Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rhapsody'

English Word: rhapsody

Key Russian Translations:

• рапсодия /rɐpˈsodʲɪjə/ - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in literary, musical, or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires familiarity with borrowed words and basic music terminology; suitable for learners with a good grasp of Russian nouns and inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рапсодия: /rɐpˈsodʲɪjə/

Note on рапсодия: The stress falls on the third syllable ('so-'), which is common in borrowed words. Be mindful of the soft 'dʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to its palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An ecstatic or enthusiastic expression, often in music or literature (e.g., a free-form musical composition).

Translation(s) & Context:

• рапсодия - Used in formal or artistic contexts, such as describing a musical piece; common in written Russian or discussions about classical music.

Usage Examples:

• Эта рапсодия Листа полна эмоций и страсти.

  This rhapsody by Liszt is full of emotion and passion.

• В его речи была настоящая рапсодия энтузиазма.

  His speech was a true rhapsody of enthusiasm.

• Рапсодия в музыке часто сочетает элементы фольклора и классики.

  A rhapsody in music often combines elements of folklore and classics.

• Поэтическая рапсодия описывает природу в лирических тонах.

  The poetic rhapsody describes nature in lyrical tones.

• Композитор создал рапсодию, вдохновленную народными мотивами.

  The composer created a rhapsody inspired by folk motifs.

Meaning 2: A miscellaneous collection or a free-flowing narrative (less common in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• рапсодия - Applied metaphorically in literary contexts; less frequent and often in translations of English texts.

Usage Examples:

• Его книга — это рапсодия разрозненных историй.

  His book is a rhapsody of scattered stories.

• Рапсодия мыслей в её дневнике отражает хаос повседневной жизни.

  The rhapsody of thoughts in her diary reflects the chaos of everyday life.

• Эта рапсодия идей не имеет четкой структуры.

  This rhapsody of ideas lacks a clear structure.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Рапсодия" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian, as indicated by its ending). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners once basic noun patterns are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • песнь (song; more poetic and general, often used for lyrical works)
  • симфония (symphony; implies a structured musical composition, with a subtle difference in formality)
  • экстаз (ecstasy; focuses on the emotional intensity aspect)
• Antonyms:
  • монотония (monotony; implies a lack of variation or enthusiasm)
  • структура (structure; contrasts with the free-form nature of a rhapsody)

Related Phrases:

• Музыкальная рапсодия - A musical rhapsody; used in contexts discussing compositions like those by Liszt.
• Поэтическая рапсодия - Poetic rhapsody; refers to expressive literary works.
• Венгерская рапсодия - Hungarian rhapsody; a specific type, often alluding to folk-inspired music.

Usage Notes:

"Рапсодия" is a borrowed word from Greek via English and French, so it retains a somewhat formal and intellectual tone in Russian. It directly corresponds to the English "rhapsody" in musical contexts but may not be as versatile in everyday speech. Use it in artistic or academic settings; for informal conversations, native speakers might opt for simpler terms like "песня". When choosing between translations, prioritize "рапсодия" for precise musical references. Grammatically, remember its feminine gender and first declension, which affects agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта рапсодия красивая" - this rhapsody is beautiful).

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "рапсодия" as a masculine noun and using incorrect inflections, e.g., saying "рапсодия был" instead of "рапсодия была". Correct: Use feminine verb agreements like "рапсодия была написана" (The rhapsody was written). Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and mismatching can make sentences sound unnatural.

• Error: Overusing "рапсодия" in non-musical contexts, e.g., translating "a rhapsody of colors" as "рапсодия цветов" when "буйство цветов" (riot of colors) is more idiomatic. Correct: "Рапсодия" is best for music; use alternatives for metaphors. Explanation: This word is culturally specific to arts, so literal translations can feel forced.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "рапсодия" often evokes Romantic-era music, such as Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies, which blend folk elements with classical forms. It symbolizes emotional freedom and national identity, reflecting Russia's rich musical heritage influenced by Western traditions. This word highlights how Russian language incorporates foreign concepts while adapting them to its own expressive style.

Related Concepts:

• симфония (symphony)
• соната (sonata)
• фольклор (folklore)
• поэзия (poetry)