Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dalliance'

English Word: dalliance

Key Russian Translations:

• флирт [flʲirt] - [Informal, often used in casual conversations or literature to denote light-hearted flirting]
• легкомысленный роман [lʲɪɡkəˈmɨslʲɪnɨj rɐˈman] - [Informal, implies a frivolous or short-term romantic involvement]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media, but not as common as basic vocabulary like "любовь".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR standards; requires understanding of basic noun forms and contextual nuances, though "флирт" is a borrowed word and easier for English speakers due to similarity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

флирт: [flʲirt]

легкомысленный роман: [lʲɪɡkəˈmɨslʲɪnɨj rɐˈman]

Note on флирт: The pronunciation retains the English loanword influence, with a soft 'л' sound (palatalized). Stress is on the first syllable. Be cautious of regional variations in Russia, where it might sound more like [flʲert] in faster speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A brief romantic or flirtatious involvement

Translation(s) & Context:

• флирт - Used in informal settings, such as social gatherings or modern literature, to describe playful romantic interactions without deep commitment.
• легкомысленный роман - Applied in more narrative contexts, like novels or discussions about relationships, to highlight the transient and unserious nature.

Usage Examples:

• Они начали флирт на вечеринке, но это не переросло в серьёзные отношения.

  They started a dalliance at the party, but it didn't develop into a serious relationship.

• Её легкомысленный роман с коллегой закончился так же быстро, как и начался.

  Her dalliance with her colleague ended as quickly as it began.

• Флирт в интернете часто приводит к разочарованиям, если ожидания слишком высоки.

  Online dalliance often leads to disappointments if expectations are too high.

• Этот легкомысленный роман был для неё просто способом развеяться после работы.

  This dalliance was just a way for her to unwind after work.

• Во время отпуска флирт с незнакомцем может показаться волнующим приключением.

  A dalliance with a stranger during vacation can feel like an exciting adventure.

Wasting time or frivolous behavior

Translation(s) & Context:

• флирт - In a broader sense, used metaphorically for unproductive or playful distractions, though less common than in romantic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его флирт с разными хобби мешает сосредоточиться на настоящей работе.

  His dalliance with various hobbies prevents him from focusing on real work.

• Флирт с идеями, не доведёнными до конца, — это типичная проблема творческих людей.

  Dalliance with ideas that aren't followed through is a common issue for creative people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"флирт" is a masculine noun borrowed from English/French, and it is largely indeclinable in modern Russian due to its foreign origin. This means it does not change in most cases, making it simpler for learners.

For "легкомысленный роман":

• "Легкомысленный" is an adjective that follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case.
• "Роман" is a masculine noun that declines regularly.

Note: "флирт" remains unchanged in all forms, e.g., "флирт" in nominative and genitive alike.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ухаживание (more formal, implies courtship with intent)
  • роман (general term for romance, but can imply something more serious)
• Antonyms:
  • серьёзные отношения (serious relationships, contrasting the fleeting nature)
  • преданность (loyalty or commitment)

Related Phrases:

• Легкий флирт - A light-hearted flirtation; often used to describe casual romantic play without consequences.
• Флирт на работе - Office dalliance; implies potential professional risks in a workplace context.
• Короткий роман - Brief romance; a fixed phrase for short-term affairs in literature or everyday talk.

Usage Notes:

"Dalliance" translates most directly to "флирт" in Russian, especially for romantic contexts, but "легкомысленный роман" captures the frivolous aspect better in narrative or formal discussions. Use "флирт" in informal, everyday speech, as it's a common loanword. Be mindful of context: in Russian culture, such terms often carry a playful connotation rather than negativity. When choosing between translations, opt for "флирт" for brevity and "легкомысленный роман" for emphasis on lack of seriousness. Grammatically, ensure adjectives like "легкомысленный" agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "флирт" in formal writing as if it's a verb (e.g., confusing it with English "to flirt").
  Correct: "Флирт" is a noun; use "флиртовать" for the verb form (to flirt). Example of error: "Я флирт с ней" (incorrect). Correct: "Я флиртую с ней" (I am flirting with her).
• Mistake: Failing to decline "роман" properly, e.g., saying "в роман" instead of "в романе".
  Explanation: This changes the prepositional case, altering meaning. Always check case based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "флирт" is often depicted in literature and media as a harmless pastime, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov, where brief romantic encounters reflect societal norms of the time. However, in modern Russia, it can carry undertones of Western influence, symbolizing casual dating trends amid traditional values of long-term commitment.

Related Concepts:

• любовь
• ухаживание
• романтика