Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'swank'

English Word: swank

Key Russian Translations:

• шикарный /ʃɪˈkarnɨj/ - [Informal, often used for flashy or ostentatious style]
• роскошный /rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/ - [Formal, implying genuine luxury rather than showiness]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations about fashion, lifestyle, or material goods, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; involves understanding nuances of adjectives and cultural connotations. For 'шикарный', it's slightly easier for beginners; for 'роскошный', it may require intermediate grasp of formal language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шикарный: /ʃɪˈkarnɨj/

Note on шикарный: The stress falls on the second syllable ('kar'), and the 'ш' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh'. Be mindful of the vowel reductions in casual speech.

роскошный: /rɐˈskɔʂnɨj/

Note on роскошный: The 'р' is rolled, and the 'щ' is a voiceless palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Ostentatious or stylish in a showy way (adjective form, describing something flashy or pretentious)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шикарный - Used in informal contexts, such as describing fashion or events, to convey a sense of exaggerated style without substance.
• роскошный - Applied in more formal or neutral contexts, like luxury goods or high-end experiences, emphasizing genuine opulence.

Usage Examples:

• Эта вечеринка была такой шикарной, но все казалось наигранным.

  This party was so swank, but it all seemed contrived.

• Его новый костюм шикарный, но неудобный для повседневной носки.

  His new suit is swank, but impractical for everyday wear.

• Роскошный отель в Москве привлекает туристов, ищущих swank-стиль жизни.

  The swank hotel in Moscow attracts tourists seeking a luxurious lifestyle.

• Она оделась шикарно для банкета, но переиграла с аксессуарами.

  She dressed swank for the banquet but overdid it with accessories.

• Роскошный дизайн квартиры делает её идеальной для тех, кто ценит swank-атрибуты.

  The swank design of the apartment makes it perfect for those who value luxurious features.

Meaning 2: Noun form, referring to ostentatious behavior or display (less common, but possible in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шикарность - Used informally to describe the quality of being swank, often with a hint of criticism.
• роскошь - In formal contexts, referring to the act or state of being swank, but more positively.

Usage Examples:

• Его шикарность раздражала друзей на вечеринке.

  His swank annoyed his friends at the party.

• Роскошь этого события была очевидной, но она граничила с pretentious swank.

  The swank of this event was evident, but it bordered on pretentiousness.

• В русской культуре шикарность часто ассоциируется с внешним блеском.

  In Russian culture, swank is often associated with outward glamour.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'шикарный' and 'роскошный' are adjectives, which in Russian undergo declension based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives.

Note: These adjectives are regular and do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • элегантный (elegant, but more refined than showy)
  • модный (fashionable, with a focus on trends)
  • эффектный (striking, often used interchangeably with swank in casual speech)
• Antonyms:
  • скромный (modest, lacking any swank element)
  • простой (simple, directly contrasting with ostentatiousness)

Related Phrases:

• шикарная жизнь - A swank lifestyle; refers to a life of ostentation and luxury, often with a critical undertone in modern Russian contexts.
• роскошный вид - Swank view; used for describing impressive, high-end scenery, like in travel or real estate.
• быть в шикарном стиле - To be in swank style; a phrase for dressing or behaving ostentatiously, common in fashion discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Swank' translates most directly to 'шикарный' in informal settings, where it captures the English nuance of showy excess, while 'роскошный' is better for formal or positive contexts emphasizing true luxury. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they describe, which 'swank' does not require. Choose 'шикарный' for everyday, conversational use and 'роскошный' in professional or descriptive writing to avoid sounding overly casual. Be aware of cultural undertones: in Russia, these words can imply criticism if overused, especially in post-Soviet contexts where overt displays of wealth are sometimes viewed skeptically.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'шикарный' in formal contexts without proper inflection, e.g., saying "шикарный дом" when the noun requires a different case like genitive ("шикарного дома"). Correct: Always decline the adjective to match the noun's case. Explanation: This mismatch can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing for native speakers.

• Error: Confusing 'шикарный' with 'роскошный' and using them interchangeably, e.g., describing a simple event as 'роскошный' when 'шикарный' fits better. Correct: Use 'роскошный' for genuine luxury and 'шикарный' for showy appearances. Explanation: This can alter the intended meaning, making something sound more upscale than it is, leading to miscommunication in social or business settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'шикарный' often carry connotations from the Soviet era, where overt displays of wealth (or 'swank') were suppressed, leading to a modern ambivalence. Today, it might evoke irony in urban slang, reflecting a society that values understated elegance over flamboyance, especially outside major cities like Moscow.

Related Concepts:

• стильный (stylish)
• модерн (modern, in a fashionable sense)
• престижный (prestigious)