Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cheek'

English Word: cheek

Key Russian Translations:

• щека [ʂʲɪˈka] - [Neutral, Commonly Used for Physical Cheek]
• нахальство [nɐˈxalʲstvə] - [Informal, Used for Impudence or Cheekiness]

Frequency: High for "щека"; Medium for "нахальство"

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "щека"; B2 (Intermediate) for "нахальство"

Pronunciation (Russian):

щека: [ʂʲɪˈka]

Note on щека: The initial "щ" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian, similar to "shch" in "fresh cheese". Stress is on the second syllable.

нахальство: [nɐˈxalʲstvə]

Note on нахальство: Stress is on the second syllable. The "ль" combination is palatalized, softening the "l" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Cheek (Part of the Face)

Translation(s) & Context:

• щека - Refers to the literal cheek on a person's face, used in both formal and informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У неё покраснели щёки от холода.

  Her cheeks turned red from the cold.

• Он поцеловал её в щёку.

  He kissed her on the cheek.

• Щёки ребёнка были пухлыми и розовыми.

  The child's cheeks were chubby and pink.

2. Cheekiness or Impudence (Figurative Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нахальство - Refers to boldness or impudence, often with a negative connotation, used in informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Какое нахальство с твоей стороны так говорить!

  What cheek to speak like that!

• Его нахальство просто поражает.

  His cheekiness is simply astonishing.

• Она ответила с таким нахальством, что все замолчали.

  She answered with such cheek that everyone fell silent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. щека (Feminine Noun): Follows the regular feminine noun declension in Russian (1st declension).

2. нахальство (Neuter Noun): Follows the regular neuter noun declension (2nd declension).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for щека:

• лицо (in some contexts, referring to the face)

Synonyms for нахальство:

• дерзость (boldness, audacity)
• наглость (rudeness, insolence)

Note: "дерзость" may carry a slightly less negative connotation than "нахальство", while "наглость" is often harsher.

Antonyms for нахальство:

• скромность (modesty)
• вежливость (politeness)

Related Phrases:

• щёки горят - Literally "cheeks are burning", meaning blushing from embarrassment or excitement.
• иметь нахальство - Literally "to have cheek", meaning to dare or to be impudent enough to do something.
• надувать щёки - Literally "to puff up cheeks", meaning to act important or pretentious.

Usage Notes:

• "щека" is the direct and most common translation for the physical cheek. It is neutral and can be used in any context.
• "нахальство" is used only in the figurative sense of "cheek" as impudence. It often carries a negative tone and is more informal. Be cautious not to use it in formal writing unless the context justifies criticism.
• When translating "cheek" into Russian, context is key. Always determine whether the meaning is literal (body part) or figurative (behavior) before choosing the appropriate word.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "нахальство" to refer to the physical cheek.
  Incorrect: У неё красное нахальство. (Intended: Her cheek is red.)
  Correct: У неё красная щека.
  Explanation: "нахальство" only refers to behavior, never the body part.
• Error: Using "щека" for impudence.
  Incorrect: Какое у тебя щека! (Intended: What cheek you have!)
  Correct: Какое у тебя нахальство!
  Explanation: "щека" cannot convey figurative boldness or rudeness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, blushing cheeks ("щёки горят") are often associated with shyness, embarrassment, or even folk beliefs about someone talking about you behind your back. Additionally, expressing "нахальство" (impudence) can be seen as particularly offensive in formal or traditional settings, where politeness is highly valued.

Related Concepts:

• лицо (face)
• кожа (skin)
• дерзость (audacity)