Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'samba'

English Word: samba

Key Russian Translations:

• самба [ˈsambə] - [Formal, Used in cultural or musical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions of music, dance, or cultural events, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; suitable for beginners with some vocabulary in arts and culture, as it is a loanword with straightforward usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

самба: [ˈsambə]

Note on самба: The stress is on the first syllable, which is typical for many loanwords in Russian. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech, with the 'a' sounds becoming more centralized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A Brazilian dance and music genre characterized by rhythmic movements and Afro-Brazilian influences.

Translation(s) & Context:

• самба - Used in formal or cultural discussions about music and dance, often in educational or entertainment settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю танцевать самбу на карнавалах в Рио.

  I love dancing samba at the carnivals in Rio.

• Самба — это не только танец, но и важная часть бразильской культуры.

  Samba is not just a dance, but an important part of Brazilian culture.

• В клубе мы слушали живую самбу от местной группы.

  At the club, we listened to live samba from a local band.

• Её выступление самбы было полным энергии и ритма.

  Her samba performance was full of energy and rhythm.

• Самба часто сочетается с другими латиноамериканскими ритмами в современной музыке.

  Samba is often combined with other Latin American rhythms in modern music.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Самба" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the first declension group). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. As a loanword, it does not have irregularities but adapts to Russian grammar rules.

Note: This table shows regular inflections; no special irregularities apply to this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: танец (tants), ритмичный танец (rhythmic dance) - Often used in broader contexts for similar energetic dances, but less specific.
• Antonyms: классический балет (classical ballet) - Refers to more formal, structured dances with opposite characteristics.

Related Phrases:

• Бразильская самба (Brazilian samba) - A phrase referring to the traditional style from Brazil, often used in cultural discussions.
• Самба-карнавал (Samba carnival) - Describes festive events involving samba, highlighting its role in celebrations.
• Ритмы самбы (Rhythms of samba) - Used to discuss the musical elements, with a connotation of lively, percussive beats.

Usage Notes:

"Самба" directly corresponds to the English "samba" as a loanword, making it straightforward for learners. It is typically used in formal or cultural contexts, such as music classes or travel descriptions, and is neutral in terms of register. When choosing this translation, ensure it fits the specific genre; for example, avoid confusing it with other Latin dances. Grammatically, remember its feminine gender in Russian sentences, e.g., "Эта самба очень энергичная" (This samba is very energetic).

• Be mindful of context: In Russian, "самба" might imply a broader cultural reference, so pair it with adjectives for precision.
• For multiple translations, "самба" is the most direct; alternatives like "бразильский танец" are less common and more descriptive.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is treating "самба" as an unchangeable word, forgetting its inflections. For example, incorrectly saying "Я видел самба" instead of the correct "Я видел самбу" (I saw the samba) in the accusative case. Another error is mispronouncing it as [sam'ba] with an extra emphasis, which can make it sound unnatural; always stress the first syllable. Correct usage: Use the proper case, e.g., "В самбе много ритма" (In samba, there is a lot of rhythm), not "В самба много ритма".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "самба" is often associated with Brazilian influences, especially through media and international festivals. It symbolizes joy, rhythm, and festivity, and is frequently referenced in discussions of world music or during events like the Rio Carnival. This loanword highlights Russia's openness to global cultural imports, but it doesn't carry deep historical roots in Russian tradition.

Related Concepts:

• танго (tango)
• сальса (salsa)
• карнавал (carnival)