Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Checkmate'

English Word: Checkmate

Key Russian Translations:

• Шах и мат [ʃax i mat] - [Formal, Used in chess context]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in chess or metaphorical contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate - Requires understanding of specific context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Шах и мат: [ʃax i mat]

Note on Шах и мат: The phrase consists of two words. "Шах" (check) is stressed on the first syllable, and "мат" (mate) is a single stressed syllable. Ensure clear separation between the words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chess Term (Literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Шах и мат - Used in the game of chess to declare a winning move where the opponent's king is trapped.

Usage Examples:

• Он поставил шах и мат в три хода.

  He delivered checkmate in three moves.

• После долгой игры я наконец сказал: "Шах и мат!"

  After a long game, I finally said, "Checkmate!"

• Шах и мат — ты проиграл эту партию.

  Checkmate — you’ve lost this game.

2. Metaphorical (Defeat or Triumph)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Шах и мат - Used metaphorically to indicate a decisive victory or defeat in an argument or situation.

Usage Examples:

• После его последнего аргумента я понял, что это шах и мат.

  After his last argument, I realized it was checkmate.

• Её решение было настоящим шах и мат для всех сомневающихся.

  Her decision was a real checkmate for all the doubters.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Шах и мат: This is a fixed phrase in Russian and does not undergo inflection or grammatical changes. It remains consistent regardless of context, as it functions as an interjection or set expression in both chess and metaphorical usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Победа (Victory - in a metaphorical sense)
• Триумф (Triumph - in a metaphorical sense)

Note: Synonyms like "Победа" and "Триумф" are broader and lack the specific chess connotation of "Шах и мат."

Antonyms:

• Поражение (Defeat - in a metaphorical sense)
• Проигрыш (Loss - in chess or metaphorical contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Поставить шах - To put in check (a preliminary move in chess before checkmate).
• Объявить мат - To declare mate (a direct reference to the final move in chess).
• Шахматная партия - Chess game (a related concept often used in context).

Usage Notes:

• "Шах и мат" is a direct and specific phrase primarily tied to the game of chess. English speakers should avoid overusing it outside of chess contexts unless the metaphorical intent (a decisive victory) is clear.
• The phrase is formal in tone within chess but can be playful or dramatic when used metaphorically.
• There are no alternative translations for "checkmate" in Russian; "Шах и мат" is the standard and only expression.

Common Errors:

• Error: Translating "checkmate" as just "мат" without "шах."
  Explanation: "Мат" alone can refer to " Ascending profanity in Russian but lacks the full context. Correct usage is "Шах и мат."
  Example of Error: "Мат!" (Incorrect) vs. "Шах и мат!" (Correct).
• Error: Using "Шах и мат" in non-chess contexts without clear metaphorical intent.
  Explanation: Outside of chess, it must imply a decisive win or defeat; otherwise, it sounds out of place. For general victory, use "Победа."

Cultural Notes:

Chess holds a significant place in Russian culture, often seen as a game of intellect and strategy. The term "Шах и мат" carries a sense of finality and triumph, reflecting the high regard for chess mastery in Russian society. Historically, chess champions like Garry Kasparov have been national icons, further embedding the game's terminology in cultural expressions.

Related Concepts:

• Шах (Check)
• Мат (Mate)
• Шахматы (Chess)
• Партия (Game/Match)