Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'damn'

English Word: damn

Key Russian Translations:

• чёрт [ˈtʃɵrt] - [Informal, Exclamation]
• проклятье [prɐˈklʲætʲjə] - [Formal, Noun, Curse]
• чёрт возьми [ˈtʃɵrt vɐzʲˈmʲi] - [Informal, Exclamatory Phrase]

Frequency: High (especially "чёрт" and "чёрт возьми" in informal speech)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate; "чёрт" is easier, while "проклятье" may require B1 due to formal context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чёрт: [ˈtʃɵrt]

Note on чёрт: The stress is on the first syllable. The "ё" is pronounced as a distinct "yo" sound, which can be tricky for non-native speakers.

проклятье: [prɐˈklʲætʲjə]

Note on проклятье: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft "л" (лʲ) requires a palatalized pronunciation.

чёрт возьми: [ˈtʃɵrt vɐzʲˈmʲi]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Exclamation of Frustration or Annoyance (Interjection)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чёрт - Used as a standalone exclamation, similar to "damn" in English, often in frustration or surprise (informal).
• чёрт возьми - A stronger expression, akin to "damn it" or "damn it all," used for emphasis (informal).

Usage Examples:

• Чёрт! Я опоздал на автобус!

  Damn! I missed the bus!

• Чёрт возьми, где мои ключи?

  Damn it, where are my keys?

• Чёрт, это было сложно!

  Damn, that was tough!

2. Curse or Condemnation (Noun/Verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• проклятье - Refers to a curse or damnation, often in a formal or literary context.

Usage Examples:

• На него наложили проклятье.

  A curse was placed on him.

• Это место под проклятьем.

  This place is under a damnation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

чёрт: Noun, masculine. Declines according to the second declension pattern in Russian.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	чёрт	черти
Genitive	чёрта	чертов
Dative	чёрту	чертам
Accusative	чёрта	чертов
Instrumental	чёртом	чертами
Prepositional	о чёрте	о чертях

проклятье: Noun, neuter. Declines according to the second declension pattern.

чёрт возьми: Fixed exclamatory phrase, does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "чёрт" (exclamation):

• блин
• чёрт побери

Note: "блин" is a softer, more neutral alternative often used to avoid profanity.

Synonyms for "проклятье" (curse):

• заклятие
• анафема

Antonyms: None directly applicable for exclamations; for "проклятье," antonym could be "благословение" (blessing).

Related Phrases:

• Чёрт побери! - Strong exclamation, similar to "damn it!"
• Чёрт знает что - Literally "the devil knows what," meaning "nonsense" or "who knows what."
• Какого чёрта? - "What the hell?" used to express annoyance or confusion.

Usage Notes:

• "чёрт" and "чёрт возьми" are informal and can be considered mild profanity in Russian. They are inappropriate in formal settings or polite company.
• "проклятье" is more formal and often used in literary or religious contexts to mean a curse or damnation, unlike the casual use of "damn" in English.
• When choosing between translations, consider the tone and context: use "чёрт" for casual exclamations and "проклятье" for serious or formal references to curses.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "проклятье" as an exclamation like "damn!" in casual speech. Incorrect: "Проклятье! Я забыл!" Correct: "Чёрт! Я забыл!" Explanation: "Проклятье" is a noun meaning "curse," not an interjection for frustration.
• Error: Mispronouncing "чёрт" by ignoring the "ё" sound. Explanation: Pronouncing it as "chert" without the "yo" sound changes the word's natural flow; ensure the stress and vowel are correct.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "чёрт" literally means "devil," and its use as an exclamation reflects a historical tendency to invoke supernatural entities in speech for emphasis. While it is a common mild curse word today, older generations or religious individuals might find it offensive. "Проклятье" carries a heavier, more serious connotation tied to folklore and religious curses.

Related Concepts:

• дьявол (devil)
• ад (hell)
• ругательство (swear word)