Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Damned'

English Word: Damned

Key Russian Translations:

• проклятый [prɐˈklʲatɨj] - [Formal, Informal, Used as adjective]
• чёртов [ˈtɕortɐf] - [Informal, Colloquial, Often used for emphasis]
• будь проклят [budʲ prɐˈklʲat] - [Formal, Used as a curse or expression]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like curses or emphasis)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate - varies by translation; "чёртов" is easier, while "будь проклят" may be more advanced due to grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

проклятый: [prɐˈklʲatɨj]

Note on проклятый: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced like a short, hard "i".

чёртов: [ˈtɕortɐf]

Note on чёртов: The initial "ч" is a soft "ch" sound; stress on the first syllable.

будь проклят: [budʲ prɐˈklʲat]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cursed or Condemned (Literal or Religious Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• проклятый - Used in formal or literary contexts to mean "cursed" or "damned" as in doomed by fate or supernatural forces.
• будь проклят - A direct curse, often used in older texts or dramatic expressions, meaning "be damned."

Usage Examples:

• Этот проклятый дом приносит только несчастья.

  This damned house brings nothing but misfortune.

• Будь проклят тот день, когда я согласился на это!

  Damned be the day I agreed to this!

• Он чувствовал себя проклятым после предательства.

  He felt damned after the betrayal.

2. Expression of Frustration or Emphasis (Colloquial)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чёртов - Used colloquially to express annoyance or emphasis, similar to "damn" in English (e.g., "this damned thing").

Usage Examples:

• Где этот чёртов ключ?

  Where is this damned key?

• Я устал от этой чёртовой работы!

  I’m tired of this damned job!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

проклятый (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case as a regular Russian adjective.

чёртов (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "проклятый".

будь проклят (Imperative Phrase): Fixed expression, based on the verb "быть" (to be) and past participle "проклят". Adjusts for gender in formal curses (e.g., "будь проклята" for feminine).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• проклятый - окаянный (more archaic, literary)
• чёртов - дьявольский (stronger, "devilish")

Antonyms:

• проклятый - благословенный (blessed)

Related Phrases:

• чёртова дюжина - "devil’s dozen" (refers to the number 13, often with a negative connotation)
• проклятое место - "cursed place" (a location believed to bring bad luck)

Usage Notes:

• "проклятый" is more formal or literary and often carries a serious tone of being cursed or doomed, while "чёртов" is casual and frequently used for emphasis or frustration, much like "damn" in English.
• "будь проклят" is a strong curse and should be used cautiously as it can be offensive in certain contexts; it is more common in dramatic or historical contexts.
• Be mindful of the cultural weight of curses in Russian; they can be stronger than in English and are often tied to folklore or religious connotations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "чёртов" in formal writing or serious contexts. Explanation: It is colloquial and can sound inappropriate. Use "проклятый" instead. Example of error: "Этот чёртов закон" (This damned law) in a legal document. Correct: "Этот проклятый закон" or rephrase.
• Error: Misusing gender/number agreement with adjectives like "проклятый". Explanation: Always match the adjective to the noun’s gender and case. Example of error: "Эта проклятый женщина" (incorrect gender). Correct: "Эта проклятая женщина".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, curses like "проклятый" or "будь проклят" carry significant weight due to historical and religious associations with folk beliefs and Orthodox Christianity. Such terms might evoke ideas of supernatural doom or divine punishment, unlike the often lighter tone of "damn" in English. "чёртов", linked to "чёрт" (devil), reflects a cultural familiarity with folklore figures and is often used humorously or casually today.

Related Concepts:

• чёрт (devil)
• проклятие (curse)
• ад (hell)