Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Blurt'

English Word: Blurt

Key Russian Translations:

• выпалить [vɨˈpalʲɪtʲ] - [Informal, Often used for spontaneous speech]
• брякнуть [ˈbrʲaknʊtʲ] - [Colloquial, Slightly derogatory or careless tone]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in conversational contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

выпалить: [vɨˈpalʲɪtʲ]

Note on выпалить: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'ы' sounds like a short, centralized vowel.

брякнуть: [ˈbrʲaknʊtʲ]

Note on брякнуть: Stress on the first syllable; the 'я' is pronounced as a soft 'ya' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To say something suddenly or without thinking (often a secret or inappropriate remark)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выпалить - Used when someone speaks impulsively, often in emotional or surprising contexts.
• брякнуть - Implies a careless or tactless remark, often with a negative connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Она выпалила правду, не подумав о последствиях.

  She blurted out the truth without thinking about the consequences.

• Он выпалил свой секрет перед всеми.

  He blurted out his secret in front of everyone.

• Зачем ты брякнул такую глупость?

  Why did you blurt out such nonsense?

• Не брякни что-нибудь лишнее на встрече.

  Don’t blurt out something unnecessary at the meeting.

• Она брякнула, что не любит его подарок.

  She blurted out that she didn’t like his gift.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

выпалить (verb, perfective): This is a perfective verb, indicating a completed action. It conjugates regularly in past, present (rare as it’s perfective), and future tenses. Key forms are shown below:

брякнуть (verb, perfective): Similarly, a perfective verb with regular conjugation. Often used in colloquial speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for выпалить/брякнуть:

• выболтать (to let slip, often a secret)
• ляпнуть (to blurt out, very colloquial and careless)

Note: 'выболтать' often implies revealing a secret, while 'ляпнуть' is closer to 'брякнуть' in its careless tone.

Antonyms:

• промолчать (to keep silent)
• утаить (to conceal)

Related Phrases:

• выпалить одним духом - "to blurt out in one breath" (to say something quickly and impulsively)
• брякнуть не подумав - "to blurt out without thinking" (to say something carelessly)

Usage Notes:

• Both 'выпалить' and 'брякнуть' are perfective verbs, meaning they describe a one-time, completed action. They are often used in past or future tense.
• 'выпалить' can be neutral or emotional, while 'брякнуть' often carries a negative connotation of tactlessness.
• These verbs are typically used in informal or conversational settings; for formal contexts, consider rephrasing (e.g., "to say unexpectedly").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'брякнуть' in formal writing or speech.
  Explanation: This verb is highly colloquial and can sound inappropriate in serious contexts. Instead, use a neutral verb like 'сказать' (to say) with an adverb like 'неожиданно' (unexpectedly).
  Incorrect: Он брякнул на собрании.
  Correct: Он неожиданно сказал на собрании.
• Error: Misusing aspect by pairing with continuous actions.
  Explanation: As perfective verbs, they cannot describe ongoing actions. Avoid using them in present tense for ongoing speech.
  Incorrect: Я выпаливаю правду каждый день.
  Correct: Я выпалил правду вчера.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, directness in speech is often valued, but tactlessness (as implied by 'брякнуть') can be frowned upon, especially in formal or sensitive situations. Blurting out something inappropriate may lead to social awkwardness, so Russians might use humor or apologies to mitigate the impact of such remarks.

Related Concepts:

• выболтать (to let slip)
• проболтаться (to spill the beans)
• откровенность (frankness)