Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Blot'

English Word: blot

Key Russian Translations:

• пятно [ˈpʲatnə] - [Neutral, Common for physical stains or marks]
• клякса [ˈklʲaksə] - [Informal, Often used for ink blots]
• позор [pɐˈzor] - [Formal, Metaphorical for disgrace or stain on reputation]

Frequency: Medium (пятно - High; клякса - Medium; позор - Medium)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (пятно - A2; клякса - B1; позор - B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пятно: [ˈpʲatnə]

Note on пятно: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'я' is pronounced as a soft 'ya' sound.

клякса: [ˈklʲaksə]

Note on клякса: Stress on the first syllable. The 'к' is slightly palatalized due to the following 'ля'.

позор: [pɐˈzor]

Note on позор: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Stain or Mark

Translation(s) & Context:

• пятно - Used for stains on clothes, paper, or surfaces.
• клякса - Specifically for ink or paint blots, often in informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• На рубашке появилось пятно от кофе.

  A coffee stain appeared on the shirt.

• Ребёнок поставил кляксу на рисунке.

  The child made an ink blot on the drawing.

• Это пятно не отстирывается.

  This stain won’t wash out.

2. Metaphorical Stain (Disgrace)

Translation(s) & Context:

• позор - Used for a stain on reputation or honor, often in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот поступок - позор для всей семьи.

  This act is a disgrace to the entire family.

• Он не смог смыть позор с своего имени.

  He couldn’t wash the disgrace from his name.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пятно (Noun, Neuter): Regular declension in all cases.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	пятно	пятна
Genitive	пятна	пятен
Dative	пятну	пятнам
Accusative	пятно	пятна
Instrumental	пятном	пятнами
Prepositional	о пятне	о пятнах

клякса (Noun, Feminine): Regular declension, similar to other feminine nouns ending in -а.

позор (Noun, Masculine): Regular declension for inanimate masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for пятно:

• загрязнение (contamination, broader term)
• пятнышко (diminutive, small spot)

Synonyms for позор:

• бесчестье (dishonor, more archaic)
• стыд (shame, less intense)

Antonyms for позор:

• честь (honor)
• слава (glory)

Related Phrases:

• оставить пятно - "to leave a stain" (literal or metaphorical)
• клякса на репутации - "a blot on reputation" (informal, metaphorical)
• позор нации - "disgrace of the nation" (formal, strong expression)

Usage Notes:

• "пятно" is the most versatile and neutral term for a physical stain or spot. It can also be used metaphorically in some contexts.
• "клякса" is more specific to ink or paint blots and carries a slightly playful or informal tone, often used by or about children.
• "позор" is exclusively metaphorical and refers to disgrace or shame. It is stronger and more formal than the English "blot" in this sense.
• Be cautious when choosing between these translations, as using "позор" for a physical stain would be incorrect and confusing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "позор" to describe a physical stain. Incorrect: "На столе позор от вина." Correct: "На столе пятно от вина." (There is a wine stain on the table.) Explanation: "позор" only applies to abstract concepts like disgrace.
• Error: Using "клякса" for non-ink stains. Incorrect: "На рубашке клякса от супа." Correct: "На рубашке пятно от супа." (There is a soup stain on the shirt.) Explanation: "клякса" is specific to ink or similar substances.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "позор" (disgrace) carries significant weight, especially in historical or literary contexts. It is often tied to notions of family honor or national pride, and its usage can evoke strong emotional responses. Be mindful of this intensity when using the term.

Related Concepts:

• грязь (dirt)
• дефект (defect)
• бесчестье (dishonor)