Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dodge'

English Word: dodge

Key Russian Translations:

• уклоняться [ʊk.lɐˈnʲi.t͡sə] - [Informal, Verb, Used in everyday contexts for avoiding or evading]
• уклон [ʊkˈlon] - [Formal, Noun, Used in more structured or written language for evasion or dodge]
• избегать [ɪzˈbʲe.ɡətʲ] - [Neutral, Verb, Used when emphasizing deliberate avoidance]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly encountered in conversational and written Russian, especially in contexts like sports, politics, or daily life, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp the basic usage, but understanding nuances and inflections may require further practice. For 'уклоняться', it's B1; for 'уклон', it's A2 due to its simpler noun form.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уклоняться: [ʊk.lɐˈnʲi.t͡sə]

уклон: [ʊkˈlon]

избегать: [ɪzˈbʲe.ɡətʲ]

Note on уклоняться: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ni'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'n' sound. It often has aspectual variations like уклониться [ʊk.lɐˈnʲi.t͡sə] for perfective form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To avoid or evade something quickly, often physically (e.g., in sports or danger)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уклоняться - Used in informal contexts like dodging a ball or avoiding a question in conversation.
• избегать - Applied in situations requiring deliberate avoidance, such as evading responsibility.

Usage Examples:

• Он быстро уклонился от мяча во время игры. (He quickly dodged the ball during the game.)

  English Translation: He quickly dodged the ball during the game.

• В политике лидеры часто уклоняются от прямых ответов. (In politics, leaders often dodge direct answers.)

  English Translation: In politics, leaders often dodge direct answers.

• Избегай опасных зон, чтобы не попасть в беду. (Dodge dangerous areas to avoid getting into trouble.)

  English Translation: Dodge dangerous areas to avoid getting into trouble.

• Она умело уклоняется от критиков, используя юмор. (She skillfully dodges critics by using humor.)

  English Translation: She skillfully dodges critics by using humor.

Meaning 2: A deceptive or evasive action, as a noun (e.g., a trick or maneuver)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уклон - Used in formal or written contexts, such as legal or strategic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Его уклон от налогов был раскрыт властями. (His dodge of taxes was uncovered by the authorities.)

  English Translation: His dodge of taxes was uncovered by the authorities.

• В спорте правильный уклон может спасти от поражения. (In sports, a proper dodge can save you from defeat.)

  English Translation: In sports, a proper dodge can save you from defeat.

• Этот уклон в аргументе делает его неубедительным. (This dodge in the argument makes it unconvincing.)

  English Translation: This dodge in the argument makes it unconvincing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'уклоняться' (verb, imperfective), it follows the standard Russian verb conjugation patterns. It is an imperfective verb and has a perfective counterpart 'уклониться'. Below is a table for key inflections:

For 'уклон' (noun, masculine), it declines as a standard third-declension noun:

• Nominative: уклон
• Genitive: уклона
• Dative: уклону
• Accusative: уклон
• Instrumental: уклоном
• Prepositional: уклоне

'Избегать' is also a verb and follows similar patterns to 'уклоняться', with inflections like избегаю, избегаешь, etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • уклоняться - изворачиваться (more evasive, often with a negative connotation)
  • уклон - маневр (used in strategic contexts)
  • избегать - сторониться (implies keeping distance)
• Antonyms:
  • уклоняться - сталкиваться (to confront)
  • уклон - прямолинейность (straightforwardness)
  • избегать - искать (to seek)

Related Phrases:

• Уклоняться от ответственности - (To dodge responsibility; Used in professional or ethical contexts to describe avoiding duties.)
• Сделать уклон влево - (To make a dodge to the left; Common in sports or driving scenarios.)
• Избегать конфликта - (To dodge conflict; Implies proactive avoidance in interpersonal relations.)

Usage Notes:

• 'Уклоняться' is the most direct translation for the verb form of 'dodge' and is often used in informal speech, but it carries a slight negative connotation of evasion, unlike the neutral English 'dodge' in sports.
• In formal contexts, 'уклон' as a noun is preferred for written Russian, such as in legal documents.
• Aspect is key in Russian: Use 'уклоняться' for ongoing actions and 'уклониться' for completed ones.
• When choosing between translations, opt for 'избегать' if the avoidance is more deliberate and less physical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'уклоняться' with 'уклоняться от' and omitting the preposition, e.g., saying "Я уклоняюсь вопрос" instead of "Я уклоняюсь от вопроса".
  Correct: Use the genitive case with the preposition: "Я уклоняюсь от вопроса" (I dodge the question). Explanation: Prepositions like 'от' require specific case changes, which English speakers often overlook.
• Error: Using 'уклон' as a verb, e.g., "Я уклон" instead of "Я уклоняюсь".
  Correct: 'Уклон' is a noun; conjugate the verb form properly. Explanation: This is a common mix-up for beginners due to similar roots.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'уклоняться' often appear in discussions of Soviet-era politics, where 'dodging' questions or responsibilities was a survival tactic during interrogations or bureaucratic dealings. This adds a layer of historical connotation, making it more than just a physical action.

Related Concepts:

• маневр (maneuver)
• уклончивость (evasiveness)
• избежание (avoidance)