Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Compliment'

English Word: Compliment

Key Russian Translations:

• комплимент [kəmplʲɪˈmʲent] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• похвала [pɐxˈvalə] - [Formal, Often for Praise]

Frequency: High (Both terms are frequently used in everyday and formal contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "комплимент"); B1 (Intermediate for "похвала")

Pronunciation (Russian):

комплимент: [kəmplʲɪˈmʲent]

Note on комплимент: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "и" is pronounced as a short "i".

похвала: [pɐxˈvalə]

Note on похвала: The stress is on the second syllable. The final "а" is pronounced as a schwa sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Polite Expression of Praise or Admiration

Translation(s) & Context:

• комплимент - Used for personal compliments, often about appearance or achievements.

Usage Examples:

• Ты сделал мне такой приятный комплимент! Спасибо!

  You gave me such a nice compliment! Thank you!

• Она всегда умеет делать комплименты, не переходя границы.

  She always knows how to give compliments without crossing the line.

• Его комплимент о моем платье был очень искренним.

  His compliment about my dress was very sincere.

2. Formal Praise or Approval

Translation(s) & Context:

• похвала - Used in formal or professional contexts, often for acknowledging effort or success.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель дал мне похвалу за отличную работу.

  The teacher gave me praise for excellent work.

• Его похвала на собрании вдохновила всю команду.

  His praise at the meeting inspired the whole team.

• Похвала от начальника была неожиданной, но приятной.

  The praise from the boss was unexpected but pleasant.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

комплимент (Masculine Noun):

похвала (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for комплимент:

• лесть (flattery, often with a negative connotation)
• восхищение (admiration)

Synonyms for похвала:

• одобрение (approval)
• признание (recognition)

Antonyms:

• критика (criticism)
• оскорбление (insult)

Related Phrases:

• сделать комплимент - to give a compliment (used when expressing admiration directly)
• заслужить похвалу - to earn praise (used in formal or achievement contexts)
• приятный комплимент - a nice compliment (common expression for a kind remark)

Usage Notes:

• "комплимент" is more commonly used for personal, casual, or social compliments, often about appearance or personality. It directly corresponds to the English "compliment".
• "похвала" is used in formal or professional contexts to express praise or approval, often for someone's work or efforts. It is closer to "praise" than "compliment".
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two. Using "комплимент" in a formal setting might sound too personal, while "похвала" in a casual setting might sound overly serious.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "комплимент" when referring to formal praise.
  Incorrect: Начальник сделал мне комплимент за проект.
  Correct: Начальник дал мне похвалу за проект.
  Explanation: "комплимент" is too personal for professional praise; "похвала" is the appropriate term.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions or verbs.
  Incorrect: Я сказал комплимент ей.
  Correct: Я сделал комплимент ей.
  Explanation: The verb "сделать" (to make/do) is typically used with "комплимент", not "сказать" (to say).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, compliments ("комплимент") are often appreciated but should be sincere and not overly frequent, as excessive flattery might be seen as insincere or suspicious. Formal praise ("похвала") in professional or educational settings is highly valued and often given publicly to acknowledge achievement.

Related Concepts:

• восхищение (admiration)
• уважение (respect)
• благодарность (gratitude)