Russian MiniLessons: Talk About Music

The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal its English translation.

Much of Russia’s modern music language is related to English. For example, the names of most genres can be directly translated: РокRock, РэпRap, ДжазJazz, Хип-хопHip-Hop, and even ФанкFunk and “Эмо-музыка”Emo-music. Technical terms are also very closely related (having both come from Latin roots): аранжировкаarrangement, гармонияharmony, мелодияmelody, and even половинная нотаhalf note. Of course, many of these words are not in common usage and many are technical terms that are really only known to those who follow and study music.

Among young people, a set of slang words has evolved to describe music they like:

ДрайвоваяEnergetic music (from the English “Drive.”)
ЗажигательнаяMusic that makes one feel good – (from the Russian “Зажигать”to light on fire)
ВзрывнаяMind-blowing – (from the Russian “Взрывать”to blow up)
ЧумоваяCrazy music –  (from the Russian “Чума”plague or pestilence)
“Грузон”'Downer' music – (from the Russian “Грустить”to be sad; also similar to “Грузить”to load upon.)

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