Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Desire'

English Word: Desire

Key Russian Translations:

• желание [ʐɨˈlanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common]
• страсть [strasʲtʲ] - [Emotional, Intense]
• влечение [vlʲɪˈtɕenʲɪjə] - [Romantic or Physical Attraction]

Frequency: High (especially "желание")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate for "желание"; B2 for "страсть" and "влечение" due to nuanced usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

желание: [ʐɨˈlanʲɪjə]

Note on желание: The stress falls on the second syllable. The initial 'ж' is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure."

страсть: [strasʲtʲ]

Note on страсть: The final 'ть' indicates a soft consonant, pronounced with a slight 'y' sound after 't.'

влечение: [vlʲɪˈtɕenʲɪjə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Wish or Want

Translation(s) & Context:

• желание - Used for general desires or wishes, applicable in formal and informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть желание путешествовать по миру.

  I have a desire to travel the world.

• Его желание учиться очень вдохновляет.

  His desire to learn is very inspiring.

• Вырази своё желание чётко.

  Express your desire clearly.

2. Strong Passion or Intense Longing

Translation(s) & Context:

• страсть - Refers to a strong, often emotional or uncontrollable desire, sometimes with romantic or negative connotations.

Usage Examples:

• Её страсть к музыке была очевидна.

  Her passion for music was evident.

• Страсть к азартным играм разрушила его жизнь.

  His passion for gambling ruined his life.

3. Romantic or Physical Attraction

Translation(s) & Context:

• влечение - Often used for attraction, especially in a romantic or physical sense.

Usage Examples:

• Между ними возникло сильное влечение.

  A strong attraction arose between them.

• Его влечение к ней было непреодолимым.

  His attraction to her was irresistible.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

желание (Noun, Neuter): Follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

страсть (Noun, Feminine): Follows the third declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in a soft sign.

влечение (Noun, Neuter): Similar to "желание," follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for желание:

• мечта (dream, aspiration)
• хотение (wanting, less common)

Note: "мечта" often implies a more idealistic or long-term desire compared to "желание."

Antonyms for желание:

• нежелание (unwillingness)
• отвращение (aversion)

Related Phrases:

• исполнить желание - to fulfill a wish/desire
• страсть к чему-либо - passion for something
• чувствовать влечение - to feel attraction

Usage Notes:

• "желание" is the most neutral and widely applicable translation for "desire," suitable for most contexts, from everyday wishes to formal expressions.
• "страсть" should be used cautiously as it often carries an intense or negative connotation (e.g., destructive passion) unless referring to a positive fervor like a hobby or art.
• "влечение" is specifically tied to personal attraction and is rarely used outside romantic or physical contexts.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using "страсть" for a simple wish. Incorrect: "У меня страсть купить новую книгу" (I have a passion to buy a new book). Correct: "У меня желание купить новую книгу" (I have a desire to buy a new book). Explanation: "страсть" implies excessive emotion, unsuitable for mundane desires.

Error 2: Misusing "влечение" for general desires. Incorrect: "У меня влечение к путешествиям" (I have an attraction to travel). Correct: "У меня желание путешествовать" (I have a desire to travel). Explanation: "влечение" is tied to personal attraction, not abstract wishes.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing "желание" (desire) openly can sometimes be seen as forward or impolite in formal settings, especially when making requests. It’s often softened with phrases like "хотелось бы" (I would like) to sound more polite.

Related Concepts:

• мечта (dream)
• надежда (hope)
• цель (goal)