Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'skinny'

English Word: skinny

Key Russian Translations:

• худой [ˈxudəj] - [Informal, often implies being unhealthily thin]
• стройный [ˈstrojnɨj] - [Formal, suggests slim and attractive, less negative connotation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations about appearance, but not as high-frequency as basic adjectives like "big" or "small")

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward for beginners, but nuances in connotation may require intermediate understanding)

Pronunciation (Russian):

худой: [ˈxudəj]

стройный: [ˈstrojnɨj]

Note on худой: The initial "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch"; be careful with the stress on the first syllable. Variations may occur in dialects.

Note on стройный: Pronounce the "ы" as a high central vowel, which can be tricky for English speakers; it sounds somewhat like a softened "i".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Describing a person or thing as thin or slender (physical appearance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• худой - Used in informal contexts to describe someone who is very thin, often with a neutral or slightly negative implication (e.g., in casual conversations about health or fashion).
• стройный - Used in more formal or positive contexts, such as describing models or athletes, emphasizing elegance rather than frailty.

Usage Examples:

• Она такая худой, что её одежда висит на ней, как на вешалке.

  She is so skinny that her clothes hang on her like on a hanger. (This example shows the word in a descriptive, everyday context, highlighting physical appearance.)

• Мой брат стал стройным после того, как начал бегать каждое утро.

  My brother became skinny after he started running every morning. (Here, "стройный" is used positively, in a health-related context.)

• В модных журналах часто показывают худых моделей на подиуме.

  Fashion magazines often feature skinny models on the runway. (This illustrates "худой" in a cultural or media context, potentially with critical undertones.)

• Её стройная фигура делает её идеальной для балета.

  Her skinny figure makes her ideal for ballet. (This uses "стройный" to show a graceful, professional application.)

• Не будь худой, ешь больше фруктов и овощей!

  Don't be skinny; eat more fruits and vegetables! (This example demonstrates imperative use in advice-giving scenarios.)

Meaning 2: Slang for inside information or details (e.g., "the skinny on something")

Translation(s) & Context:

• информация (informatsiya) - Used in informal contexts to mean inside scoop or details, though not a direct one-word match for "skinny".
• подробности (podrobnosti) - More neutral, for detailed information in everyday or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Дай мне всю информацию о новом проекте; я хочу знать все подробности.

  Give me the skinny on the new project; I want to know all the details. (This shows "информация" in a conversational, inquisitive context.)

• Он всегда имеет подробности о последних новостях в городе.

  He always has the skinny on the latest news in town. (Here, "подробности" is used for gossip or updates.)

• Что ты слышал? Расскажи мне информацию о вечеринке.

  What have you heard? Give me the skinny on the party. (This example highlights informal, social usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "худой" and "стройный" are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for most cases.

For "худой" (irregular in some forms due to its root):

For "стройный" (more regular):

Note: These adjectives do not change for verbs but must agree with nouns in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Тощий (toschiy) - Similar to худой, but more emphatic for extreme thinness.
  • Сухой (sukhoy) - Often used for lean or wiry, with a connotation of toughness.
• Antonyms:
  • Толстый (tolstiy) - Fat or overweight.
  • Полный (polnyy) - Full-figured or plump.

Related Phrases:

• Худой как щепка (khudoy kak shchepka) - As skinny as a splinter; means extremely thin. (This idiom emphasizes frailty in humorous or critical contexts.)
• Стройная фигура (stroynaya figura) - Slim figure; commonly used in fashion or fitness discussions. (Refers to an attractive, balanced slimness.)
• Быть в хорошей форме, но не худым (byt' v khoroshey forme, no ne khudym) - To be in good shape but not skinny; highlights the balance between fitness and health. (Used in health advice.)

Usage Notes:

"Худой" directly translates to "skinny" but often carries a negative connotation in Russian, implying unhealthiness, whereas "стройный" is more positive and akin to "slender" in English. Choose based on context: use "худой" for casual, everyday descriptions and "стройный" for formal or complimentary ones. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case. For the slang meaning of "skinny" as information, "информация" is a safer, more neutral choice in professional settings.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "худой" interchangeably with "стройный" without considering connotation. For example, saying "Она стройная" when meaning negatively thin might sound complimentary. Correct: Use "худой" for negative contexts. Explanation: Russian speakers distinguish based on implied judgment, so context matters.
• Mistake: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "худой женщина" instead of "худая женщина". Correct: "Худая женщина" (feminine form). Explanation: This is a common grammar error for English learners due to English's lack of agreement rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "худой" can reflect societal attitudes toward body image, often tied to historical contexts like post-Soviet shortages where being thin was associated with hardship. Conversely, "стройный" aligns with ideals of beauty in media, similar to Western standards, but with a emphasis on harmony and grace in traditional Russian art and literature.

Related Concepts:

• Тощий
• Фигура (figura)
• Подробности