Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ecstasy'

English Word: ecstasy

Key Russian Translations:

• Экстаз [ˈɛk.stəz] - [Formal, Literary]
• Экстази [ˈɛk.stə.zi] - [Informal, Slang, Used in modern or street contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in literary, psychological, or informal discussions about emotions or substances.

Difficulty: B2 - Intermediate level, as it involves nuanced vocabulary; 'Экстаз' may be slightly easier for beginners due to its formal use, while 'Экстази' requires understanding of slang.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Экстаз: [ˈɛk.stəz]

Note on Экстаз: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the 'з' sound, which is a voiced 'z' similar to English 'z' in 'zebra'.

Экстази: [ˈɛk.stə.zi]

Note on Экстази: This is often pronounced with a softer 'и' at the end, like a quick 'ee', and is influenced by English loanwords; regional variations may occur in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Intense emotional joy or rapture

Translation(s) & Context:

• Экстаз - Used in formal, literary, or psychological contexts to describe overwhelming happiness or ecstasy, often in artistic or emotional descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Он был в экстазе от концерта, где музыка захватила его полностью.

  He was in ecstasy from the concert, where the music completely captivated him.

• Её экстаз при виде заката был непередаваемым; она замерла в восхищении.

  Her ecstasy at the sight of the sunset was indescribable; she froze in admiration.

• В экстазе от победы, команда праздновала всю ночь.

  In ecstasy from the victory, the team celebrated all night.

• Экстаз творчества вдохновил художника на создание шедевра.

  The ecstasy of creativity inspired the artist to create a masterpiece.

2. The recreational drug MDMA

Translation(s) & Context:

• Экстази - Used in informal, slang, or youth culture contexts to refer to the drug, often in discussions about nightlife or substance abuse; avoid in formal settings due to legal implications.

Usage Examples:

• Экстази часто упоминается в контексте вечеринок, но его употребление опасно для здоровья.

  Ecstasy is often mentioned in the context of parties, but its use is dangerous for health.

• Молодёжь иногда экспериментирует с экстази, не осознавая рисков.

  Young people sometimes experiment with ecstasy without realizing the risks.

• В некоторых странах экстази запрещён, и его распространение карается законом.

  In some countries, ecstasy is banned, and its distribution is punishable by law.

• Экстази может вызвать экстаз, но это кратковременный и вредный эффект.

  Ecstasy can induce ecstasy, but it's a short-lived and harmful effect.

• Он отказался от экстази после того, как узнал о его побочных эффектах.

  He gave up ecstasy after learning about its side effects.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Экстаз' and 'Экстази' are masculine nouns in Russian, primarily from the third declension. 'Экстаз' follows standard noun inflections, while 'Экстази' as a loanword is less inflected and often remains unchanged in informal use.

Note: 'Экстази' as slang may not follow strict inflections and is often used in its base form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Эвфория (Evforia) - Similar to ecstasy but implies a more sustained high; often used in psychological contexts.
  • Восторг (Vostorg) - A milder form of ecstasy, suitable for everyday excitement.
• Antonyms:
  • Отчаяние (Otcayanie) - Despair, the opposite of emotional ecstasy.
  • Апатия (Apatiya) - Apathy, contrasting with the drug-induced ecstasy.

Related Phrases:

• В экстазе - In a state of ecstasy; used to describe profound emotional highs. (Context: Often in literature or descriptions of joy.)
• Достичь экстази - To reach ecstasy; slang for achieving the drug's effects. (Context: Informal, caution with legal implications.)
• Экстаз творчества - Ecstasy of creativity; a phrase for artistic inspiration. (Context: Cultural or motivational discussions.)

Usage Notes:

Choose 'Экстаз' for formal or emotional contexts, as it directly corresponds to the non-drug meaning of 'ecstasy' in English, such as in poetry or psychology. 'Экстази' is reserved for slang references to the drug MDMA and should be used cautiously due to its informal and potentially sensitive nature. In Russian, these words are influenced by context; for instance, 'Экстаз' might require genitive case in phrases like 'в экстазе'. English learners should note that Russian has no direct one-to-one equivalent for all nuances, so pay attention to formality levels to avoid misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Confusing the two meanings: English learners often use 'Экстази' in emotional contexts, thinking it's interchangeable. Error: "Я в Экстази от фильма" (incorrect for joy). Correct: "Я в Экстазе от фильма". Explanation: 'Экстази' specifically means the drug, so use 'Экстаз' for emotions to maintain accuracy.
• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "в Экстаз" instead of "в Экстазе". Error: "Он в Экстаз". Correct: "Он в Экстазе". Explanation: Russian nouns decline based on case, so always adjust for prepositional phrases.
• Overusing in formal writing: Treating 'Экстази' as neutral vocabulary. Error: Using it in essays. Correct: Avoid or use 'Экстаз' with proper context. Explanation: This can lead to inappropriate connotations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'Экстаз' often appears in literary works by authors like Dostoevsky, symbolizing spiritual or emotional transcendence. Conversely, 'Экстази' reflects modern influences from Western youth culture, particularly in urban settings, and is tied to discussions on drug policy in Russia, where it is illegal and associated with rave scenes. Understanding these nuances helps English speakers grasp the word's deeper social implications.

Related Concepts:

• Эвфория
• Восторг
• Радость
• Апатия