Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ritzy'

English Word: ritzy

Key Russian Translations:

• шикарный /ʂɨˈkarnɨj/ - [Informal, used in everyday conversations to describe something stylishly luxurious]
• роскошный /rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/ - [Formal, often used in written or professional contexts for high-end luxury]

Frequency: Medium (Common in modern Russian media and casual speech, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives like "хороший").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; involves understanding adjective inflections and contextual nuances, which may vary slightly between translations).

Pronunciation (Russian):

шикарный: /ʂɨˈkarnɨj/

роскошный: /rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/

Note on шикарный: The initial "ш" sound (/ʂ/) can be challenging for English speakers, similar to the "sh" in "she" but with a more retroflex quality; be careful with stress on the second syllable.

Note on роскошный: The "щ" (/ʂ/) is pronounced as a soft, palatalized "sh," which is a common point of difficulty; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Luxurious or stylish in a showy, ostentatious way (e.g., describing expensive, glamorous settings or items).

Translation(s) & Context:

• шикарный - Used in informal contexts like social events or fashion; implies a fun, flashy luxury (e.g., in casual conversations about nightlife).
• роскошный - Applied in formal contexts such as business or travel; suggests refined, high-class elegance (e.g., in descriptions of hotels or cars).

Usage Examples:

• Эта шикарная вечеринка была полна знаменитостей и блестящих нарядов.

  This ritzy party was full of celebrities and sparkling outfits.

• В отеле всё было роскошным: от золотых люстр до мягких ковров.

  Everything in the hotel was ritzy: from the golden chandeliers to the soft carpets.

• Его шикарный костюм сделал его центром внимания на свадьбе.

  His ritzy suit made him the center of attention at the wedding.

• Роскошный ресторан в центре Москвы привлекает элиту города.

  The ritzy restaurant in the heart of Moscow attracts the city's elite.

• Шикарная машина с кожаным салоном идеально подходит для светских мероприятий.

  The ritzy car with leather seats is perfect for high-society events.

Negative connotation (e.g., overly showy or pretentious).

Translation(s) & Context:

• шикарный - In ironic or critical contexts, to highlight excess (e.g., in informal critiques of wealth).

Usage Examples:

• Его шикарный образ кажется наигранным и неуместным в простой компании.

  His ritzy appearance seems forced and out of place in a simple gathering.

• Роскошный интерьер дома контрастирует с его скромным характером.

  The ritzy interior of the house contrasts with his humble personality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "шикарный" and "роскошный" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives.

Note: These adjectives are regular and do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners at B1 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • элитный (elitniy) - More neutral, often used for exclusive items.
  • престижный (prestižniy) - Emphasizes status and prestige.
• Antonyms:
  • скромный (skromniy) - Modest or unpretentious.
  • простой (prostoy) - Simple or basic.

Related Phrases:

• Шикарная жизнь (Shikarnaya žizn) - A luxurious lifestyle; refers to a life of opulence and excess.
• Роскошный отель (Roskoshniy otel) - A ritzy hotel; commonly used for high-end accommodations.
• В шикарном стиле (V shikarnom stile) - In ritzy style; describes something done with flair and extravagance.

Usage Notes:

"Ritzy" corresponds closely to "шикарный" in informal settings and "роскошный" in formal ones, but Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they describe—unlike English. For example, choose "шикарный" for casual, everyday luxury (e.g., fashion), and "роскошный" for refined contexts (e.g., business). Be mindful of cultural connotations: in Russia, these words can imply Western-style extravagance, so they might carry a hint of aspiration or criticism in everyday speech.

• Grammar tip: Always inflect the adjective to match the noun, e.g., "шикарная машина" for a feminine noun like "машина" (car).
• Context guidance: In formal writing, prefer "роскошный"; in spoken language, "шикарный" feels more natural and less pretentious.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget to inflect adjectives, e.g., saying "шикарный дом" for a feminine noun like "квартира" instead of "шикарная квартира." Correct: Use the proper form to ensure agreement; error leads to grammatical awkwardness.
• Mixing up synonyms: Confusing "шикарный" with "элитный" in formal contexts, e.g., saying "элитный вечеринка" when "роскошная вечеринка" is more appropriate for a truly ritzy event. Explanation: "Элитный" emphasizes exclusivity, not showiness.
• Overusing in negative contexts: Learners might apply "шикарный" ironically without proper tone, leading to misunderstandings; e.g., incorrect: "Это шикарный дом" when meaning "This is a pretentious house"—better to add context like "наигранно шикарный."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "шикарный" often evoke images of post-Soviet luxury, such as extravagant parties in Moscow or the opulence of oligarch lifestyles. Historically, during the Soviet era, such displays were frowned upon, so these terms can carry a layer of irony or aspiration in modern usage, reflecting Russia's complex relationship with wealth and Western influences.

Related Concepts:

• богатый (bogatiy) - Wealthy
• модный (modniy) - Fashionable
• престиж (prestiž) - Prestige