Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tragic'

English Word: tragic

Key Russian Translations:

• трагический /trəˈɡʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/ - [Formal, Literary]
• трагична /trəˈɡʲit͡ɕnə/ - [Formal, Feminine form]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, media, and everyday discussions of unfortunate events)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections, but not overly complex for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трагический: /trəˈɡʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/

Note on трагический: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ɡʲit͡ɕ"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'г' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to tragedy in literature, theater, or dramatic events.

Translation(s) & Context:

• трагический - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe events, characters, or works involving profound sorrow or inevitable downfall, often in arts and culture.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В классической литературе трагический герой часто сталкивается с неизбежной судьбой.

  English translation: In classical literature, the tragic hero often faces an inevitable fate.

• Русский пример: Трагическая пьеса Шекспира "Гамлет" исследует темы предательства и мести.

  English translation: Shakespeare's tragic play "Hamlet" explores themes of betrayal and revenge.

• Русский пример: В истории России трагические события революции оставили глубокий след.

  English translation: In Russian history, the tragic events of the revolution left a deep mark.

• Русский пример: Трагический финал фильма заставил зрителей размышлять о жизни.

  English translation: The tragic ending of the film made viewers reflect on life.

Meaning 2: Causing great sadness, distress, or disaster in everyday contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• трагический - Applied in informal or emotional discussions to describe heartbreaking situations, such as accidents or personal losses.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Авария на дороге была трагической, унесшей жизни нескольких человек.

  English translation: The road accident was tragic, claiming several lives.

• Русский пример: Для семьи потеря дома в пожаре стала трагической утратой.

  English translation: For the family, losing their home in a fire was a tragic loss.

• Русский пример: Трагическая новость о пандемии потрясла весь мир.

  English translation: The tragic news about the pandemic shook the whole world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Трагический" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: For other forms like "трагична", it follows similar inflection patterns but adjusts for feminine gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: драматический (more dramatic, less fatalistic), печальный (sad, melancholic) - "Драматический" is often used in theatrical contexts, while "печальный" emphasizes emotional sorrow.
• Antonyms: счастливый (happy), радостный (joyful)

Related Phrases:

• трагическая судьба - Refers to a tragic fate or destiny, often in storytelling or personal narratives.
• трагический исход - Means a tragic outcome, commonly used in discussions of events or conflicts.
• трагическая ирония - Describes tragic irony, a literary device where the outcome is ironically unfortunate.

Usage Notes:

"Трагический" directly corresponds to the English "tragic" in both literal (e.g., theatrical) and figurative (e.g., emotional) senses, but it is more commonly used in formal or written Russian. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which can affect word choice in sentences. For informal contexts, consider alternatives like "ужасный" (awful) if the emphasis is on shock rather than profound sadness. When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "трагический" for literary or historical events, and "печальный" for everyday emotional descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "трагический" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "трагический женщина" instead of "трагическая женщина" (tragic woman). Correct: Always ensure agreement, as in "трагическая женщина". Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this error stems from English's lack of inflection.
• Mistake: Confusing with "трагедия" (noun for tragedy), leading to misuse like "Это трагический" instead of "Это трагедия". Correct: Use "трагический" as an adjective only, e.g., "Это трагическая ситуация". Explanation: Learners often mix parts of speech, so clarify the context first.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "трагический" are heavily influenced by literary traditions, particularly from authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, who often depicted tragic heroes in their works. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on fate, suffering, and redemption in Russian literature and history, such as in the context of revolutions or wars, making the word resonate deeply in discussions of national identity.

Related Concepts:

• Драма
• Комедия
• Катastrofa (for disastrous events)