Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Depressing'

English Word: depressing

Key Russian Translations:

• депрессивный [dʲɪprʲɪˈsʲivnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• гнетущий [ɡnʲɪˈtuʂːɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Adjective, Often used for atmosphere or feelings]
• удручающий [udruˈtɕajuʂːɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Often used for situations or news]

Frequency: Medium (These terms are moderately common in spoken and written Russian, especially in emotional or descriptive contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; pronunciation and appropriate usage may pose challenges for beginners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

депрессивный: [dʲɪprʲɪˈsʲivnɨj]

Note on депрессивный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The soft 'д' and 'р' sounds may be tricky for non-native speakers.

гнетущий: [ɡnʲɪˈtuʂːɨj]

Note on гнетущий: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound.

удручающий: [udruˈtɕajuʂːɨj]

Note on удручающий: Stress on the third syllable. The 'ч' sound is soft and distinct.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Causing sadness or low mood (Emotional state)

Translation(s) & Context:

• депрессивный - Often used to describe a person or state of mind directly linked to depression or deep sadness.
• гнетущий - Used for feelings or atmospheres that weigh heavily on someone emotionally.

Usage Examples:

• У него депрессивное настроение после потери работы.

  He has a depressing mood after losing his job.

• Эта гнетущая тишина в комнате невыносима.

  This depressing silence in the room is unbearable.

• Её депрессивный взгляд говорил о многом.

  Her depressing look said a lot.

2. Disheartening or discouraging (Situations or events)

Translation(s) & Context:

• удручающий - Commonly used for situations, news, or events that cause disappointment or discouragement.
• гнетущий - Can also apply to oppressive or disheartening circumstances.

Usage Examples:

• Результаты выборов были удручающими для многих.

  The election results were depressing for many.

• Гнетущая бедность в этом регионе поражает.

  The depressing poverty in this region is striking.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

депрессивный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to гнетущий and удручающий. All are adjectives and change according to standard rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• мрачный (gloomy, dark)
• тоскливый (melancholic, dreary)
• печальный (sad, sorrowful)

Note: "мрачный" often implies a darker or more ominous tone, while "тоскливый" focuses on longing or melancholy.

Antonyms:

• весёлый (cheerful)
• радостный (joyful)
• ободряющий (encouraging)

Related Phrases:

• депрессивное состояние - A depressive state (used in medical or emotional contexts).
• гнетущая атмосфера - A depressing atmosphere (used to describe oppressive environments).
• удручающие новости - Depressing news (used for disheartening updates or information).

Usage Notes:

• "депрессивный" is closely tied to clinical or emotional depression and should be used carefully in formal or medical contexts.
• "гнетущий" often describes intangible feelings or atmospheres, such as silence or tension, rather than concrete situations.
• "удручающий" is best for objective situations or events (e.g., results, facts) that cause disappointment.
• Choosing the right term depends on the context—whether the focus is on personal emotion, atmosphere, or an external event.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "депрессивный" for situations or news. Incorrect: "депрессивные новости" (depressing news). Correct: "удручающие новости". Explanation: "депрессивный" is tied to personal emotional states, not external events.
• Error: Mispronouncing "гнетущий" by stressing the first syllable. Explanation: Stress is on the second syllable [ɡnʲɪˈtuʂːɨj]; incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of sadness or melancholy, often described with words like "гнетущий" or "тоскливый," are sometimes tied to literary traditions or the concept of "Russian soul" (русская душа), which embraces deep emotional introspection. Using these terms might evoke a cultural resonance beyond mere sadness.

Related Concepts:

• тоска (melancholy, longing)
• печаль (sorrow, sadness)
• уныние (despondency, gloom)