Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trumpery'

English Word: trumpery

Key Russian Translations:

• чепуха /tʃɪˈpu.xə/ - [Informal; often used in everyday conversations to denote nonsense or worthless talk]
• ерунда /jɪˈrun.də/ - [Informal; commonly applied in casual contexts for frivolous or absurd ideas]

Frequency: Medium - These words are encountered in daily Russian speech, particularly in informal settings, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with everyday expressions; for "чепуха", it's straightforward, but "ерунда" may vary slightly in nuance, making it intermediate for learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

чепуха: /tʃɪˈpu.xə/ (The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'loch'; stress on the second syllable.)

Note on чепуха: Be mindful of the soft 'х' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to its guttural quality.

ерунда: /jɪˈrun.də/ (The 'е' is pronounced like 'ye' in 'yes'; stress on the second syllable.)

Note on ерунда: The initial 'е' can sometimes soften into a diphthong in rapid speech, varying by regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Worthless or nonsensical things (e.g., trivial, deceptive, or absurd items/ideas)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чепуха - Used in informal, everyday contexts to dismiss something as meaningless or foolish, such as in casual conversations.
• ерунда - Applied in light-hearted or critical situations to describe frivolous nonsense, often in spoken language among friends.

Usage Examples:

• Не верь этой чепухе из интернета; это всего лишь слухи.

  Don't believe this trumpery from the internet; it's just rumors.

• Его аргументы — сплошная ерунда, без каких-либо фактов.

  His arguments are pure trumpery, without any facts.

• Почему ты тратишь время на такую чепуху, когда есть важные дела?

  Why are you wasting time on such trumpery when there are important matters?

• Эта ерунда в фильме разрушила весь сюжет; чистый трюкачество.

  This trumpery in the movie ruined the entire plot; it's pure gimmickry.

• В газете публикуют чепуху, чтобы привлечь внимание читателей.

  The newspaper publishes trumpery to attract readers' attention.

Meaning 2: Showy but worthless items or deception (e.g., superficial appearances)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чепуха - In contexts involving material objects, to highlight something as flashy but valueless.
• ерунда - Less common here, but can imply deceptive nonsense in persuasive scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Этот украшение — просто чепуха, оно сломалось через неделю.

  This jewelry is just trumpery; it broke within a week.

• Не покупай эту ерунду; это не настоящее, а дешевая подделка.

  Don't buy this trumpery; it's not genuine, just cheap imitation.

• Его обещания — сплошная чепуха, без реального намерения исполнить.

  His promises are pure trumpery, without any real intention to fulfill.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "чепуха" and "ерунда" are feminine nouns in Russian, which typically follow standard declension patterns. They are invariable in plural forms but change by case in singular. Below is a table outlining key inflections:

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections but are often used in singular form. For verbs related to these concepts, learners should refer to standard Russian conjugation rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бред (bred) - More intense, implying complete absurdity.
  • вздор (vzdor) - Similar to trumpery, but often used for false ideas.
• Antonyms:
  • истина (istina) - Truth, directly opposing nonsense.
  • правда (pravda) - Fact or reality, contrasting with deceptive trumpery.

Related Phrases:

• Не нести чепуху - Don't talk nonsense; used to advise against frivolous speech.
• Полная ерунда - Complete trumpery; implies something is utterly worthless or absurd.
• Вздор и чепуха - Nonsense and trumpery; a phrase to dismiss multiple irrelevant points.

Usage Notes:

"Trumpery" corresponds closely to "чепуха" or "ерунда" in informal Russian, but choose based on context: use "чепуха" for light-hearted dismissal and "ерунда" for more emphatic frustration. Both are restricted to spoken or casual written language; in formal settings, opt for "бессмыслица" to maintain professionalism. Grammatically, these nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words, such as adjectives or verbs.

• Scene-specific: In phone conversations or debates, these words add expressiveness without aggression.
• Translation guidance: If "trumpery" implies deception, "ерунда" might be more fitting; always consider the audience's familiarity with Russian idioms.

Common Errors:

• Using "чепуха" in formal writing: English learners often mistake it for neutral vocabulary; correct usage is informal only. Error: "В отчете полная чепуха." (In the report, full trumpery.) Correct: "В отчете сплошная бессмыслица." (The report is full of nonsense.) Explanation: "Чепуха" sounds unprofessional in formal contexts.
• Misinflecting the noun: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "о чепуха" instead of "о чепухе". Error: "Я думаю о чепуха." (I think about trumpery.) Correct: "Я думаю о чепухе." Explanation: Russian requires proper declension for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "чепуха" and "ерунда" reflect a humorous or sardonic attitude toward absurdity, often rooted in Soviet-era literature where they critiqued propaganda. They embody a cultural penchant for irony, helping speakers navigate everyday frustrations without escalating conflicts.

Related Concepts:

• бред
• вздор
• бессмыслица