Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bravado'

English Word: bravado

Key Russian Translations:

• бравада [brɐˈvadə] - [Neutral, Common Usage]
• хвастовство [xvɐˈstofstvə] - [Informal, Slightly Negative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

бравада: [brɐˈvadə]

Note on бравада: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

хвастовство: [xvɐˈstofstvə]

Note on хвастовство: The initial 'хв' cluster can be challenging for non-native speakers; 'х' is a guttural sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Boldness or Swagger (Often Pretended Courage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бравада - Used to describe a show of boldness or confidence, often exaggerated or feigned, in neutral or formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его бравада перед лицом опасности впечатлила всех.

  His bravado in the face of danger impressed everyone.

• Она говорила с бравадой, но внутри была напугана.

  She spoke with bravado, but inside she was scared.

• Эта бравада может привести к неприятностям.

  This bravado might lead to trouble.

2. Boasting or Showing Off

Translation(s) & Context:

• хвастовство - Refers to bragging or showing off, often with a negative connotation, used in informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его хвастовство о своих достижениях раздражает друзей.

  His bravado about his achievements annoys his friends.

• Хвастовство не поможет тебе завоевать уважение.

  Bravado won’t help you earn respect.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бравада (Noun, Feminine): Follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in -а.

хвастовство (Noun, Neuter): Follows the standard declension for neuter nouns ending in -о.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бравада:

• дерзость
• смелость (in some contexts)

Note: 'дерзость' may carry a stronger sense of insolence, while 'смелость' is more neutral and closer to genuine courage.

Synonyms for хвастовство:

• похвальба
• самохвальство

Antonyms for both:

• скромность
• робость

Related Phrases:

• говорить с бравадой - To speak with bravado (to talk boldly or defiantly).
• хвастовство без оснований - Baseless bravado (boasting without justification).

Usage Notes:

• While 'бравада' is a direct borrowing from French/Italian via English and is closer to the original meaning of 'bravado' (a show of courage), 'хвастовство' emphasizes the negative aspect of boasting and is more colloquial in tone.

• Use 'бравада' in neutral or literary contexts, especially when describing feigned courage. Use 'хвастовство' when the tone implies criticism of someone's bragging.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'хвастовство' in formal or neutral contexts where 'бравада' is more appropriate. For example, saying 'Его хвастовство перед опасностью' sounds odd because 'хвастовство' implies petty boasting rather than a bold stance.

  Correct Usage: 'Его бравада перед опасностью' (His bravado in the face of danger).

• Error: Mispronouncing 'бравада' with stress on the first syllable. It should be [brɐˈvadə], with stress on the second syllable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, overt displays of bravado (especially 'хвастовство') are often frowned upon, as modesty ('скромность') is a valued trait. Boasting may be seen as a sign of insecurity or lack of genuine confidence, particularly in formal or traditional settings.

Related Concepts:

• смелость (courage)
• дерзость (audacity)
• гордость (pride)