Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bowels'

English Word: Bowels

Key Russian Translations:

• кишки [ˈkʲiʂkʲi] - [Plural, Informal, Anatomical]
• внутренности [vnʊˈtrʲenːəsʲtʲi] - [Plural, Formal, Anatomical]
• недра [ˈnʲedrə] - [Plural, Literary, Figurative (e.g., 'bowels of the earth')]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like anatomy or literature)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies by translation and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кишки: [ˈkʲiʂkʲi]

Note on кишки: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ш' sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English 'sh'.

внутренности: [vnʊˈtrʲenːəsʲtʲi]

Note on внутренности: Stress on the second syllable. The double 'н' indicates a slightly prolonged sound.

недра: [ˈnʲedrə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Anatomical Sense (Intestines or Internal Organs)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кишки - Commonly used in informal or colloquial contexts to refer to intestines or guts.
• внутренности - More formal, often used in medical or scientific contexts to refer to internal organs broadly.

Usage Examples:

• У него болят кишки после еды.

  His guts hurt after eating.

• Внутренности животного были тщательно изучены.

  The animal's internal organs were thoroughly studied.

• Кишки скрутило от страха.

  His guts twisted from fear. (Figurative use)

2. Figurative Sense (Depths or Inner Parts, e.g., of the Earth)

Translation(s) & Context:

• недра - Used in literary or poetic contexts to describe the 'bowels' of the earth or deep inner parts of something.

Usage Examples:

• В недрах земли скрыты несметные сокровища.

  In the bowels of the earth, countless treasures are hidden.

• Недра горы хранят тайны веков.

  The bowels of the mountain hold secrets of centuries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кишки (Plural Noun): This is a feminine plural noun, often used without a singular form in this context. Below is the declension table:

внутренности (Plural Noun): Feminine plural noun, used only in plural in this meaning. Follows standard declension patterns for plural feminine nouns.

недра (Plural Noun): Neuter plural noun, used only in plural. Follows neuter plural declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms (for anatomical sense):

• потроха (informal, often for animal guts)
• органы (formal, 'organs')

Synonyms (for figurative sense):

• глубины (depths)
• утроба (womb or inner depths, literary)

Antonyms: None directly applicable in most contexts.

Related Phrases:

• вывернуть кишки - 'to turn the guts inside out' (figurative for extreme disgust or violence)
• в недрах души - 'in the bowels of the soul' (deep within one's soul, literary)
• внутренности земли - 'the bowels of the earth' (deep underground)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between 'кишки' and 'внутренности' depends on formality. 'Кишки' is more colloquial and often used figuratively for 'guts' (e.g., courage or fear), while 'внутренности' is formal and used in scientific or medical contexts.
• 'Недра' is exclusively figurative and should not be used for anatomical references. It is common in literature or poetic language.
• Be mindful of plural usage; all three translations are typically used in the plural form in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'недра' to refer to human anatomy. Incorrect: "Недра человека болят." Correct: "Кишки болят." (Explanation: 'Недра' is for inanimate depths like the earth, not human anatomy.)
• Error: Using singular forms for these nouns. Incorrect: "Кишка болит." Correct: "Кишки болят." (Explanation: These nouns are predominantly used in plural in this context.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressions involving 'кишки' (guts) are often used to express strong emotions like fear or disgust, similar to English. However, 'недра' carries a poetic or mystical connotation when referring to the 'bowels of the earth,' often tied to Russia's vast landscapes and natural resources in literature.

Related Concepts:

• утроба (womb, inner depths)
• глубины (depths)
• внутренние органы (internal organs)