Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Amuse'

English Word: Amuse

Key Russian Translations:

• развлекать [rəzvʲɪˈkatʲ] - [Formal, Often used for entertaining someone]
• забавлять [zəˈbavlʲətʲ] - [Informal, Often used for amusing or making someone laugh]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

развлекать: [rəzvʲɪˈkatʲ]

Note on развлекать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, and 'е' is pronounced as 'ye'.

забавлять: [zəˈbavlʲətʲ]

Note on забавлять: Stress on the second syllable. The 'я' is pronounced as 'ya', and the ending softens the 'l' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To entertain or provide enjoyment

Translation(s) & Context:

• развлекать - Often used in formal or planned contexts, such as hosting or organizing entertainment.

Usage Examples:

• Он умеет развлекать гостей на вечеринках.

  He knows how to entertain guests at parties.

• Мы должны развлекать детей, пока родители заняты.

  We need to amuse the children while the parents are busy.

• Этот фильм может развлекать всю семью.

  This movie can entertain the whole family.

2. To cause laughter or light amusement

Translation(s) & Context:

• забавлять - Used in more casual settings, often implying a playful or humorous tone.

Usage Examples:

• Его шутки всегда забавляют меня.

  His jokes always amuse me.

• Котёнок забавляет нас своими играми.

  The kitten amuses us with its games.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

развлекать (Verb, Imperfective Aspect): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Often paired with perfective 'развлечь' for completed actions.

забавлять (Verb, Imperfective Aspect): Regular conjugation. Perfective form is 'забавить' (less common).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for развлекать:

• увеселять (more formal, archaic tone)
• потешать (informal, often humorous)

Synonyms for забавлять:

• смешить (specifically to make laugh)

Antonyms:

• скучать (to bore)
• надоедать (to annoy)

Related Phrases:

• развлекать публику - To entertain the audience (often used for performers).
• забавляться чем-то - To amuse oneself with something (reflexive form of забавлять).

Usage Notes:

• Aspectual Difference: Both verbs are imperfective, focusing on ongoing or repeated action. For one-time or completed actions, use perfective forms like 'развлечь'.
• Formality: 'развлекать' is more neutral and can be used in formal contexts, while 'забавлять' often carries a lighter, more playful connotation.
• Object Requirement: Both verbs typically require a direct object (whom or what is being amused), often in the accusative case.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect Aspect Usage: English speakers might use the imperfective 'развлекать' when a perfective form like 'развлечь' is needed for a completed action. Example: *Я развлекаю его вчера* (wrong) vs. Я развлёк его вчера (correct: "I amused him yesterday").
• Confusing Translations: Using 'забавлять' in formal contexts can sound inappropriate. Use 'развлекать' when unsure about the tone.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, entertaining guests ('развлекать гостей') is often associated with hospitality, a deeply ingrained value. Offering games, stories, or food to amuse others reflects warmth and care, especially during family gatherings or holidays.

Related Concepts:

• веселье (fun, merriment)
• смех (laughter)
• шутка (joke)