Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'satirical'

English Word: satirical

Key Russian Translations:

• сатирический (/sə.tʲɪˈrʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj/) - [Formal]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding nuanced adjectives and cultural references in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сатирический: /sə.tʲɪˈrʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj/

Note on сатирический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ri"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'тʲ' and 'рʲ'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Relating to satire, involving mockery or criticism through humor to expose flaws.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сатирический - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as describing works of art, literature, or media that employ satire (e.g., in essays, reviews, or academic discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Этот фильм — сатирический взгляд на современное общество. (This film is a satirical take on modern society.)

  English Translation: This film is a satirical take on modern society.

• В журнале опубликован сатирический рассказ о политике. (In the magazine, a satirical story about politics was published.)

  English Translation: In the magazine, a satirical story about politics was published.

• Его сатирические комментарии всегда вызывают смех и размышления. (His satirical comments always provoke laughter and reflection.)

  English Translation: His satirical comments always provoke laughter and reflection.

• Сатирический юмор в этой пьесе подчеркивает абсурдность повседневной жизни. (The satirical humor in this play highlights the absurdity of everyday life.)

  English Translation: The satirical humor in this play highlights the absurdity of everyday life.

• Художник создал сатирический портрет коррумпированных чиновников. (The artist created a satirical portrait of corrupt officials.)

  English Translation: The artist created a satirical portrait of corrupt officials.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

сатирический is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ический. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The base form is masculine singular nominative.

Note: This adjective is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward once the basic adjective declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ироничный (ironic, with a lighter, less biting tone), саркастический (sarcastic, often more personal and cutting) - ироничный is used for subtle irony, while саркастический implies more direct mockery.
• Antonyms: серьезный (serious), прямой (straightforward) - These are used when the context requires earnestness rather than humor.

Related Phrases:

• сатирический журнал - A satirical magazine; commonly refers to publications like those featuring political cartoons or humorous critiques.
• сатирический юмор - Satirical humor; used in contexts involving comedy that exposes societal issues.
• сатирическое произведение - Satirical work; often applied to literature or art, such as novels or plays with satirical elements.

Usage Notes:

сатирический directly corresponds to the English "satirical" in formal and literary contexts, emphasizing criticism through humor. It is typically used in written Russian, such as in essays or reviews, rather than spoken language. Be mindful of the context: in Russian culture, satire often carries a strong social or political undertone. When choosing between translations like сатирический and ироничный, opt for сатирический if the intent is more pointed and structured, as in professional critiques. Grammatically, always ensure it agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing сатирический with ироничный and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: Это ироничный комментарий. (meant to be satirical) Correct: Это сатирический комментарий. (This is a satirical comment.) Explanation: ироничный implies subtle irony without the structured criticism, so use сатирический for deliberate satire to avoid diluting the meaning.
• Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective properly, e.g., using the base form with all nouns. Incorrect: сатирический книга (for a feminine noun). Correct: сатирическая книга. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, satirical works have a rich history, often tied to social and political commentary, as seen in the literature of authors like Nikolai Gogol or Mikhail Bulgakov. сатирический is frequently associated with critiquing authority or societal norms, reflecting Russia's tradition of using humor to navigate censorship and express dissent.

Related Concepts:

• юмор (humor)
• ирония (irony)
• сарказм (sarcasm)