красавица
krasavitsa
In Russian, 'beautiful woman' is expressed as красавица (krasavitsa).
The term красавица is a noun used to describe a woman who is physically attractive. Unlike an adjective that modifies a noun, красавица functions as a single unit to refer to a 'beauty' or a beautiful woman.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root краса, which means 'beauty' or 'loveliness'.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the noun and the adjective. While красавица is a noun meaning 'a beauty', the adjective used to say 'beautiful' is красивая.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. For example, the plural form is красавицы. When the word is the direct object of a sentence, it changes to the accusative form красавицу.
How do you pronounce it?
krasavitsa
Did you know?
- While красавица refers to a beauty, the root word краса is closely linked to the ancient Slavic word for 'red', which was historically the most prized color for beauty and luxury.
- Calling a woman красавица can be used as a friendly, slightly flirtatious greeting or a way to get a woman's attention even if you do not know her name.
- Russian has a masculine counterpart, красавец, which can be used for a handsome man or even a magnificent object like a sturdy building or a fine horse.
Examples in context
- Ты красавица.You're a beautiful woman.This sentence is useful for showing how to say 'You're a beautiful woman' using красавица.Tatoeba #2611310 by Olya, translation #2045768 by CK
- Анна, ты настоящая красотка! Глаза у тебя просто чудесные!Anna, you're a real beauty! Your eyes are simply wonderful!
- Она настоящая красавица.Ona nastoyashchaya krasavitsa.She is a true beauty.
- Эта красавица улыбается мне.Eta krasavitsa ulybayetsya mne.This beautiful woman is smiling at me.
Example conversation
Alexander and Anastasia are talking at a cafe.
- Александр AleksandrАнастасия, ты сегодня просто красавица!Anastasiya, ty segodnya prosto krasavitsa!Anastasia, you are just a beauty today!
- Анастасия AnastasiaСпасибо, Александр, мне очень приятно.Spasibo, Aleksandr, mne ochen' priyatno.Thank you, Alexander, that is very kind of you.
- Александр AleksandrТебе очень идет это платье.Tebe ochen' idet eto plat'ye.That dress looks very good on you.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы всегда умеешь сделать комплимент.Ty vsegda umeyesh' sdelat' kompliment.You always know how to give a compliment.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
