Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'showy'

English Word: showy

Key Russian Translations:

• показной [pəˈkaznəj] - [Informal, often used for ostentatious or superficial display]
• эффектный [ɪˈfʲɛktnɨj] - [Formal, emphasizing striking or impressive appearance]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in descriptions of fashion, events, or behavior)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective inflections and contextual nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

показной: [pəˈkaznəj]

Note on показной: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers due to its palatalization.

Audio: []

эффектный: [ɪˈfʲɛktnɨj]

Note on эффектный: The initial 'э' is pronounced as a short 'e', and the 'ф' is a voiceless labiodental fricative; common in formal contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Attracting attention through flashy or ostentatious qualities (e.g., in fashion or appearance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• показной - Used in informal contexts to describe something that is superficially impressive but lacks substance, such as flashy jewelry in social settings.
• эффектный - Applied in formal or artistic contexts, like describing a dramatic stage performance.

Usage Examples:

• Её платье было слишком показным для скромной вечеринки. (Her dress was too showy for the modest party.)

  Translation: Her dress was too showy for the modest party.

• Этот эффектный дизайн интерьера привлекает всеобщее внимание. (This showy interior design attracts everyone's attention.)

  Translation: This showy interior design attracts everyone's attention.

• В модном шоу модели демонстрировали показные наряды, полные блеска и ярких цветов. (In the fashion show, models displayed showy outfits full of glitter and bright colors.)

  Translation: In the fashion show, models displayed showy outfits full of glitter and bright colors.

• Эффектный автомобиль на парковке выглядел как из фильма. (The showy car in the parking lot looked like it was from a movie.)

  Translation: The showy car in the parking lot looked like it was from a movie.

• Его показной стиль речи часто маскирует отсутствие реального знания. (His showy speaking style often masks a lack of real knowledge.)

  Translation: His showy speaking style often masks a lack of real knowledge.

Meaning 2: Excessively decorative or flamboyant in a way that seems artificial

Translation(s) & Context:

• показной - Common in everyday conversations about behavior or objects that are overly flashy, often with a negative connotation.
• эффектный - Less negative, used for positive descriptions in creative fields like art or design.

Usage Examples:

• Показной юмор комика не всегда заходит у аудитории. (The showy humor of the comedian doesn't always land with the audience.)

  Translation: The showy humor of the comedian doesn't always land with the audience.

• Эффектный фон в презентации сделал её более запоминающейся. (The showy background in the presentation made it more memorable.)

  Translation: The showy background in the presentation made it more memorable.

• Его показной жест был рассчитан на публику. (His showy gesture was calculated for the audience.)

  Translation: His showy gesture was calculated for the audience.

• В театре эффектный костюм актера подчеркивал его роль. (In the theater, the showy costume of the actor highlighted his role.)

  Translation: In the theater, the showy costume of the actor highlighted his role.

• Показной богатством дом не всегда отражает истинное благополучие. (A showy display of wealth in the house doesn't always reflect true prosperity.)

  Translation: A showy display of wealth in the house doesn't always reflect true prosperity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "показной" and "эффектный" are adjectives in Russian, which typically follow standard adjectival inflections based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and have short and long forms, though long forms are more common in modern usage.

Note: These adjectives follow regular patterns without irregularities, but always ensure agreement in gender, number, and case with the governing noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Кричащий (more intense, often negative connotation)
  • Яркий (bright or vivid, with a positive spin in creative contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Скромный (modest, understated)
  • Простой (simple, unpretentious)

Related Phrases:

• Показной блеск - Flashy glitter; often used to describe superficial attractiveness in material things.
• Эффектный эффект - Showy impact; a phrase for dramatic visual or emotional effects in performances.
• Быть показным - To be showy; implies acting ostentatiously in social situations.

Usage Notes:

"Showy" in English often carries a neutral or slightly negative tone, similar to "показной" in Russian, which is best used for contexts involving artificiality. Opt for "эффектный" when the intention is positive, such as in artistic descriptions. Be mindful of gender and case agreements, as Russian adjectives must match their nouns. In formal writing, "эффектный" is preferred, while "показной" fits casual conversations. When choosing between translations, consider the context: if the "showy" element feels insincere, go with "показной".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "показной" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "показной женщина" instead of "показная женщина". Correct: Always inflect to match the noun's gender (feminine in this case). Explanation: This stems from English speakers overlooking Russian's agreement rules, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing "показной" with "показать" (to show), e.g., using it as a verb. Correct: "Показной" is an adjective; for actions, use verbs like "показывать". Explanation: The similarity in roots can mislead learners, so focus on part of speech.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "показной" often reflect a societal value for modesty over ostentation, influenced by historical contexts such as Soviet-era simplicity. For instance, in literature like Chekhov's works, "showy" behaviors are critiqued as bourgeois, helping users understand the subtle cultural disdain for excessive display in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• Яркий
• Кричащий
• Скромный