живопи́сный
živopísnyj
The English word 'scenic' can be translated into Russian as живопи́сный (živopísnyj). Wiktionary also lists краси́вый (krasívyj).
Meaning: having beautiful scenery (adj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| живопи́сный | živopísnyj |
| краси́вый | krasívyj |
What does it mean word for word?
The word живопи́сный is derived from the root живопись, which means 'painting'. In a literal sense, it describes something that is picturesque.
Which one should you use?
While both живопи́сный and краси́вый can be translated as 'beautiful', живопи́сный specifically implies a view or landscape that looks like a painting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is живопи́сная, used for feminine nouns like местность (area/locality) and the plural form is живопи́сные, used for multiple scenic objects or places.
How do you pronounce it?
živopísnyj
Did you know?
- The word живопись is formed from живо meaning 'alive' and пись meaning 'writing', reflecting an ancient view of painting as 'living writing'.
- In Russian, the word краси́вый shares a root with the verb краси́ть, which means 'to paint' or 'to color'.
- A Russian speaker may avoid живопи́сный when talking about a road or a drive, opting instead for краси́вый. This is because живопи́сный implies a static, framed composition like a canvas.
Examples in context
- Это место выглядит живописным в любое время года.This place looks scenic throughout the year.
- Из окна нашего номера открывается панорамный вид на горы.The window of our room offers a panoramic view of the mountains.
- У нас в городе есть красивая набережная.We have a scenic promenade in our city.
- живопи́сный видScenic view
Example conversation
Andrey and Anastasia are planning a trip to the mountains.
- Андрей AndreyАнастасия, давай поедем по этой дороге.Anastasiya, davay poyedem po etoy doroge.Anastasia, let's take this road.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПочему? Она намного длиннее.Pochemu? Ona namnogo dlinnee.Why? It is much longer.
- Андрей AndreyЗато этот путь очень живопи́сный.Zato etot putș ochenș pivisnyy.But this path is very scenic.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, тогда поехали так.Khorosho, togda poyekhali tak.Okay, let's go that way then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scenic” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
