Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Applaud'

English Word: Applaud

Key Russian Translations:

• аплодировать [ɐplɐˈdʲirəvətʲ] - [Formal, Informal, Verb]
• хвалить [ˈxvalʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Often used for verbal praise]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

аплодировать: [ɐplɐˈdʲirəvətʲ]

Note on аплодировать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

хвалить: [ˈxvalʲɪtʲ]

Note on хвалить: The initial "х" is a guttural sound, not like English "h".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To clap hands in approval or appreciation

Translation(s) & Context:

• аплодировать - Used when physically clapping for a performance or speech.

Usage Examples:

• Зрители начали аплодировать после выступления.

  The audience started applauding after the performance.

• Мы аплодировали артистам стоя.

  We applauded the performers while standing.

• Все аплодировали её смелости.

  Everyone applauded her bravery.

2. To express approval or praise verbally

Translation(s) & Context:

• хвалить - Used when praising someone’s actions or qualities, not necessarily with clapping.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель хвалил её за отличные оценки.

  The teacher applauded her for excellent grades.

• Его часто хвалят за трудолюбие.

  He is often applauded for his hard work.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

аплодировать (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -овать. It is used in contexts of ongoing or repeated action.

хвалить (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation for verbs ending in -ить

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for аплодировать:

• рукоплескать (more formal and literary)

Synonyms for хвалить:

• одобрять (to approve)
• восхвалять (to extol, more emphatic)

Antonyms for хвалить:

• ругать (to scold)
• критиковать (to criticize)

Related Phrases:

• аплодировать стоя - To give a standing ovation.
• хвалить на все лады - To praise in every possible way.

Usage Notes:

• аплодировать is specifically used for physical clapping and is more literal in its connection to "applaud". It is appropriate for contexts like concerts, speeches, or performances.
• хвалить focuses on verbal praise or approval and is broader in meaning. It does not imply clapping and can be used in everyday situations to commend someone.
• Choose between the two based on whether the act of applauding is physical (clapping) or verbal (praising).

Common Errors:

• Mixing up physical and verbal applause: English learners often use аплодировать when they mean verbal praise. For example, saying "Я аплодирую твою работу" (incorrect) instead of "Я хвалю твою работу" (correct) when no clapping is involved.
• Incorrect conjugation: Beginners might forget to conjugate verbs properly, e.g., saying "Я аплодировать" instead of "Я аплодирую". Always match the verb form to the subject.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, applauding (аплодировать) is common at cultural events like theater performances or concerts, often as a sign of deep appreciation. A standing ovation (аплодировать стоя) is considered a high honor. Verbal praise (хвалить) is also culturally significant, especially in educational or professional settings, where direct commendation is valued.

Related Concepts:

• похвала (praise, noun form of хвалить)
• одобрение (approval)
• восхищение (admiration)