Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Anguish'

English Word: anguish

Key Russian Translations:

• страдание [strɐˈdanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common in both formal and informal contexts]
• мука [ˈmukə] - [Neutral, Often used for emotional or physical torment]
• тоска [tɐˈska] - [Informal, Often used for deep longing or melancholy]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature and emotional contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

страдание: [strɐˈdanʲɪjə]

Note on страдание: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'н' sound may be challenging for beginners.

мука: [ˈmukə]

Note on мука: Stress on the first syllable. Simple pronunciation, but note the short 'у' sound.

тоска: [tɐˈska]

Note on тоска: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' is reduced to a schwa sound in unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Severe Emotional Pain or Suffering

Translation(s) & Context:

• страдание - Used for deep emotional or psychological pain, often in serious or formal contexts.
• мука - Refers to torment or anguish, can be emotional or physical, often with a dramatic tone.

Usage Examples:

• Его страдания после потери были невыносимы.

  His anguish after the loss was unbearable.

• Она пережила муки совести из-за своего решения.

  She went through the anguish of guilt because of her decision.

• Страдания людей в те годы были огромны.

  The anguish of people in those years was immense.

2. Deep Longing or Melancholy

Translation(s) & Context:

• тоска - Often implies a sense of yearning or sadness, less intense than страдание or мука.

Usage Examples:

• Его охватила тоска по дому.

  He was overcome with anguish (longing) for home.

• В её глазах была тоска, которую невозможно описать.

  There was an anguish (melancholy) in her eyes that was impossible to describe.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

страдание (noun, neuter):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	страдание	страдания
Genitive	страдания	страданий
Dative	страданию	страданиям
Accusative	страдание	страдания
Instrumental	страданием	страданиями
Prepositional	страдании	страданиях

мука (noun, feminine): Regular declension for feminine nouns ending in -а. Plural form "муки" often used for emotional torment.

тоска (noun, feminine): Regular declension for feminine nouns ending in -а. Used only in singular for abstract emotional states.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• боль (pain, often emotional)
• горе (grief, sorrow)
• печаль (sadness, less intense)

Antonyms:

• радость (joy)
• счастье (happiness)

Note: Synonyms like "боль" and "горе" may carry slightly different nuances depending on context.

Related Phrases:

• душевные страдания - Emotional anguish/suffering.
• муки совести - Torment/anguish of conscience (guilt).
• тоска по родине - Anguish/longing for homeland.

Usage Notes:

• "Страдание" is the most neutral and versatile term for "anguish," suitable for both formal writing and speech.
• "Мука" often implies a more intense or dramatic form of anguish, frequently used in literature or emotional contexts.
• "Тоска" is less about suffering and more about longing or melancholy, often tied to nostalgia or homesickness.
• Choose the translation based on the specific emotional context—whether it’s intense suffering or a subtler sense of yearning.

Common Errors:

1. Confusing "тоска" with physical pain: English learners often misuse "тоска" for physical anguish. It is primarily emotional, often tied to longing. Use "мука" or "боль" for physical torment.

Example of error: У меня тоска в ноге. (Incorrect)

Correct usage: У меня боль в ноге. (I have pain in my leg.)

2. Overusing "страдание" in casual speech: While correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Use "тоска" for lighter emotional contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, emotional expressions like "тоска" often carry a deep, almost poetic connotation, reflecting the cultural value placed on expressing complex emotions. It is famously linked to the concept of "Russian soul" (русская душа), embodying a unique blend of melancholy and longing.

Related Concepts:

• печаль (sadness)
• скорбь (grief)
• ностальгия (nostalgia)