Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rotund'

English Word: rotund

Key Russian Translations:

• полный [ˈpolnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective for describing a plump or rounded shape, especially in physical appearance]
• тучный [ˈtutɕnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective often used for a more robust or overweight physique]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media, but not as frequent as basic descriptors like "big".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; Learners at this level can understand and use these adjectives in context, though mastering inflections may require practice. For "полный", it's B1; for "тучный", it's B2 due to its slightly more specific connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полный: [ˈpolnɨj]

Note on полный: The stress falls on the first syllable. Be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in fast speech might soften the vowels.

Audio: []

тучный: [ˈtutɕnɨj]

Note on тучный: Pronounce the 'ч' as a soft, palatalized 'ch' sound, similar to the 'ch' in "church". The ending 'ый' can vary slightly in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Round or plump in physical shape (referring to body or objects).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полный - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as in literature or medical descriptions, to indicate a rounded, full figure without negative connotations.
• тучный - Applied in informal, everyday situations, often implying a bit more excess weight, like in casual conversations about health or appearance.

Usage Examples:

• Его фигура была полной, как у классического купца из старых русских сказок.

  His figure was rotund, like that of a classic merchant from old Russian fairy tales.

• После праздников он стал тучным и решил заняться спортом.

  After the holidays, he became rotund and decided to start exercising.

• В музее выставлена полная ваза, украшенная древними узорами.

  In the museum, there's a rotund vase displayed, adorned with ancient patterns.

• Дедушка всегда был тучным, но его улыбка делала его еще более обаятельным.

  Grandfather was always rotund, but his smile made him even more charming.

• Полный шар на витрине привлекал внимание детей своим ярким цветом.

  The rotund ball in the display window caught the children's attention with its bright color.

Meaning 2: Round and full in sound or tone (e.g., referring to voice).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полный - Used metaphorically in artistic or musical contexts to describe a rich, resonant sound.

Usage Examples:

• Её голос был полным и глубоким, идеальным для оперной сцены.

  Her voice was rotund and deep, perfect for the opera stage.

• В тишине ночи его полный смех эхом разнесся по лесу.

  In the quiet of the night, his rotund laughter echoed through the forest.

• Полный звук колокола разбудил всю деревню.

  The rotund sound of the bell woke up the entire village.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "полный" and "тучный" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for most cases, but they can have irregularities in certain forms.

For "полный" (an adjective with a full paradigm):

For "тучный", it follows a similar pattern but is less common and can be irregular in poetic or archaic usage:

Note: These adjectives do not change in comparative forms without additional suffixes (e.g., полнее for "fuller").

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: тучный (similar to "тучный", but more neutral), упитанный (well-fed, often positive connotation), округлый (rounded, for shapes)
• Antonyms: худой (thin), тощий (skinny, with a negative undertone), стройный (slim, elegant)

Related Phrases:

• полный дом (a full house) - Refers to a home filled with people or activity, often implying warmth and abundance.
• тучный телосложение (rotund build) - A phrase used in health or fitness contexts to describe a robust body type.
• полный голос (rotund voice) - Describes a rich, full-sounding voice in singing or speaking.

Usage Notes:

"Полный" is the more versatile translation for "rotund" and aligns closely with its English meaning in both physical and metaphorical senses, but it's often used formally. "Тучный" is better for informal or humorous contexts involving excess weight. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities in Russia, where body descriptors can carry positive connotations in folklore (e.g., rotund characters as symbols of prosperity). When choosing between translations, opt for "полный" in written or professional settings, and consider gender and case agreements in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "полный" interchangeably with "full" in the sense of "complete" (e.g., confusing it with "полностью" for "fully"). Correct: "Полный" refers to shape, not completeness. Example of error: "Я полный согласен" (incorrect for "I fully agree"); Correct: "Я полностью согласен".

• Error: Forgetting to inflect the adjective, e.g., saying "тучный женщина" instead of "тучная женщина". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "полный" or "тучный" can evoke positive images from folklore, such as the rotund Father Frost (Ded Moroz), symbolizing abundance and generosity. Historically, a "rotund" figure was associated with wealth and health in pre-Soviet Russia, contrasting with modern health ideals.

Related Concepts:

• худой
• стройный
• округлый