Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Breath'

English Word: breath

Key Russian Translations:

• дыхание [dɨˈxanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, General Use]
• вздох [ˈvzdox] - [Neutral, Often Emotional or Expressive]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "дыхание" and "вздох")

Pronunciation (Russian):

дыхание: [dɨˈxanʲɪjə]

Note on дыхание: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "х" sound is a voiceless fricative, similar to the Scottish "loch."

вздох: [ˈvzdox]

Note on вздох: Stress on the first syllable. The "зд" cluster can be tricky for non-native speakers; ensure clear pronunciation of both consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Act of Breathing

Translation(s) & Context:

• дыхание - Used for the biological process of breathing or breath as a concept (e.g., in medical or general contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Его дыхание было слабым после долгого бега.

  His breath was weak after a long run.

• Дыхание свежего воздуха помогает расслабиться.

  Breathing fresh air helps to relax.

• Она задержала дыхание под водой.

  She held her breath underwater.

2. A Sigh or Exhalation (Emotional/Expressive)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вздох - Refers to a sigh or a deep breath, often with emotional connotations like relief, sadness, or longing.

Usage Examples:

• Он издал глубокий вздох, узнав новости.

  He let out a deep sigh upon hearing the news.

• Вздох облегчения вырвался из её груди.

  A sigh of relief escaped her chest.

• Она вздохнула, глядя на закат.

  She sighed while looking at the sunset.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дыхание (Noun, Neuter): Regular declension for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дыхание:

• дых
• вдох (inhalation)

Note: "вдох" specifically refers to inhalation, while "дыхание" is more general.

Synonyms for вздох:

• стон (groan, in some emotional contexts)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "breath" or "sigh" in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• задержать дыхание - to hold one's breath (literal or figurative, e.g., in anticipation)
• вздох облегчения - a sigh of relief (common expression for relief)
• на одном дыхании - in one breath (used to describe doing something quickly or without pause)

Usage Notes:

• "дыхание" is the default term for "breath" in most contexts, especially when referring to the physical act of breathing or breath as a concept.
• "вздох" is more specific and often carries emotional weight, such as a sigh of relief, sadness, or longing. It is less appropriate for neutral or medical contexts.
• Be mindful of collocations; for example, "задержать дыхание" (hold breath) is a fixed phrase and should not be replaced with "вздох."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "вздох" when referring to regular breathing. Example of incorrect usage: *Его вздох был слабым после бега* (incorrect). Correct: *Его дыхание было слабым после бега.* (His breath was weak after running.) Explanation: "вздох" implies a specific sigh, not general breathing.
• Error: Mispronouncing "дыхание" by stressing the wrong syllable. Stress must be on "ха" (second syllable), not the first or last.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sighing ("вздох") is often associated with emotional expression, such as melancholy or relief. It may appear more frequently in literature and conversation as a dramatic or poetic gesture compared to English.

Related Concepts:

• вдох (inhalation)
• выдох (exhalation)
• одышка (shortness of breath)