Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'satire'

English Word: satire

Key Russian Translations:

• сатира [ˈsatʲɪrə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, journalistic, and cultural contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of literary concepts and basic Russian grammar, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сатира: [ˈsatʲɪrə]

Note on сатира: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'тʲ' represents a palatalized 't', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 't' in 'nature' but softer. Variations may occur in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A literary or artistic work that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in society or politics.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сатира - Used in formal and literary contexts to describe satirical works, such as books, plays, or cartoons that mock societal flaws (e.g., in Russian literature or media criticism).

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга — классический пример сатиры на бюрократию в России.

  This book is a classic example of satire on bureaucracy in Russia.

• В его выступлениях часто встречается сатира, направленная против политических лидеров.

  His performances often feature satire directed against political leaders.

• Сатира в этом фильме использует преувеличение, чтобы показать абсурд повседневной жизни.

  The satire in this film uses exaggeration to show the absurdity of everyday life.

• Современная сатира часто появляется в социальных сетях, где пользователи высмеивают текущие события.

  Modern satire often appears on social media, where users mock current events.

• Без сатиры искусство потеряло бы свою способность к критике общества.

  Without satire, art would lose its ability to criticize society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"сатира" is a feminine noun (feminine singular nominative). It follows the standard first declension pattern for Russian nouns, with regular changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пародия (parody) - Often used for lighter, imitative forms of satire; more playful than сатира.
  • ирония (irony) - Refers to subtle mockery; applicable in everyday speech but less formal than сатира.
• Antonyms:
  • похвала (praise) - Directly opposite, as it involves commendation rather than criticism.
  • панегирик (panegyric) - A formal term for excessive praise, contrasting with satirical intent.

Related Phrases:

• политическая сатира - Political satire; a common phrase used in discussions of media and elections, referring to humorous criticism of politics.
• сатира на общество - Satire on society; often appears in literature or comedy to highlight social issues.
• юмористическая сатира - Humorous satire; implies a lighter tone, blending humor with critique in entertainment contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сатира" directly corresponds to the English "satire" in literary and cultural contexts, but it is more commonly associated with formal writing or performances rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of the formal register; use it in essays, reviews, or discussions about art. When choosing between synonyms like "пародия" or "ирония," opt for "сатира" if the intent is broader social criticism. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "хорошая сатира" for "good satire").

Common Errors:

• Confusing "сатира" with "сатир" (which means "satyr" from mythology): Learners might misuse it in literary contexts. Correct usage: Use "сатира" for satire; example of error: "Это сатир на политику" (wrong) vs. "Это сатира на политику" (correct). Explanation: "Сатир" is a masculine noun referring to a creature, not a form of humor.

• Overusing in informal settings: English speakers might translate "satire" directly without considering context; e.g., saying "сатира" in casual talk instead of "шутка" (joke). Correct: Reserve "сатира" for formal critiques; informal alternative: "ирония."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сатира" has deep roots in literature and history, exemplified by authors like Nikolai Gogol in works such as "Dead Souls," which uses satire to critique 19th-century Russian society. It often carries a sharp, critical edge reflecting Russia's complex political landscape, making it a tool for social commentary rather than mere entertainment.

Related Concepts:

• юмор (humor)
• ирония (irony)
• пародия (parody)