Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'svelte'

English Word: svelte

Key Russian Translations:

• стройный [ˈstrojnɨj] - [Formal, used for physical appearance]
• худощавый [xʊˈdoʂːəvɨj] - [Informal, emphasizes slimness without elegance]
• элегантный [ɪlʲɪˈɡantnɨj] - [Formal, focuses on grace and style]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature, fashion, and everyday descriptions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding adjective inflections; for 'стройный', it's straightforward, but for 'худощавый', nuances may require more practice)

Pronunciation (Russian):

стройный: [ˈstrojnɨj]

худощавый: [xʊˈdoʂːəvɨj]

элегантный: [ɪlʲɪˈɡantnɨj]

Note on стройный: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Note on худощавый: The 'щ' is a soft, hissing sound; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Slender and elegant in figure or form (primary sense of 'svelte').

Translation(s) & Context:

• стройный - Used in formal contexts like describing models or art, implying both slimness and proportion.
• худощавый - Applied in informal or descriptive settings, such as casual conversations about health or appearance.
• элегантный - Best for contexts involving style and poise, like fashion or social events.

Usage Examples:

• Она стройная и грациозная, как балерина. (Ona strojnaya i grasioznaya, kak balerina.)

  She is svelte and graceful, like a ballerina. (Demonstrates use in a complimentary, artistic context.)

• Его худощавый силуэт выделялся в толпе. (Yego khudoschavyy siluet vydelilsya v tolpe.)

  His svelte silhouette stood out in the crowd. (Shows informal description in a social setting.)

• В этом платье она выглядит элегантной и стройной. (V etom plat'ye ona vyglyadit elegantnoy i stroynoy.)

  In this dress, she looks svelte and elegant. (Illustrates combination with other adjectives in fashion contexts.)

• Атлеты часто бывают худощавыми для лучшей аэродинамики. (Atlety chasto byvayut khudoschavymi dlya luchshey aerodinamiki.)

  Athletes are often svelte for better aerodynamics. (Highlights practical, performance-related usage.)

• Элегантный дизайн делает эту мебель стройной и современной. (Elegantnyy dizayn delayet etu mebel' stroynoy i sovremennoy.)

  The elegant design makes this furniture svelte and modern. (Extends to inanimate objects in design contexts.)

Meaning 2: Graceful or refined in manner (less common extension of 'svelte').

Translation(s) & Context:

• элегантный - Used when emphasizing behavior or style, such as in social interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Её элегантные манеры делают её стройной в обществе. (Yeyo elegantnye manyery delayut yeyo stroynoy v obshchestve.)

  Her svelte manners make her graceful in society. (Shows metaphorical use in behavioral contexts.)

• В элегантном ресторане все выглядят худощавыми и утончёнными. (V elegantnom restorane vse vyglyadut khudoschavymi i utonchyonnymi.)

  In the svelte restaurant, everyone looks slim and refined. (Combines with setting descriptions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. 'Стройный' and 'худощавый' follow standard patterns, while 'элегантный' is less variable.

Note: These adjectives are regular and follow the standard first-declension pattern. 'Элегантный' is invariant in some loanword contexts but typically inflects as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Гибкий (gibkiy) - Flexible, often used interchangeably in physical contexts.
  • Стройный (as primary, but can imply harmony).
  • Утончённый (utonchyonnyy) - Refined, with a focus on subtlety.
• Antonyms:
  • Полный (polnyy) - Full or plump.
  • Крупный (krupnyy) - Bulky or large.

Explanation: Synonyms like 'гибкий' may emphasize adaptability, while antonyms highlight opposites in body type.

Related Phrases:

• Стройная фигура - A svelte figure (used in fitness or fashion to describe ideal body shape).
• Худощавый вид - A slim appearance (common in health discussions, implying underweight connotations).
• Элегантный силуэт - An elegant silhouette (often in design or clothing contexts for refined outlines).

Usage Notes:

'Svelte' translates most directly to 'стройный' when emphasizing both slimness and elegance, making it ideal for formal or aesthetic descriptions. In Russian, choose 'худощавый' for a more neutral or slightly negative connotation of slimness (e.g., in medical contexts). 'Элегантный' is best for behavioral or stylistic nuances. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case. For English learners, start with 'стройный' in everyday phrases to build confidence.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'стройный' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Она стройный" instead of "Она стройная" for feminine subjects.

  Correct: "Она стройная" - Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender; this mistake often stems from English's lack of gender markers.

• Error: Confusing 'худощавый' with 'стройный', using it in positive contexts where it might imply unhealthiness.

  Correct: Opt for 'стройный' in compliments; Explanation: 'Худощавый' can sound critical, so context matters to avoid unintended negativity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'стройный' often appear in literature and media to idealize beauty, influenced by historical art forms like ballet. This reflects a cultural appreciation for harmony and proportion, as seen in figures like Anna Pavlova, emphasizing grace over mere slimness.

Related Concepts:

• Гармоничный (garmonichnyy)
• Грациозный (grasioznyy)
• Атлетичный (atletichnyy)