Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dimple'

English Word: dimple

Key Russian Translations:

• ямочка [ˈjamətʃkə] - [Informal, Often used for facial dimples]
• впадина [vpɐˈdʲinə] - [Formal, Can refer to any small indentation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like describing facial features)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for 'ямочка'; B1 for 'впадина' due to broader usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ямочка: [ˈjamətʃkə]

Note on ямочка: Stress is on the first syllable; the 'ч' sound is soft, like 'ch' in 'church'.

впадина: [vpɐˈdʲinə]

Note on впадина: Stress is on the second syllable; 'д' is palatalized, sounding softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small indentation on the face, often on cheeks or chin (e.g., facial dimple)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ямочка - Commonly used to describe cute or charming facial dimples, especially in an affectionate tone.

Usage Examples:

• У неё такие милые ямочки на щеках!

  She has such cute dimples on her cheeks!

• Её улыбка с ямочками всегда меня радует.

  Her smile with dimples always makes me happy.

• Ямочка на подбородке делает его лицо уникальным.

  The dimple on his chin makes his face unique.

2. A small indentation or hollow on a surface (e.g., on skin or objects)

Translation(s) & Context:

• впадина - Used for any small hollow or depression, not necessarily on the face; more neutral or technical.
• ямочка - Occasionally used for small indentations on objects, but less common than 'впадина'.

Usage Examples:

• На поверхности мяча есть небольшие впадины.

  There are small dimples on the surface of the ball.

• После удара на металле осталась впадина.

  After the hit, a dimple remained on the metal.

• На коже появилась маленькая ямочка от укола.

  A small dimple appeared on the skin from the injection.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ямочка (feminine noun): Follows the regular declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

впадина (feminine noun): Also follows the regular feminine declension pattern for nouns ending in -а.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ямочка:

• углубление (more general, small hollow)
• вмятинка (informal, small dent)

Note: 'углубление' is more neutral and can apply to larger hollows; 'вмятинка' often implies a dent from impact.

Synonyms for впадина:

• углубление
• вмятина (more specific to dents)

Antonyms:

• выпуклость (bulge, protrusion)
• бугорок (small bump)

Related Phrases:

• ямочки на щеках - Dimples on the cheeks (a common expression for facial dimples).
• впадина на поверхности - A dimple on the surface (used for describing indentations on objects).

Usage Notes:

• 'ямочка' is the preferred term for facial dimples and carries a positive, affectionate connotation. It is rarely used for non-human objects unless in a poetic context.
• 'впадина' is more versatile and can describe any small hollow or depression, including geographical features or technical contexts. It lacks the emotional warmth of 'ямочка'.
• When translating 'dimple' into Russian, context is key: use 'ямочка' for people and 'впадина' for inanimate objects or neutral descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'впадина' to describe facial dimples. This sounds overly formal and unnatural.
  Incorrect: У неё впадина на щеке.
  Correct: У неё ямочка на щеке.
  Explanation: 'впадина' is too technical for facial features and may imply a larger or unnatural hollow.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in 'ямочка').
  Explanation: Stress in Russian is critical; misplacing it can make the word sound foreign or confusing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, facial dimples ('ямочки') are often seen as a sign of charm and beauty, especially in children or women. Complimenting someone on their 'ямочки' is common and considered a sweet gesture.

Related Concepts:

• улыбка (smile)
• щека (cheek)
• красота (beauty)