Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'delirium'

English Word: delirium

Key Russian Translations:

• бред [brɛt] - [Formal, Medical Context]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in medical and psychological discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of medical vocabulary and noun declensions in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бред: [brɛt] (The 'б' is a voiced bilabial stop, and the stress is on the first syllable.)

Note on бред: Be careful with the 'р' sound, which is a trilled alveolar; non-native speakers may confuse it with a softer 'r'. Variations in pronunciation can occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A state of mental confusion or disorientation, often due to illness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бред - Used in formal medical contexts to describe temporary mental disturbance, such as in hospitals or psychiatric discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Он бредил всю ночь из-за высокой температуры.

  He was delirious all night due to the high fever.

• В больнице пациенту диагностировали бред как симптом инфекции.

  In the hospital, the patient was diagnosed with delirium as a symptom of infection.

• После операции у неё начался бред, и она не узнавала окружающих.

  After the surgery, she experienced delirium and didn't recognize those around her.

• Бред может быть вызван не только болезнью, но и сильным стрессом.

  Delirium can be caused not only by illness but also by severe stress.

Meaning 2: Extreme excitement or ecstasy, often metaphorical.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бред - In informal or literary contexts, used to convey overwhelming emotion, though less common than in medical usage.

Usage Examples:

• Её бред от новой любви был заметен всем вокруг.

  Her delirium from new love was noticeable to everyone around.

• Во время концерта толпа была в бреду от восторга.

  During the concert, the crowd was in a delirium of excitement.

• Бред спортивных побед иногда приводит к импульсивным действиям.

  The delirium of sports victories can sometimes lead to impulsive actions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"бред" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular noun declension patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, but always pay attention to the stress, which remains on the first syllable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • приступ бреда (fits of delirium) - Often used in medical contexts for episodic occurrences.
  • помешательство (pomeshatel'stvo) - Implies a broader sense of insanity, but with a similar connotation in non-medical use.
• Antonyms:
  • трезвость (trezvost') - Meaning sobriety or clear-mindedness.
  • рассудок (rassudok) - Referring to sanity or rational thought.

Related Phrases:

• Приступ бреда - A sudden onset of delirium; often used in clinical settings to describe acute episodes.
• Бредовый бред - Redundant phrase meaning delusional talk; implies exaggerated confusion in informal storytelling.
• В состоянии бреда - In a state of delirium; commonly used to describe someone acting irrationally due to external factors.

Usage Notes:

"Бред" directly corresponds to the English "delirium" in medical contexts but can also metaphorically describe extreme excitement. It is typically formal and should be used in professional or written language rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "бред" in healthcare scenarios; for emotional ecstasy, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules, as shown in the inflections table.

• Avoid using it in plural form unless referring to multiple instances.
• In sentences, it often pairs with verbs like "испытывать" (to experience) for accuracy.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake "бред" for "бредни" (which means nonsense or tall tales), leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: Using "бредни" to mean medical delirium, e.g., "Он имел бредни от болезни." (Incorrect: This implies silly stories.)
• Correct: "Он имел бред от болезни." (Correct: This properly conveys delirium as a medical state.)
• Explanation: "Бредни" is more about fabricated stories, while "бред" is clinical; always check the context to differentiate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "бред" is frequently referenced in literature and film to depict mental states during illness or stress, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky. It carries a connotation of vulnerability, reflecting historical attitudes toward mental health in Russia, where such conditions were often stigmatized until recent reforms.

Related Concepts:

• психоз (psychosis)
• галлюцинации (hallucinations)
• невроз (neurosis)