Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cuddle'

English Word: cuddle

Key Russian Translations:

• обнимать [ɐbˈnʲimətʲ] - [Informal, Verb, Used for hugging or cuddling someone affectionately]
• прижимать [prʲɪˈʐɨmətʲ] - [Informal/Formal, Verb, Often used for pressing close or cuddling in a protective way]
• ласкать [lɐˈskatʲ] - [Informal, Verb, Used for caressing or cuddling with tenderness]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in informal and affectionate contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "обнимать" and "прижимать"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "ласкать" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

обнимать: [ɐbˈnʲimətʲ]

Note on обнимать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "н" sound is palatalized, which is common in Russian.

прижимать: [prʲɪˈʐɨmətʲ]

Note on прижимать: The "ж" produces a voiced retroflex fricative sound, unique to Russian.

ласкать: [lɐˈskatʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To hold close in one's arms as a way of showing love or affection (physical cuddling)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обнимать - Commonly used for hugging or cuddling someone in an affectionate, casual way.
• прижимать - Often implies a tighter, more protective or emotional embrace.

Usage Examples:

• Она обнимала ребёнка перед сном.

  She cuddled the child before bedtime.

• Он прижал её к себе, чтобы успокоить.

  He cuddled her close to comfort her.

• Мы обнимались на диване, смотря фильм.

  We cuddled on the couch while watching a movie.

2. To show tenderness or affection through gentle touch (caressing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ласкать - Used for gentle, tender actions, often with a romantic or caring connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Он ласкал её волосы, пока она засыпала.

  He cuddled her hair while she was falling asleep.

• Кошка любит, когда её ласкают.

  The cat loves being cuddled.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обнимать (to cuddle/hug, imperfective verb):

Note: "прижимать" and "ласкать" follow similar conjugation patterns as imperfective verbs. Perfective forms (e.g., "обнять" for "обнимать") imply a completed action.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for обнимать/прижимать (cuddle/hug):

• обхватывать
• притискивать

Note: "обхватывать" often implies a broader or stronger grip, while "притискивать" can suggest pressing closer.

Antonyms:

• отталкивать (to push away)
• отстранять (to distance)

Related Phrases:

• обнимать за плечи - to cuddle by putting an arm around someone's shoulders (often friendly or comforting).
• прижиматься друг к другу - to cuddle up to each other (often used for warmth or intimacy).
• ласкать взглядом - to cuddle with a look (to look at someone tenderly).

Usage Notes:

• "обнимать" is the most common and versatile translation for "cuddle" when referring to a physical hug or embrace in an affectionate context. It’s widely used in informal settings.
• "прижимать" often conveys a stronger emotional or protective nuance, suitable for situations involving comfort or reassurance.
• "ласкать" is more specific to gentle, tender actions and can extend beyond physical touch to imply verbal or emotional affection. It’s less common in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of context: Russian speakers may not use these verbs as frequently as "cuddle" is used in English for casual affection, especially in public settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ласкать" in a non-romantic context or for casual cuddling.
  Incorrect: Я ласкаю друга. (I cuddle my friend – sounds overly intimate or awkward.)
  Correct: Я обнимаю друга. (I hug/cuddle my friend.)
  Explanation: "ласкать" often carries a romantic or deeply affectionate tone, unsuitable for platonic relationships.
• Error: Forgetting aspectual pairs (imperfective vs. perfective).
  Incorrect: Я обнимаю её вчера. (I cuddle her yesterday – wrong tense usage.)
  Correct: Я обнимал её вчера. (I cuddled her yesterday.)
  Explanation: Use past tense forms for past actions; aspectual choice (e.g., "обнять" for a single completed hug) also matters.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, physical affection like cuddling is often less publicly displayed compared to some Western cultures. While "обнимать" (to hug or cuddle) is common among close friends or family, it might be reserved for private or intimate settings. Public displays of affection, even among couples, may be more restrained, especially in formal or traditional environments.

Related Concepts:

• нежность (tenderness)
• тепло (warmth)
• забота (care)