falls on the first syllable; pronounce the "у" as a short "oo" sound, similar to "book" in English. Be mindful of the soft "л" in Russian.

Audio: []

марионетка: [mərʲɪɐˈnʲetkə]

Note on марионетка: This word has a palatalized "рʲ" and "нʲ", which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like "ma-ree-oh-NYET-ka". The stress is on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A toy or figure manipulated for entertainment (e.g., a doll or plaything)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кукла - Used in casual, everyday contexts for children's toys or simple dolls; common in family or play settings.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Моя дочь обожает играть со своей куклой в саду.

  English: My daughter loves playing with her doll in the garden.

• Русский: Кукла на полке выглядит очень реалистично.

  English: The doll on the shelf looks very realistic.

• Русский: Мы купили куклу для подарка на день рождения.

  English: We bought a doll as a birthday gift.

• Русский: Куклы в этом магазине сделаны из дерева.

  English: The dolls in this store are made of wood.

Meaning 2: A figure controlled by strings in a puppet show or metaphorically, a person manipulated by others

Translation(s) & Context:

• марионетка - Used in formal, theatrical, or figurative contexts, such as politics or literature; implies control or lack of autonomy.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В кукольном театре марионетка танцует под музыку.

  English: In the puppet theater, the marionette dances to the music.

• Русский: Политик оказался марионеткой в руках коррумпированных лидеров.

  English: The politician turned out to be a puppet in the hands of corrupt leaders.

• Русский: Марионетка на представлении ожила благодаря искусному кукловоду.

  English: The marionette came to life during the performance thanks to the skilled puppeteer.

• Русский: В этой пьесе марионетки символизируют зависимость от власти.

  English: In this play, the marionettes symbolize dependence on authority.

• Русский: Он чувствует себя марионеткой в корпоративной иерархии.

  English: He feels like a puppet in the corporate hierarchy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "кукла" and "марионетка" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard feminine declension patterns. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender. Below are the inflections for each:

For "кукла" (feminine, 1st declension):

For "марионетка" (feminine, follows similar 1st declension rules):

Note: These are regular inflections; no irregularities for these words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кукла: игрушка (igryshka) - A broader term for any toy, but less specific to dolls.
  • марионетка: пешка (peshka) - Used figuratively for a pawn or manipulated figure, often in chess or politics; implies expendability.
• Antonyms:
  • марионетка: независимый (nezavisimyy) - Meaning "independent," contrasting the idea of being controlled.

Related Phrases:

• Кукольный театр - A common phrase for "puppet theater," often used in cultural or entertainment contexts.
• Играть с куклой - Meaning "to play with a doll," typically in child-related scenarios.
• Марионетка власти - Translates to "puppet of power," a figurative expression for someone under influence, often in political discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Puppet" translates to "кукла" for literal, everyday objects like toys, which is straightforward and commonly used in informal settings. For more advanced or metaphorical uses, such as in theater or politics, "марионетка" is preferred due to its connotations of manipulation. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these change based on case (e.g., use genitive for possession: "куклы руки" for "the doll's hand"). Choose "кукла" for child-friendly contexts and "марионетка" for formal or abstract ones to ensure accurate expression. Always consider the gender and number for proper agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "кукла" with "игрушка," using it too broadly. Error: Saying "Это игрушка" when meaning a specific doll. Correct: "Это кукла." Explanation: "Игрушка" means any toy, while "кукла" specifies a doll-like figure.
• Another error is misusing "марионетка" in literal contexts. Error: Saying "Я играю с марионеткой" for a child's toy. Correct: "Я играю с куклой." Explanation: "Марионетка" implies strings or control, so reserve it for theatrical or figurative uses to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, puppets and dolls hold significant historical and artistic value. Puppet theater, often featuring "марионетки," is a traditional form of entertainment, popularized through folklore and stories like those of Russian playwrights. "Кукла" is commonly associated with childhood and festivals, reflecting themes of innocence, while "марионетка" can symbolize political satire or the human condition in literature, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov.

Related Concepts:

• театр (teatr) - Theater in general.
• игрушка (igryshka) - Toy.
• кукловод (kuklovod) - Puppeteer.