Is that normal?
The word "normal" is used in many European languages, although its meaning and use can vary slightly. Eg, in English "I have a normal job" means that it is OK, but not exactly a dream job. In Russian say, "I have a normal job" means that I have a very good job which I like very much. "Normal food" in Russian means very good food (like my mum makes), while in English the phrase is less positive.
Sent by: Richard
Comments
Absolutely agree with Kat. Pronounced without any "SPECIAL" intonation it would have no special meaning, the same as in other languages, not good not bad - normal.
But in light of recent linguistic influence we've got many European languages words with new Russian meaning. For example, "realjny" from the English word "real" now has "really good" jargon meaning.
Being Russian and having lived in Moscow all my life, I would like to point out that it's not exactly true. If you say "I have a normal job" it is most likely to mean what it generally means in "other European languages". But I do see your point here: sometimes it can be understood as something "above average", but it's very, very colloquial and only when said with a special emphasis to make others understand the word is not being used in its original sense. It all depends on the intonation, the tone of your voice when you say it. And I would definitely not recommend a stranger use this word in this particular sense unless they have a really good command of the Russian language.
I think the meanings are very similar, just that in English we don't use it in place of 'fine' or 'ok' as you do in Russian. Tatiana - you say in Russian, not good, not bad - normal, but in English it would be not good, not bad - just ok. It's very hard when teaching English to make students understand you can't use 'normal' in the same way because the meanings are so similar!
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