Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bolster'

English Word: bolster

Key Russian Translations:

• укреплять [ʊkrʲeˈplʲætʲ] - [Verb, Formal, Used in contexts of strengthening or supporting structures, ideas, or arguments]
• поддерживать [pədˈdʲerʒʲɪvətʲ] - [Verb, Informal or Neutral, Used for ongoing support or reinforcement in everyday or professional settings]
• валик [ˈvalʲɪk] - [Noun, Masculine, Refers specifically to a bolster as a long pillow or cushion]

Frequency: Medium (The verb forms like 'укреплять' and 'поддерживать' appear regularly in written and spoken Russian, especially in news, business, and technical contexts, but 'валик' is less common in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 for verbs (Intermediate, as they involve basic conjugation but require context understanding); B2 for 'валик' (Upper-Intermediate, due to its specific noun usage and less frequent occurrence).

Pronunciation (Russian):

укреплять: [ʊkrʲeˈplʲætʲ]

поддерживать: [pədˈdʲerʒʲɪvətʲ]

валик: [ˈvalʲɪk]

Note on укреплять: The stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be tricky for English speakers; variations in informal speech may soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Verb: To support or strengthen (e.g., bolstering an argument or structure)

Translation(s) & Context:

• укреплять - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as military, construction, or metaphorical support (e.g., bolstering morale).
• поддерживать - Applied in everyday situations for ongoing assistance or reinforcement, like supporting a team or idea.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство укрепляет экономику новыми реформами.

  The government is bolstering the economy with new reforms.

• Мы должны поддерживать друг друга в трудные времена.

  We must bolster each other during tough times.

• Эта стратегия поможет укреплять позиции компании на рынке.

  This strategy will help bolster the company's position in the market.

• Он продолжает поддерживать свою команду, несмотря на трудности.

  He keeps bolstering his team despite the difficulties.

• Чтобы укреплять здоровье, нужно регулярно заниматься спортом.

  To bolster health, one needs to exercise regularly.

Noun: A long pillow or cushion for support

Translation(s) & Context:

• валик - Used in domestic or descriptive contexts, such as bedding or furniture.

Usage Examples:

• На кровати лежит мягкий валик для удобства.

  There's a soft bolster on the bed for comfort.

• Валик под голову помогает лучше спать.

  The bolster under the head helps for better sleep.

• Этот валик сделан из натурального материала.

  This bolster is made from natural materials.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'укреплять' (verb, first conjugation): This is an imperfective verb that follows regular patterns. It changes based on tense, aspect, person, and number. Below is a conjugation table for present tense:

For 'поддерживать' (verb, similar to 'укреплять'): Also imperfective and regular, with similar conjugation patterns. Past tense example: поддерживал (he supported).

For 'валик' (noun, masculine, inanimate): It declines regularly in cases. It is invariant in plural for most uses but changes in cases:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • усилить (usilit') - More intense, often for one-time strengthening.
  • подкрепить (podkreopit') - Similar to 'bolster' but with a focus on backing up with evidence.
  • подушка (podushka) - For the noun form, as a general pillow synonym.
• Antonyms:
  • ослабить (oslabit') - To weaken or undermine.
  • уничтожить (unichtozhit') - To destroy, especially in contexts of structures.

Related Phrases:

• укреплять позиции - To bolster positions (e.g., in business or military contexts; means strengthening strategic advantages).
• поддерживать связь - To maintain contact (similar to bolstering relationships; implies ongoing support).
• валик для шеи - Bolster for the neck (a common phrase in health or bedding; refers to supportive cushions for comfort).

Usage Notes:

'Укреплять' is the more precise translation for 'bolster' in formal or action-oriented contexts, while 'поддерживать' suits ongoing or emotional support. For the noun 'bolster', 'валик' is idiomatic in Russian but less common; prefer it in descriptive settings like interior design. Be mindful of aspect: Russian verbs often distinguish perfective (completed action) and imperfective (ongoing), so pair with appropriate forms. When choosing between translations, consider the context—formal writing favors 'укреплять', while casual speech uses 'поддерживать'.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'укреплять' with 'усилить': Learners might use 'усилить' (perfective) when 'bolster' implies ongoing action, e.g., Incorrect: "Я усилю экономику" (implies a one-time boost); Correct: "Я укрепляю экономику" (ongoing bolstering). Explanation: Russian aspect is key—match to the English verb's nuance.
• Misdeclining 'валик': English speakers often forget case changes, e.g., Incorrect: "Я взял валик" (correct, accusative); but in genitive: Incorrect: "Я взял валика" (wrong form); Correct: "Без валика" (genitive: without the bolster). Explanation: Always adjust for Russian case based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like 'укреплять дух' (bolstering spirit) often tie into historical resilience, such as during wartime or economic hardships, reflecting Russia's emphasis on endurance and collective support in literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• усиление
• поддержка
• подушка