Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shadow'

English Word: shadow

Key Russian Translations:

• тень [ˈtʲenʲ] - [Common noun, used in everyday literal contexts]
• тень [ˈtʲenʲ] - [Figurative, e.g., in expressions of influence or secrecy; Informal]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in literature, everyday speech, and descriptions, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; Learners at this level can grasp basic noun inflections, but the word's metaphorical uses may require more context for full understanding.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тень: [ˈtʲenʲ] (The 'тʲ' represents a palatalized 't' sound, similar to the 't' in English "tune", followed by a soft 'e'.)

Note on тень: Pay attention to the palatalization of the 'т' and the unstressed 'e' which can sound like a schwa [ə] in fast speech. Regional variations may soften the ending vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface (Literal meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• тень - Used in physical or visual descriptions, such as in nature or photography; Common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Вечером деревья отбрасывают длинные тени на дорогу.

  In the evening, trees cast long shadows on the road.

• Его силуэт был виден только как тень в полумраке комнаты.

  His silhouette was visible only as a shadow in the dim light of the room.

• Тень от облаков пробегала по полю, создавая причудливые узоры.

  Shadows from the clouds raced across the field, creating whimsical patterns.

• Под деревом мы нашли прохладу в тени листьев.

  Under the tree, we found cool shade in the shadow of the leaves.

2. A metaphorical representation, such as an influence, follower, or something elusive (Figurative meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• тень - Used in idiomatic expressions to denote something faint or indirect, often in literary or conversational contexts; Informal or poetic.

Usage Examples:

• Он живет в тени своего знаменитого отца, но пытается найти свой путь.

  He lives in the shadow of his famous father but is trying to find his own way.

• Тень сомнения все еще витала в ее мыслях после разговора.

  A shadow of doubt still lingered in her thoughts after the conversation.

• В политике его влияние оставалось всего лишь тенью былого величия.

  In politics, his influence remained just a shadow of its former glory.

• Тень прошлого не дает ему двигаться вперед.

  The shadow of the past prevents him from moving forward.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"тень" is a feminine noun of the third declension in Russian, which means it follows specific patterns for case, number, and agreement. It is a regular noun but exhibits typical Slavic inflections. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun does not change in the plural for some cases due to its third-declension nature, but it is relatively straightforward once the patterns are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • оттенок (ottenok) - More subtle shade, often used for color variations; Applies in artistic contexts.
  • тёмный силуэт (temnyy siluet) - Dark outline; Used when emphasizing shape over light.
• Antonyms:
  • свет (svet) - Light; Direct opposite in literal and metaphorical senses.
  • яркость (yarkost') - Brightness; Focuses on intensity of light.

Related Phrases:

• бросать тень (brosat' ten') - To cast a shadow; Often used metaphorically to mean exerting negative influence.
• в тени (v teni) - In the shadow; Refers to being out of the spotlight or protected from direct light.
• тень сомнения (ten' somneniya) - Shadow of doubt; A common idiom for uncertainty in decision-making.

Usage Notes:

"Тень" directly corresponds to the English "shadow" in both literal and figurative uses, but Russian speakers often pair it with verbs like "отбрасывать" (to cast) for dynamic contexts. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "длинная тень" for "long shadow"). In formal writing, it's versatile, but in informal speech, metaphorical uses are common in literature or everyday storytelling. If multiple translations exist, choose "тень" for general purposes unless the context demands a more specific synonym like "оттенок" for artistic shades.

Common Errors:

• Confusing the genitive form: Learners might incorrectly use "тень" instead of "тени" in phrases like "в тени дерева" (in the shadow of the tree). Correct usage: "тени" shows possession or location. Error example: "в тень дерева" (wrong); Explanation: This omits the required genitive ending, altering the meaning.

• Misapplying in metaphors: English speakers may overuse "тень" for any vague influence, but in Russian, it's better reserved for visual or emotional shadows. Error example: Using "тень" for "influence" without context; Correct: Pair with phrases like "бросать тень" for clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тень" often carries symbolic weight in literature, such as in works by Pushkin or Dostoevsky, where it represents mystery, the subconscious, or historical ghosts. For instance, in folklore, shadows can evoke themes of the supernatural, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of mysticism and introspection.

Related Concepts:

• свет (svet)
• тёмный (temnyy)
• силуэт (siluet)