Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'doldrums'

English Word: doldrums

Key Russian Translations:

• штиль [ʃtʲil] - [Neutral, Used in literal or nautical contexts]
• уныние [unɨˈnʲije] - [Informal, Figurative, Often used for emotional states]

Frequency: Medium (These terms appear regularly in literature and conversation but are not everyday vocabulary for most speakers)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and contextual usage, with "уныние" potentially challenging due to its abstract nature

Pronunciation (Russian):

штиль: [ʃtʲil] (The 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to 'sh' in 'shoe')

Note on штиль: Stress falls on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'тʲ' sound, which is palatalized.

уныние: [unɨˈnʲije] (The 'ы' is a high central vowel, and the stress is on the second syllable)

Note on уныние: The 'нʲ' is palatalized, making it softer; this word may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A region of the ocean near the equator characterized by calms and light winds (nautical context).

Translation(s) & Context:

• штиль - Used in discussions of weather, sailing, or geography; neutral and precise in formal or technical settings.

Usage Examples:

• Корабль застрял в штиле посреди океана.

  The ship was stuck in the doldrums in the middle of the ocean.

• Во время штиля моряки вынуждены ждать ветра.

  During the doldrums, sailors have to wait for the wind.

• Штиль в экваториальной зоне может продлиться несколько дней.

  The doldrums in the equatorial zone can last for several days.

• Из-за штиля экспедиция задержалась.

  Due to the doldrums, the expedition was delayed.

Figurative Meaning: A state of low spirits, stagnation, or depression (metaphorical context, e.g., emotional or economic).

Translation(s) & Context:

• уныние - Used in everyday language for personal or emotional states; informal and expressive, often in literature or casual conversation.

Usage Examples:

• После неудачи он впал в уныние и не хотел ни с кем общаться.

  After the failure, he fell into the doldrums and didn't want to talk to anyone.

• Экономика страны находится в унынии из-за кризиса.

  The country's economy is in the doldrums due to the crisis.

• Чтобы выйти из уныния, ей нужно было изменить рутину.

  To get out of the doldrums, she needed to change her routine.

• Уныние охватило команду после поражения.

  The doldrums overtook the team after the defeat.

• Весна всегда помогает развеять зимнее уныние.

  Spring always helps to dispel the winter doldrums.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are nouns. "Штиль" is a masculine noun, while "уныние" is a neuter noun. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining their basic inflections:

Note: Both words are typically used in singular form, but they follow standard first-declension patterns for masculine and neuter nouns, respectively. No irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • штиль: безветрие (bezvetriye) - Similar, but more general for any windless condition.
  • уныние: хандра (khandra) - Slightly more intense, implying chronic boredom or melancholy.
• Antonyms:
  • штиль: ветер (veter) - Direct opposite, meaning wind or breeze.
  • уныние: бодрость (bodrast') - Energetic state, contrasting with depression.

Related Phrases:

• В штиле - In the doldrums (literally or figuratively); used to describe a state of inactivity. (Context: Nautical or metaphorical stagnation.)
• Выпасть из уныния - To snap out of the doldrums; implies recovering from depression. (Context: Personal development or emotional recovery.)
• Экономический штиль - Economic doldrums; refers to a period of stagnation in the economy. (Context: Business or news discussions.)

Usage Notes:

"Doldrums" corresponds most closely to "штиль" in literal, nautical contexts and "уныние" in figurative ones. Choose "штиль" for technical or environmental discussions, as it is neutral and precise. "Уныние" is better for emotional or abstract scenarios, but it's more informal and may carry a poetic connotation. Be mindful of case endings in Russian sentences, as they affect agreement with other words. For example, in prepositional phrases, use the prepositional case (e.g., "в штиле"). If the context involves multiple meanings, clarify to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "штиль" in emotional contexts, e.g., saying "Я в штиле" to mean "I'm in the doldrums" emotionally. Correct: Use "уныние" instead, as in "Я в унынии." Explanation: "Штиль" is strictly nautical, while "уныние" fits emotional states; confusing them can lead to misunderstandings in conversation.
• Mistake: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "из штиль" instead of "из штиля." Correct: Always apply the correct genitive case. Explanation: Russian requires noun agreement in cases, so improper declension makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "уныние" often appears in literature, such as in works by Dostoevsky, to depict the existential despair common in Russian philosophy and art. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on introspection and the human condition, where periods of "doldrums" are seen as opportunities for reflection rather than mere negativity.

Related Concepts:

• ветер (veter) - Wind
• хандра (khandra) - Melancholy or spleen
• застой (zastoy) - Stagnation (often economic or social)