Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'daredevil'

English Word: daredevil

Key Russian Translations:

• смельчак [ˈsmʲelʲtɕak] - [Informal, Masculine]
• отчаянный [ɐtˈtɕajənːɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Often used for behavior]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

смельчак: [ˈsmʲelʲtɕak]

Note on смельчак: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'ч' sound is a soft palatal sound, unique to Russian.

отчаянный: [ɐtˈtɕajənːɨj]

Note on отчаянный: Stress on the second syllable. The double 'н' is pronounced distinctly longer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who takes risks (noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• смельчак - Used to describe a bold or courageous person, often with a positive or admiring tone.

Usage Examples:

• Он настоящий смельчак, прыгнул с парашютом без подготовки.

  He is a real daredevil, jumped with a parachute without preparation.

• Смельчак не боится никаких опасностей.

  A daredevil is not afraid of any dangers.

• Этот смельчак решил переплыть реку в шторм.

  This daredevil decided to swim across the river during a storm.

2. Reckless or bold behavior (adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отчаянный - Used to describe reckless or daring behavior, sometimes with a negative connotation of irresponsibility.

Usage Examples:

• Его отчаянный поступок всех шокировал.

  His daredevil act shocked everyone.

• Она сделала отчаянный шаг, чтобы спасти друга.

  She took a daredevil step to save her friend.

• Отчаянный водитель гнал на огромной скорости.

  The daredevil driver was speeding at a tremendous pace.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

смельчак (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

отчаянный (Adjective): Declines like a typical Russian adjective, agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. Example: отчаянный (masc.), отчаянная (fem.), отчаянное (neut.), отчаянные (pl.).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for смельчак:

• храбрец
• удалец

Note: 'храбрец' emphasizes bravery, while 'удалец' often implies boldness with a folkloric or traditional tone.

Antonyms for смельчак:

• трус
• боязливый

Related Phrases:

• смельчак духа - "daredevil of spirit" (a person bold in ideas or convictions)
• отчаянная попытка - "daredevil attempt" (a desperate or reckless try)
• отчаянная смелость - "daredevil courage" (reckless bravery)

Usage Notes:

• 'смельчак' is primarily a noun and refers to a person, often with a tone of admiration. It cannot describe behavior directly.
• 'отчаянный' is an adjective and is more versatile, used to describe actions, behavior, or even situations. It can carry a negative connotation of recklessness if the context implies irresponsibility.
• When choosing between the two, consider whether you are describing a person ('смельчак') or an action/quality ('отчаянный').

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'смельчак' as an adjective. Incorrect: *Он смельчак поступок.* Correct: Он совершил отчаянный поступок. (He committed a daredevil act.)
• Error: Misusing 'отчаянный' to mean a person directly without a noun. Incorrect: *Он отчаянный.* Correct: Он отчаянный человек. (He is a daredevil person.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a 'daredevil' often carries a dual connotation. While bravery is admired, especially in historical and folk contexts (e.g., epic heroes), reckless behavior ('отчаянный') can be frowned upon as irresponsible, reflecting a cultural value of caution and community responsibility.

Related Concepts:

• храбрость (bravery)
• риск (risk)
• безрассудство (recklessness)