Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'transfigure'

English Word: transfigure

Key Russian Translations:

• преобразить /prʲɪɐbraˈzʲitʲ/ - [Formal, Literary]
• трансфигурировать /trænsfɪɡʊˈrɪrəvætʲ/ - [Formal, Technical, Rare; Used in scientific or philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, religious, and artistic contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Involves understanding verb aspects and conjugations, which can be challenging for learners. For 'трансфигурировать', it may be C1 due to its rarity and borrowed nature.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

преобразить: /prʲɪɐbraˈzʲitʲ/ (Stress on the third syllable; Note the soft 'р' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.)

трансфигурировать: /trænsfɪɡʊˈrɪrəvætʲ/ (Influenced by English loanword; Pronounce with a clear 'т' and rolling 'р' for authenticity.)

Note on преобразить: The 'з' sound softens to 'зʲ' before 'и', making it sound more fluid. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To change the appearance or form of something, especially in a supernatural or profound way

Translation(s) & Context:

• преобразить - Used in literary, religious, or metaphorical contexts, such as describing a spiritual transformation.
• трансфигурировать - Applied in more technical or modern contexts, like in psychology or art theory.

Usage Examples:

• В религиозной иконе Христос преобразил свой облик на горе Фавор.

  In the religious icon, Christ transfigured his appearance on Mount Tabor.

• Художник смог преобразить обычный пейзаж в шедевр с помощью света и цвета.

  The artist was able to transfigure an ordinary landscape into a masterpiece using light and color.

• В сказке волшебник трансфигурировал лягушку в принцессу одним заклинанием.

  In the fairy tale, the wizard transfigured a frog into a princess with a single spell.

• Музыка преобразила атмосферу вечера, делая её более мистической и вдохновляющей.

  The music transfigured the evening's atmosphere, making it more mystical and inspiring.

• Учёный попытался трансфигурировать простые элементы в новые вещества в лаборатории.

  The scientist attempted to transfigure simple elements into new substances in the laboratory.

To metaphorically transform or elevate something

Translation(s) & Context:

• преобразить - Common in everyday metaphorical speech, such as personal growth or change.

Usage Examples:

• Её улыбка преобразила весь день, превратив грусть в радость.

  Her smile transfigured the entire day, turning sadness into joy.

• Путешествие преобразило его взгляд на жизнь, сделав его более открытым миру.

  The journey transfigured his view of life, making him more open to the world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Преобразить' is a perfective verb (imperfective counterpart: преобразовывать). It follows standard Russian verb conjugation patterns for the first conjugation group. Below is a table of its key inflections:

'Трансфигурировать' follows similar patterns but is less common and may not inflect as regularly due to its borrowed status; it remains uninflected in some informal uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: изменить (to change, more general), переделать (to remake, with a focus on reconstruction)
• Note: 'Изменить' is more neutral and everyday, while 'переделать' implies physical alteration.
• Antonyms: оставить (to leave unchanged), не трогать (to not touch or alter)

Related Phrases:

• Духовное преобразование - A spiritual transfiguration, often used in religious contexts to describe inner change.
• Преобразить мир - To transfigure the world, a phrase in philosophical discussions about societal change.
• Визуальное преобразование - Visual transfiguration, common in art and design for describing transformations in appearance.

Usage Notes:

'Преобразить' is the most direct and idiomatic translation for 'transfigure' in Russian, especially for supernatural or metaphorical changes, and is preferred in formal writing. It corresponds closely to the English verb's aspectual nature (perfective). Use 'трансфигурировать' for borrowed or technical contexts, but it's less common and may sound overly literal. Be mindful of verb aspects: pair it with imperfective forms for ongoing actions. In spoken Russian, synonyms like 'изменить' might be used for simplicity, but they lack the profound connotation of 'transfigure'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'преобразить' with 'изменить' and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: Я изменил свой внешний вид (intended as transfigure). Correct: Я преобразил свой внешний вид. Explanation: 'Изменить' is more general and doesn't convey the transformative depth.
• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying 'преобразилы' instead of 'преобразили' for plural past tense. Incorrect: Они преобразилы дом. Correct: Они преобразили дом. Explanation: Russian verbs must agree in number and gender, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'преобразить' is often linked to Orthodox Christian traditions, such as the Transfiguration of Jesus (Преображение Господне), a major feast day. This adds a layer of spiritual and historical significance, emphasizing transformation as a divine or enlightenment process, which differs from its more secular use in English.

Related Concepts:

• метаморфоза
• трансформация
• преображение