Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'backbreaking'

English Word: backbreaking

Key Russian Translations:

• изнурительный [iznuriˈtʲelnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• тяжёлый [tʲɪˈʒolɨj] - [Neutral, Adjective, Often used for physical labor]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

изнурительный: [iznuriˈtʲelnɨj]

Note on изнурительный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the 'р' sound is rolled.

тяжёлый: [tʲɪˈʒolɨj]

Note on тяжёлый: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ё' is always stressed and pronounced as 'yo'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physically exhausting or demanding

Translation(s) & Context:

• изнурительный - Often used for work or tasks that are extremely tiring, both physically and mentally.
• тяжёлый - Commonly used to describe hard, laborious physical work.

Usage Examples:

• Работа на стройке была изнурительной.

  The work at the construction site was backbreaking.

• Этот тяжёлый труд сломал его здоровье.

  This backbreaking labor ruined his health.

• Изнурительный поход в горы длился три дня.

  The backbreaking hike in the mountains lasted three days.

• Тяжёлая работа в поле требует большой выносливости.

  Backbreaking work in the field requires great endurance.

• После изнурительного дня он едва мог двигаться.

  After a backbreaking day, he could barely move.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

изнурительный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

тяжёлый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above, with the stressed 'ё' retained in all forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for изнурительный:

• утомительный (exhausting, more neutral)
• изматывающий (draining, often informal)

Synonyms for тяжёлый:

• трудный (difficult, broader usage)
• нелёгкий (not easy, often for effort)

Antonyms for both:

• лёгкий (easy, light)
• простой (simple)

Related Phrases:

• изнурительный труд - Backbreaking labor (used for extremely tiring work).
• тяжёлая работа - Hard, backbreaking work (common for physical tasks).
• изнурительный день - A backbreaking day (refers to an exhausting day).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "изнурительный" when emphasizing exhaustion (physical or mental). Use "тяжёлый" for physical heaviness or difficulty, especially in labor contexts.
• Register: "изнурительный" sounds more formal or literary, while "тяжёлый" is neutral and widely used in everyday speech.
• Grammar: Both are adjectives and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect word choice: English learners might use "тяжёлый" in non-physical contexts (e.g., "тяжёлая беседа" for a tough conversation is correct, but not for "backbreaking"). Correct usage: Stick to "изнурительный" for metaphorical exhaustion if needed.
• Pronunciation error: Misplacing stress in "изнурительный" (correct: third syllable) or pronouncing "ё" as "e" in "тяжёлый." Correct: Always stress "ё" as "yo."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "тяжёлый труд" (backbreaking labor) is often associated with historical narratives of hard physical work, such as farming or industrial labor during Soviet times. It carries a sense of endurance and resilience, which is a valued trait in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• труд (labor, work)
• усталость (fatigue)
• выносливость (endurance)