Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cocky'

English Word: cocky

Key Russian Translations:

• самоуверенный [səməʊˈvjɛrʲɪnnɨj] - [Formal, Neutral]
• нахальный [nɐˈxalʲnɨj] - [Informal, Slightly Negative]
• дерзкий [ˈdʲɛrskʲɪj] - [Informal, Often Negative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "самоуверенный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "нахальный" and "дерзкий"

Pronunciation (Russian):

самоуверенный: [səməʊˈvjɛrʲɪnnɨj]

Note on самоуверенный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "е" is pronounced as "ye".

нахальный: [nɐˈxalʲnɨj]

Note on нахальный: Stress on the second syllable. The "х" is a guttural sound, similar to "ch" in Scottish "loch".

дерзкий: [ˈdʲɛrskʲɪj]

Note on дерзкий: Stress on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Overconfident or Arrogant (General Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• самоуверенный - Used in neutral or formal contexts to describe someone overly confident in their abilities.

Usage Examples:

• Он был слишком самоуверенный на собеседовании.

  He was too cocky during the interview.

• Её самоуверенный тон раздражал коллег.

  Her cocky tone irritated her colleagues.

• Самоуверенный подход привёл к ошибкам.

  A cocky approach led to mistakes.

2. Bold or Impudent (Negative Nuance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нахальный - Used in informal settings, often with a negative connotation of rudeness or insolence.
• дерзкий - Used informally to describe boldness that borders on disrespect.

Usage Examples:

• Какой нахальный парень, он даже не извинился!

  What a cocky guy, he didn’t even apologize!

• Она ответила учителю в дерзком тоне.

  She replied to the teacher in a cocky tone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

самоуверенный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	самоуверенный	самоуверенная	самоуверенное	самоуверенные
Genitive	самоуверенного	самоуверенной	самоуверенного	самоуверенных

нахальный (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension patterns as above.

дерзкий (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for самоуверенный:

• надменный (haughty)
• высокомерный (arrogant)

Synonyms for нахальный/дерзкий:

• наглый (impudent)
• бесцеремонный (unceremonious)

Antonyms:

• скромный (modest)
• застенчивый (shy)

Related Phrases:

• самоуверенный вид - A cocky appearance (used to describe someone's demeanor).
• нахальное поведение - Cocky behavior (often with a negative tone).
• дерзкий ответ - A cocky reply (used in confrontational contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "самоуверенный" is the most neutral and widely applicable translation for "cocky," suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing overconfidence.
• "нахальный" and "дерзкий" carry a stronger negative connotation, often implying rudeness or disrespect, and are typically used in informal speech.
• Choose "дерзкий" when emphasizing boldness or defiance, especially in interactions with authority figures.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "нахальный" in formal writing or polite conversation.
  Incorrect: Он был нахальный на собрании.
  Correct: Он был самоуверенный на собрании.
  Explanation: "нахальный" is too informal and negative for formal settings; "самоуверенный" is more appropriate.
• Error: Confusing "дерзкий" with "смелый" (brave).
  Incorrect: Он дерзкий, потому что спас друга.
  Correct: Он смелый, потому что спас друга.
  Explanation: "дерзкий" implies insolence, not bravery.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being perceived as "cocky" (especially using terms like "нахальный" or "дерзкий") can be more frowned upon than in some Western cultures, as humility and respect for hierarchy are often valued. Using such terms might carry a stronger negative judgment, especially when addressing elders or authority figures.

Related Concepts:

• гордость (pride)
• высокомерие (arrogance)
• неуважение (disrespect)