Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Caprice'

English Word: caprice

Key Russian Translations:

• каприз [kɐˈprʲiz] - [Neutral, Singular]
• прихоть [ˈprʲixətʲ] - [Neutral, Singular, Slightly Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

каприз: [kɐˈprʲiz]

Note on каприз: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

прихоть: [ˈprʲixətʲ]

Note on прихоть: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'х' is a guttural sound, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior

Translation(s) & Context:

• каприз - Often used to describe a whimsical or impulsive change in behavior or desire, especially in personal contexts.
• прихоть - Used similarly, but with a slight connotation of something more fleeting or arbitrary, often in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Её каприз испортил всем настроение.

  Her caprice spoiled everyone's mood.

• Он отказался от поездки из-за какого-то каприза.

  He refused the trip due to some caprice.

• Это была просто прихоть, а не серьёзное решение.

  It was just a whim, not a serious decision.

• Его прихоти часто ставят нас в неловкое положение.

  His whims often put us in an awkward position.

• Не поддавайтесь на её капризы!

  Don't give in to her caprices!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

каприз (Masculine Noun):

прихоть (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for каприз/прихоть:

• причуда
• блажь
• фантазия

Note: "причуда" often implies something more eccentric, while "блажь" can carry a negative connotation of foolishness.

Antonyms for каприз/прихоть:

• постоянство
• решительность

Related Phrases:

• детский каприз - A childish whim (used to describe childish or unreasonable behavior).
• прихоть судьбы - A whim of fate (a literary expression for unexpected turns of events).
• исполнить каприз - To fulfill a caprice (to indulge someone's sudden desire).

Usage Notes:

• Both "каприз" and "прихоть" can be used to translate "caprice," but "каприз" is more common in everyday speech, while "прихоть" often appears in written or formal contexts.
• "каприз" can sometimes imply a negative or childish connotation, whereas "прихоть" may suggest something more neutral or fleeting.
• Be mindful of noun cases in Russian; the correct form depends on the sentence structure (e.g., "исполнить каприз" uses accusative case).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "каприз" in formal writing when "прихоть" would be more appropriate.
  Incorrect: Это был каприз судьбы.
  Correct: Это была прихоть судьбы.
  Explanation: "прихоть судьбы" is a set literary phrase, while "каприз судьбы" sounds awkward.
• Error: Incorrect noun case usage.
  Incorrect: Я поддался её капризу.
  Correct: Я поддался её капризам.
  Explanation: The dative plural "капризам" is required after "поддался."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing a "каприз" (caprice) can sometimes be associated with childishness or selfishness, especially when referring to adults. It is often used in parenting contexts to describe a child's unreasonable demands. On the other hand, "прихоть" might be used in more poetic or philosophical discussions, such as fate or destiny's whims.

Related Concepts:

• упрямство (stubbornness)
• импульсивность (impulsiveness)
• непредсказуемость (unpredictability)