Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tango'

English Word: tango

Key Russian Translations:

• танго /ˈtan.ɡəʊ/ - [Neutral, used for the dance or music style]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in cultural, musical, or dance contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with loanwords and basic noun inflections, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

танго: /ˈtan.ɡəʊ/ (stressed on the first syllable; the "г" is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the "g" in "go")

Note on танго: Pronunciation may vary slightly by region; in Russian, the word retains its original Spanish/English influence, so the "o" sound is often more open. Be mindful of the soft "г" in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The dance or music style (referring to the Argentine ballroom dance and its associated music)

Translation(s) & Context:

• танго - Used in contexts related to music, dance performances, or cultural events; neutral and widely applicable in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю танцевать танго на вечеринках.

  I love to dance tango at parties. (This example shows the noun in a casual, social context.)

• Танго — это страстный танец с корнями в Аргентине.

  Tango is a passionate dance with roots in Argentina. (Illustrates the noun in a descriptive, cultural explanation.)

• В концерте прозвучит классическое танго.

  A classic tango will be played at the concert. (Demonstrates usage in a musical performance setting.)

• Она изучает историю танго как часть своего курса.

  She is studying the history of tango as part of her course. (Shows the word in an educational or academic context.)

• Танго часто сопровождается эмоциональной музыкой.

  Tango is often accompanied by emotional music. (Highlights the word in relation to its musical elements.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Танго" is a neuter noun in Russian, borrowed from English/Spanish, and it follows standard neuter noun patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is typically indeclinable in modern usage, meaning it does not change form in most cases, but can show basic inflection in certain contexts.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "танго" remains the same in most forms, which simplifies its use but requires attention to context for proper agreement with adjectives or verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • аргентинское танго (specifically for the Argentine style; implies a more detailed cultural reference)
  • танец страсти (a descriptive phrase, not exact synonym, used in poetic contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • вальс (waltz; represents a contrasting, more graceful dance style)

Related Phrases:

• Танцевать танго — To dance tango (used in social or performance contexts; implies participation in the dance).
• Классическое танго — Classic tango (refers to traditional styles; often in musical discussions).
• Танго в стиле милонга — Tango in the milonga style (a specific variation; highlights regional adaptations in dance culture).

Usage Notes:

"Танго" directly corresponds to the English "tango" as a loanword, making it straightforward for learners, but note that it's primarily used in cultural or artistic contexts rather than everyday speech. In formal writing, it remains unchanged across cases, which differs from typical Russian nouns. When choosing between translations, use "танго" for general references; for more specific styles, opt for phrases like "аргентинское танго." Be aware of its neuter gender for adjective agreement, e.g., "красивое танго" (beautiful tango).

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "танго" as a fully declinable noun and changing its form, e.g., saying "танга" in genitive case.

  Correct: Use "танго" unchanged, as in "любовь к танго" (love for tango).

  Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, altering it can sound unnatural; this mistake often stems from over-applying Russian grammar rules to foreign words.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "танец" (dance), leading to phrases like "танец танго" instead of just "танго."

  Correct: "Танго как танец" if needed for clarification.

  Explanation: "Танго" already implies a type of dance, so redundancy can make speech awkward for native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Танго" in Russian culture often evokes images of its Argentine origins, symbolizing passion, romance, and even melancholy. It gained popularity in Russia through early 20th-century influences, appearing in literature and films like those of Soviet cinema. Understanding this helps learners appreciate how "танго" represents not just a dance, but a broader emotional and historical narrative in Russian arts.

Related Concepts:

• вальс
• самба
• фокстрот