Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alas'

English Word: alas

Key Russian Translations:

• увы [ˈuvɨ] - [Formal, Informal]
• к сожалению [k səʐɨˈlʲenʲɪju] - [Formal, Often used in writing or polite speech]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "увы"; B1 (Intermediate) for "к сожалению"

Pronunciation (Russian):

увы: [ˈuvɨ]

Note on увы: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, somewhat between 'i' and 'u'.

к сожалению: [k səʐɨˈlʲenʲɪju]

Note on к сожалению: Stress falls on the fourth syllable ('le'). The phrase is often pronounced quickly in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Expression of Regret or Sorrow

Translation(s) & Context:

• увы - Used to express regret or disappointment, often in a concise or poetic manner.
• к сожалению - Literally "to regret," used more formally to express sorrow or apology for a situation.

Usage Examples:

• Увы, я не смог прийти на встречу.

  Alas, I couldn’t come to the meeting.

• Увы, время не ждет.

  Alas, time does not wait.

• К сожалению, мы не можем вам помочь.

  Alas, we cannot help you.

• К сожалению, билеты уже распроданы.

  Unfortunately, the tickets are already sold out.

• Увы, это был наш последний шанс.

  Alas, that was our last chance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

увы: This is an interjection and does not change form. It remains invariable regardless of context or grammatical structure.

к сожалению: This is a fixed phrase derived from the noun "сожаление" (regret). It is used in the dative case and does not inflect further in typical usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for увы / к сожалению:

• жаль
• к несчастью

Note: "жаль" is more versatile and can also mean "sorry" or "pity," while "к несчастью" is closer to "unfortunately" and often used in formal contexts.

Antonyms:

• к счастью
• на радость

Related Phrases:

• Увы и ах - "Alas and ah," an expressive way to lament or sigh over something (often used humorously or dramatically).
• К сожалению, ничего не поделаешь - "Unfortunately, there’s nothing to be done," a common phrase to express resignation.

Usage Notes:

• "увы" is more concise and often carries a literary or slightly dramatic tone. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts but may sound old-fashioned in casual modern speech.
• "к сожалению" is more neutral and widely used in formal or polite contexts, such as apologies or official statements. It is less emotional than "увы."
• When choosing between the two, consider the tone and formality of the situation. Use "увы" for personal or expressive contexts and "к сожалению" for professional or neutral situations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "увы" in overly formal or professional contexts. For example, saying "Увы, мы не можем подписать контракт" sounds inappropriate or sarcastic.

  Correct Usage: "К сожалению, мы не можем подписать контракт." (Unfortunately, we cannot sign the contract.)

• Error: Misplacing "к сожалению" within a sentence. It typically appears at the beginning or middle of a statement, not at the end.

  Incorrect: "Мы не можем прийти к сожалению."

  Correct: "К сожалению, мы не можем прийти."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of regret like "увы" often carry a sense of fatalism or resignation, reflecting a historical and literary tradition of accepting life’s hardships. It is frequently found in classic Russian literature (e.g., works by Pushkin or Dostoevsky), which may explain its slightly archaic tone in modern usage.

Related Concepts:

• жаль
• сожаление
• тоска