Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Brink'

English Word: Brink

Key Russian Translations:

• край [kraj] - [Neutral, Used for physical or metaphorical edges]
• грань [granʲ] - [Neutral, Often used for abstract or figurative boundaries]
• порог [pəˈrok] - [Neutral, Often used for thresholds or critical points]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "край" and "грань"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "порог" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

край: [kraj]

Note on край: The 'r' is rolled slightly, and the stress is on the single syllable.

грань: [granʲ]

Note on грань: The 'nʲ' indicates a soft 'n' sound, palatalized in Russian.

порог: [pəˈrok]

Note on порог: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'o' in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Edge or Border (Physical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• край - Used for the physical edge of an object or place, such as a cliff or table.

Usage Examples:

• Он стоял на краю обрыва.

  He stood on the brink of the cliff.

• Не ставь чашку на край стола.

  Don't put the cup on the brink of the table.

• Край леса был виден издалека.

  The brink of the forest was visible from afar.

2. Figurative Edge (Critical Point or Verge)

Translation(s) & Context:

• грань - Often used for abstract boundaries, like between two states or concepts.
• порог - Used for being on the verge of a significant change or event.

Usage Examples:

• Мы на грани войны.

  We are on the brink of war.

• Его терпение на грани.

  His patience is on the brink.

• Она на пороге новой жизни.

  She is on the brink of a new life.

• Компания на пороге банкротства.

  The company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

• Мы стоим на пороге великих открытий.

  We stand on the brink of great discoveries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

край (Masculine Noun):

грань (Feminine Noun): Follows regular feminine declension patterns with stress on the root.

порог (Masculine Noun): Follows regular masculine declension with stress shifting in some forms (e.g., plural genitive: порогов).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for край:

• обрыв (cliff edge)
• граница (boundary, more formal)

Synonyms for грань:

• черта (line, trait)
• рубеж (frontier, milestone)

Antonyms:

• середина (middle) - for край
• центр (center) - for край

Related Phrases:

• на краю света - "at the brink of the world" (meaning a very remote place)
• на грани возможного - "on the brink of the possible" (pushing limits)
• переступить порог - "to cross the threshold/brink" (to enter a new phase or place)

Usage Notes:

• "край" is the most versatile translation for "brink," applicable to both physical and metaphorical contexts, though it leans more toward physical edges.
• "грань" is preferred for abstract or figurative uses, especially when describing fine lines or boundaries between concepts (e.g., "on the brink of madness").
• "порог" is often used when "brink" implies a threshold or critical turning point, frequently with a sense of transition (e.g., "on the brink of a new era").
• Be mindful of register: "грань" can sound more formal or literary than "край."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "край" in highly abstract contexts where "грань" is more appropriate. For example, saying "на краю возможного" instead of "на грани возможного" sounds unnatural. Correction: Use "грань" for abstract boundaries.
• Error: Misusing "порог" for physical edges. For instance, "на пороге обрыва" (on the threshold of a cliff) is incorrect. Correction: Use "край" for physical edges like cliffs.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like "на краю света" (on the brink of the world) are commonly used to describe remote or far-off places, reflecting the vast geography of Russia and the cultural emphasis on distance and isolation in storytelling and literature.

Related Concepts:

• граница (boundary)
• рубеж (frontier)
• черта (line, limit)