Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Childish'

English Word: Childish

Key Russian Translations:

• детский [ˈdʲetskʲɪj] - [Neutral, Often Descriptive]
• ребяческий [rʲɪˈbʲatɕɪskʲɪj] - [Informal, Often Negative or Critical]
• детский [ˈdʲetskʲɪj] - [Plural: детские, Used for Objects or Behaviors]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "детский"); B1 (Intermediate for "ребяческий")

Pronunciation (Russian):

детский: [ˈdʲetskʲɪj]

Note on детский: Stress is on the first syllable. The 'д' is soft due to the following 'е'.

ребяческий: [rʲɪˈbʲatɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on ребяческий: Stress is on the second syllable. The 'ч' sound is similar to 'ch' in "church".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Related to Children (Neutral, Descriptive)

Translation(s) & Context:

• детский - Used to describe something characteristic of or intended for children (e.g., toys, games).

Usage Examples:

• Это детский сад.

  This is a kindergarten.

• У неё детский голос.

  She has a childish voice.

• Я купил детскую книгу.

  I bought a children's book.

2. Immature Behavior (Often Negative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ребяческий - Used to criticize someone behaving in an immature or silly way, not befitting their age.

Usage Examples:

• Его поведение было ребяческим.

  His behavior was childish.

• Не будь таким ребяческим!

  Don't be so childish!

• Это просто ребяческая выходка.

  This is just a childish prank.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

детский (Adjective): Follows regular adjective declension in Russian based on gender, number, and case.

ребяческий (Adjective): Similar to "детский", follows regular adjective declension with the same patterns for gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for детский:

• детский (neutral)
• юношеский (more related to youth)

Synonyms for ребяческий:

• ребяческий (negative)
• инфантильный (more formal, psychological tone)

Antonyms:

• взрослый (adult, mature)
• серьёзный (serious)

Note: "инфантильный" is often used in more formal or critical contexts compared to "ребяческий".

Related Phrases:

• детский сад - Kindergarten or preschool (literal meaning: children's garden).
• детская площадка - Playground (a place for children to play).
• ребяческое поведение - Childish behavior (used to criticize immaturity).

Usage Notes:

• "детский" is generally neutral and often used for objects or qualities associated with children. It is the safer choice when describing something child-related without judgment.
• "ребяческий" often carries a negative connotation, implying immaturity or inappropriateness for someone's age. Use it carefully in critical contexts.
• Both terms are adjectives, so they must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ребяческий" in neutral contexts. For example, saying "ребяческая книга" instead of "детская книга" for "children's book". Explanation: "ребяческий" implies immaturity, not suitability for children. Correct: "детская книга".
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement. For example, saying "детский девочка" instead of "детская девочка". Explanation: "девочка" (girl) is feminine, so the adjective must be "детская".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing someone's behavior as "ребяческий" can be quite critical, especially in professional or formal settings, as maturity is highly valued. On the other hand, "детский" is often used affectionately when referring to children's traits or items.

Related Concepts:

• детство (childhood)
• ребёнок (child)
• взрослый (adult)