Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vaudeville'

English Word: vaudeville

Key Russian Translations:

• ваудевиль /vaʊdəˈvɪl/ - [Formal; used in contexts of theater and history]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's primarily found in literary, historical, or theatrical discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2; English speakers may find it straightforward due to its borrowed status, but understanding its cultural context requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and theater terminology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ваудевиль: /vaʊdəˈvɪl/

Note on ваудевиль: The pronunciation closely mirrors the English original, with emphasis on the second syllable. Be mindful of the Russian "в" sound, which is like a soft "v", and the stress on "де" to avoid common mispronunciations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A type of theatrical entertainment featuring variety acts, comedy, and music, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ваудевиль - Used in formal or historical contexts to describe stage performances similar to English vaudeville, often in discussions of theater history or cultural events.

Usage Examples:

• Ваудевиль был популярен в Европе в XIX веке, где актёры демонстрировали смешные скетчи и песни.

  Vaudeville was popular in Europe in the 19th century, where actors performed funny sketches and songs.

• Современные шоу иногда вдохновлены традициями ваудевиля, включая юмор и акробатику.

  Modern shows are sometimes inspired by vaudeville traditions, including humor and acrobatics.

• В музее театра есть экспонаты, посвящённые истории ваудевиля в России.

  In the theater museum, there are exhibits dedicated to the history of vaudeville in Russia.

• Актёры ваудевиля часто импровизировали, чтобы удерживать внимание публики.

  Vaudeville actors often improvised to hold the audience's attention.

• Ваудевиль как жанр эволюционировал, сочетая элементы комедии и музыки в одном выступлении.

  Vaudeville as a genre evolved, combining elements of comedy and music in a single performance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ваудевиль" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from French via English. It follows the standard declension pattern for third-declension masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less common, as this term is often used in singular to refer to the genre as a whole.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • развлекательное шоу (razvlekatel'noye show) - A general term for entertaining performances, often with a lighter tone.
  • варьете (varyete) - Similar to vaudeville, emphasizing variety acts; differs by being more modern and international.
• Antonyms:
  • трагедия (tragediya) - Refers to serious, dramatic theater, contrasting with the comedic nature of vaudeville.
  • драма (drama) - A broader term for serious plays, highlighting emotional depth over entertainment.

Related Phrases:

• Традиции ваудевиля (Traditsii vaudeviya) - Traditions of vaudeville; used in cultural discussions to refer to historical performance styles.
• Шоу в стиле ваудевиля (Shou v stile vaudeviya) - Show in the style of vaudeville; common in modern entertainment contexts.
• Актёры ваудевиля (Akteory vaudeviya) - Actors of vaudeville; refers to performers in this genre, with an emphasis on versatility.

Usage Notes:

This Russian translation directly corresponds to the English "vaudeville" as a borrowed term, making it ideal for historical or theatrical contexts. It is typically used in formal writing or discussions rather than casual speech. When choosing this word, ensure the context involves entertainment history; for modern equivalents, "варьете" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires adjectives and verbs to agree in gender, number, and case (e.g., "этот ваудевиль" for "this vaudeville"). Avoid overusing it in everyday language, as it may sound archaic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as "ваудевил" without the correct stress, leading to confusion with other words.

  Correct: /vaʊdəˈvɪl/ with stress on the second syllable. Explanation: Russian stress patterns can differ from English, so practice with native audio to avoid altering the word's perceived meaning.

• Error: Using it interchangeably with "варьете" in all contexts.

  Correct: Reserve "ваудевиль" for historical references; "варьете" for contemporary variety shows. Explanation: This distinction prevents inaccuracies in cultural discussions and ensures precise communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ваудевиль" reflects the influence of Western European theater traditions, particularly from France and the United States, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It symbolizes a lighter, more accessible form of entertainment amid Russia's own rich theatrical history, such as the works of Chekhov or the Moscow Art Theatre. Understanding this term can help English speakers appreciate how global cultural exchanges shaped Russian performing arts.

Related Concepts:

• варьете
• кабаре
• театральное искусство
• музыкальный театр