Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'embarrass'

English Word: embarrass

Key Russian Translations:

• Смущать [smʊˈʂatʲ] - [Formal, used in contexts involving causing embarrassment to others]
• Стесняться [stʲɪˈsnʲæt͡sə] - [Informal, reflexive verb, often used for personal feelings of embarrassment]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in everyday Russian conversation and literature, but not as commonly as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of reflexive verbs and emotional nuances, per CEFR standards. For 'Смущать', it may be B2; for 'Стесняться', it could be B1 due to its common reflexive form.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Смущать: [smʊˈʂatʲ]

Стесняться: [stʲɪˈsnʲæt͡sə]

Note on Смущать: The 'щ' sound ([ʂ]) can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a voiceless retroflex fricative; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Note on Стесняться: This is a reflexive verb, so the '-ся' ending affects pronunciation slightly; stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To cause someone to feel self-conscious, awkward, or ashamed.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Смущать - Used in formal or narrative contexts to describe actively causing embarrassment, such as in social or professional settings.
• Стесняться - Informal, reflexive form, for personal experiences of embarrassment, like in everyday conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова смутили меня на вечеринке. (His words embarrassed me at the party.)

  English: His words embarrassed me at the party. (This example shows 'Смущать' in a social context with a direct object.)

• Я всегда стесняюсь, когда все смотрят на меня. (I always get embarrassed when everyone is looking at me.)

  English: I always get embarrassed when everyone is looking at me. (Illustrates 'Стесняться' in a reflexive, personal context.)

• Родители смутили ребенка, напомнив о его ошибке. (The parents embarrassed the child by reminding him of his mistake.)

  English: The parents embarrassed the child by reminding him of his mistake. (Demonstrates 'Смущать' with family dynamics.)

• Она стесняется говорить на публике. (She gets embarrassed speaking in public.)

  English: She gets embarrassed speaking in public. (Shows 'Стесняться' in performance-related scenarios.)

Meaning 2: To complicate or hinder, though less common in modern usage.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Смущать - In formal or literary contexts, to mean entangling or confusing, e.g., in bureaucratic situations.

Usage Examples:

• Бюрократия смущает процесс получения визы. (Bureaucracy embarrasses the visa application process.)

  English: Bureaucracy complicates the visa application process. (This uses 'Смущать' metaphorically for hindrance.)

• Эти детали смущают расследование. (These details are embarrassing the investigation.)

  English: These details are complicating the investigation. (Highlights a less emotional, more obstructive use.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Смущать' and 'Стесняться' are verbs, with 'Стесняться' being reflexive. Russian verbs follow conjugation patterns based on aspect (perfective/imperfective) and person. 'Смущать' is imperfective, while related perfective forms exist.

Note: These verbs do not change irregularly but follow standard first conjugation patterns. The reflexive '-ся' in 'Стесняться' remains constant across forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Стыдить (to shame; similar but more intense, often moralistic)
  • Путать (to confuse; used when embarrassment stems from bewilderment)
• Antonyms:
  • Уверять (to assure; conveys confidence and lack of embarrassment)
  • Ободрять (to encourage; opposite in emotional effect)

Related Phrases:

• Смущать кого-то - To embarrass someone; often used in phrases like "Не смущай меня" (Don't embarrass me), meaning a plea in awkward situations.
• Стесняться в обществе - To be embarrassed in society; implies social anxiety, e.g., in formal gatherings.
• Потерять лицо - To lose face; a common idiom related to embarrassment, with the meaning: experiencing public humiliation.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Смущать' is typically transitive and focuses on the action of causing embarrassment, making it a closer match to the active form of 'embarrass' in English. Conversely, 'Стесняться' is reflexive and better suits self-experienced embarrassment. Choose based on context: use 'Смущать' for external actions and 'Стесняться' for internal feelings. Be mindful of formality—'Стесняться' is more casual, while 'Смущать' fits formal writing. Grammatically, always pair reflexive verbs like 'Стесняться' with appropriate subjects.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Смущать' reflexively without '-ся', e.g., saying "Я смущать" instead of "Я стесняюсь". Correct: "Я стесняюсь" (I am embarrassed). Explanation: 'Смущать' is not reflexive; mix-ups occur due to English's lack of reflexive distinctions, leading to incorrect verb forms.

• Error: Overusing 'Стесняться' in formal contexts, e.g., in business emails. Correct: Opt for 'Смущать' or rephrase to avoid personal tone. Explanation: This can make writing seem too informal; English learners should match the verb to the register.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, embarrassment often ties to concepts of 'losing face' or maintaining social harmony, influenced by historical collectivism. For instance, 'Стесняться' might be more prevalent in everyday interactions to preserve modesty, reflecting values from Soviet-era etiquette where public displays of emotion were subdued.

Related Concepts:

• Стыд (shame)
• Неловкость (awkwardness)
• Комплекс неполноценности (inferiority complex)