Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shabby'

English Word: shabby

Key Russian Translations:

• потрёпанный [pɐˈtrʲɵpənɨj] - [Informal; Used for describing worn-out objects or clothing]
• подлый [ˈpodlɨj] - [Informal; Used in contexts implying meanness or dishonorable behavior]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations and literature, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives like "big" or "small")

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; Involves understanding adjective inflections and contextual nuances. For 'потрёпанный', it's B1; for 'подлый', it's B2 due to subtle connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

потрёпанный: [pɐˈtrʲɵpənɨj]

Note on потрёпанный: The stress falls on the second syllable ('trʲɵ'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian palatalized 'r' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, rolled 'r'.

подлый: [ˈpodlɨj]

Note on подлый: The initial stress on 'pod' is straightforward, but the 'lɨj' ending requires a soft 'l' and a neutral vowel, common in Russian adjectives.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Worn-out, in poor condition, or dilapidated (Referring to physical objects or appearance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• потрёпанный - Used in informal contexts for items that are old and frayed, such as clothing or furniture; common in everyday descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Его старая куртка была потрёпанной и нуждалась в замене.

  His old jacket was shabby and needed replacing. (This example shows the adjective in a descriptive context for personal belongings.)

• Дом на окраине выглядел потрёпанным от времени и непогоды.

  The house on the outskirts looked shabby from time and bad weather. (Illustrates use in describing buildings or environments.)

• После долгой поездки её сумка стала потрёпанной и потрёпанной.

  After the long trip, her bag became shabby and worn. (Demonstrates repetition for emphasis in informal speech.)

• В музее выставлены потрёпанные артефакты из прошлого века.

  In the museum, there are shabby artifacts from the last century. (Shows use in historical or cultural contexts.)

Meaning 2: Mean, dishonorable, or low-quality in character (Referring to behavior or morals)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подлый - Used in informal or literary contexts to describe sneaky or treacherous actions; often carries a strong negative connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Его подлый поступок шокировал всех друзей.

  His shabby act shocked all his friends. (This highlights the word in a moral judgment scenario.)

• Подлый обманщик всегда пытается извлечь выгоду из чужого несчастья.

  The shabby cheat always tries to profit from others' misfortune. (Demonstrates use in narratives about deceit.)

• В фильме главный герой сталкивается с подлыми интригами конкурентов.

  In the movie, the main character faces shabby intrigues from competitors. (Shows application in storytelling or media.)

• Её подлый комментарий обидел коллегу на собрании.

  Her shabby comment offended her colleague at the meeting. (Illustrates use in interpersonal conflicts.)

• Подлый предатель был разоблачён и наказан.

  The shabby traitor was exposed and punished. (Emphasizes dramatic or legal contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'потрёпанный' and 'подлый' are Russian adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow regular patterns for most forms.

For 'потрёпанный' (irregular in some senses due to its derived form):

For 'подлый' (follows standard adjective patterns):

These adjectives do not change for verbs but must agree with nouns in sentences. If no noun is present, they remain in their base form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изношенный (iznoshennyy) - Similar to 'потрёпанный', but more neutral and focused on wear from use.
  • старый (starый) - General term for 'old', often interchangeable in casual contexts but less emphatic on poor condition.
• Antonyms:
  • новый (novyy) - Meaning 'new', contrasting with worn-out states.
  • свежий (svezhiy) - Meaning 'fresh', often used for appearance or quality.

Related Phrases:

• потрёпанный вид - A shabby appearance; Used to describe someone or something that looks worn and unkempt.
• подлый трюк - A shabby trick; Refers to a deceitful or underhanded maneuver in social or professional settings.
• потрёпанные нервы - Shabby nerves; An idiomatic expression meaning 'frazzled nerves' or extreme stress.

Usage Notes:

'Shabby' translates to 'потрёпанный' for physical deterioration and 'подлый' for moral shortcomings, but choose based on context—'потрёпанный' is safer for everyday objects, while 'подлый' implies intentional negativity. In Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which differs from English. They are more common in informal speech or literature; in formal writing, opt for synonyms like 'изношенный'. Be cautious with 'подлый' as it can sound harsh or judgmental.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'потрёпанный' for people in a moral sense instead of objects. Correct: Он подлый человек (He is a shabby person). Incorrect: Он потрёпанный человек (This implies physical wear, not character). Explanation: English learners often confuse the two translations; always match the context to avoid miscommunication.
• Mistake: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying 'потрёпанный дом' for a feminine noun. Correct: потрёпанный дом (if masculine). Explanation: Russian requires gender agreement, unlike English, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'потрёпанный' often evoke themes from literature, such as in Dostoevsky's works, where shabby appearances symbolize poverty or hardship. 'Подлый' might reflect historical distrust in social interactions, stemming from eras of political intrigue, helping users understand the emotional weight behind these terms.

Related Concepts:

• изношенный
• старый
• обманщик