Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Counterattack'

English Word: Counterattack

Key Russian Translations:

• контратака [ˌkontrɐˈtakə] - [Formal, Military/Strategic Context]
• ответный удар [ɐtˈvʲetnɨj ˈudar] - [General Use, Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

контратака: [ˌkontrɐˈtakə]

Note on контратака: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'r' is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

ответный удар: [ɐtˈvʲetnɨj ˈudar]

Note on ответный удар: Stress is on the second syllable of 'ответный' and the first syllable of 'удар'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Military or Strategic Response

Translation(s) & Context:

• контратака - Used in formal, military, or strategic contexts to describe a planned counteroffensive.

Usage Examples:

• Армия провела успешную контратаку против врага.

  The army conducted a successful counterattack against the enemy.

• Контратака была неожиданной для противника.

  The counterattack was unexpected for the opponent.

• Генерал приказал начать контратаку на рассвете.

  The general ordered to launch a counterattack at dawn.

2. General Retaliatory Action or Response

Translation(s) & Context:

• ответный удар - Used in broader, often informal contexts to describe any retaliatory action, not necessarily military.

Usage Examples:

• Он нанес ответный удар после оскорбления.

  He delivered a counterattack after the insult.

• Ответный удар в споре был убедительным.

  The counterattack in the argument was convincing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

контратака (Noun, Feminine):

ответный удар (Phrase, Masculine Noun 'удар'): The adjective 'ответный' agrees with 'удар' in gender, number, and case. 'удар' declines as a regular masculine noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for контратака:

• контрудар
• ответное наступление

Note: 'контрудар' is often used interchangeably with 'контратака' in military contexts, while 'ответное наступление' implies a larger-scale offensive.

Antonyms for контратака:

• атака
• наступление

Related Phrases:

• нанести контратаку - To launch a counterattack.
• ответный удар по позициям - A counterattack on positions (military context).
• дать ответный удар - To strike back or retaliate (general or figurative use).

Usage Notes:

• 'контратака' is more specific to military or strategic contexts and is generally formal. It directly corresponds to 'counterattack' in such settings.
• 'ответный удар' is broader and can be used in everyday language to describe any kind of retaliation, including metaphorical or verbal responses.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use 'контратака' for formal or technical discussions and 'ответный удар' for casual or figurative speech.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'контратака' in non-military contexts where 'ответный удар' is more appropriate. For example, saying 'контратака' in a casual argument context sounds overly formal and misplaced.
• Incorrect Example: Я сделал контратаку в споре. (I made a counterattack in the argument.)
• Correct Usage: Я нанес ответный удар в споре. (I delivered a counterattack in the argument.)
• Explanation: 'контратака' implies a structured or planned response, often in a physical or military sense, while 'ответный удар' fits better for spontaneous or metaphorical retaliation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term 'контратака' is heavily associated with historical military contexts, especially World War II, where counterattacks played a significant role in Soviet military strategy. Using this term may evoke such historical connotations for native speakers.

Related Concepts:

• атака (attack)
• оборона (defense)
• наступление (offensive)