Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'smelly'

English Word: smelly

Key Russian Translations:

• вонючий /vɐˈnut͡ɕɪj/ - [Informal, commonly used in everyday conversation for unpleasant odors]
• зловонный /zlɐˈvonːɨj/ - [Formal, often in literary or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in daily Russian speech but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "хороший" – good.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; learners at this level can handle adjective inflections and context-specific usage, though the informal tone of "вонючий" may require cultural nuance.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вонючий: /vɐˈnut͡ɕɪj/ (Note the stress on the second syllable; the "ч" sound is a soft palatal fricative, similar to the "ch" in "church".)

зловонный: /zlɐˈvonːɨj/ (Emphasize the long "н" for a nasal quality; this word has a more emphatic pronunciation in formal settings.)

Note on вонючий: Be cautious with the soft "й" at the end, which can vary slightly in rapid speech, potentially sounding like /j/ in English "yes".

Note on зловонный: This word may have a more drawn-out vowel in poetic or dramatic contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Adjective meaning having an unpleasant or foul odor.

Translation(s) & Context:

• вонючий - Used in informal, everyday situations, such as describing spoiled food or dirty environments; avoid in formal writing as it can sound vulgar.
• зловонный - Applied in more formal or literary contexts, like describing environmental pollution or historical accounts; conveys a sense of intensity or disgust.

Usage Examples:

• Эта рыба вонючая после двух дней в холодильнике.

  This fish is smelly after two days in the refrigerator.

• В старом подвале был зловонный запах, который заставил нас уйти.

  In the old basement, there was a smelly odor that made us leave.

• Его кроссовки такие вонючие, что мы не можем их носить в доме.

  His sneakers are so smelly that we can't wear them in the house.

• Зловонный туман над рекой делал прогулку невыносимой.

  The smelly fog over the river made the walk unbearable.

• Вонючий мусор на улице привлек стаю собак.

  The smelly garbage on the street attracted a pack of dogs.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "вонючий" and "зловонный" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Adjectives typically agree with the nouns they modify. "Вонючий" follows regular adjective patterns, while "зловонный" is also regular but more formal.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners, but always ensure agreement with the noun's gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пахучий (more neutral, implies any strong smell)
  • дурнопахнущий (similar to smelly, but slightly more descriptive)
• Antonyms:
  • свежий (fresh)
  • приятный (pleasant)

Explanation: "Пахучий" is a milder synonym and can be used for both positive and negative smells, while "дурнопахнущий" emphasizes negativity like "smelly".

Related Phrases:

• вонючий сыр - A phrase for "smelly cheese"; often used humorously to describe strong-smelling foods.
• зловонный воздух - Refers to "smelly air" in contexts like polluted cities; implies health hazards.
• вонючая помойка - Means "smelly dumpster"; common in everyday complaints about waste management.

Usage Notes:

"Вонючий" directly corresponds to "smelly" in informal English but should be used cautiously in Russian as it can come across as rude or vulgar in professional settings. Opt for "зловонный" when a more neutral or formal tone is needed. In Russian, adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe, so always adjust for gender and number. For example, choose "вонючий" for casual conversations but avoid it in writing or with strangers to prevent offense.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking "вонючий" as a noun: English learners might use it without a noun, e.g., saying just "вонючий" to mean "something smelly", which is incorrect. Correct usage: "Эта вещь вонючая" (This thing is smelly). Error example: "Вонючий!" (as a standalone word) vs. Correct: Pair it with a noun.
• Overusing in formal contexts: Beginners might use "вонючий" in essays or speeches, which sounds inappropriate. Instead, use "зловонный". Error: "Вонючий город" in a report. Correct: "Зловонный город".
• Ignoring inflections: Forgetting to change forms, e.g., saying "вонючий дом" for a feminine noun like "квартира" (apartment). Error: "Вонючий квартира". Correct: "Вонючая квартира".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "вонючий" are often used in humor or casual banter, especially in contexts involving food or daily life, such as complaining about public transport smells. However, they reflect a directness in Russian communication that might seem blunt to English speakers, emphasizing practicality over politeness.

Related Concepts:

• пахучий
• ароматный (often for pleasant smells)
• гнилой (rotten, related to spoiled items)