Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'exclamation'

English Word: exclamation

Key Russian Translations:

• восклицание [vɐsklʲɪˈtsanʲɪje] - [Formal, used for the punctuation mark or a sudden expression of surprise]
• возглас [vɐˈzɡlas] - [Informal, typically for a verbal outburst or cry]

Frequency: Medium - This word and its translations are encountered in written and spoken Russian, especially in literature, education, and everyday conversations, but not as frequently as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 - Intermediate level; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual usage. For "восклицание," it's straightforward, but "возглас" may vary slightly in nuance.

Pronunciation (Russian):

восклицание: [vɐsklʲɪˈtsanʲɪje]

возглас: [vɐˈzɡlas]

Note on восклицание: The stress is on the fourth syllable ("tsa"), which can be tricky for learners due to the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A sudden cry or remark expressing surprise, pain, etc.

Translation(s) & Context:

• возглас - Used in informal, everyday situations, such as emotional reactions in conversations.
• восклицание - More formal, often in literary or descriptive contexts to denote an exclamation as an act.

Usage Examples:

• Он издал громкий возглас удивления. (He let out a loud exclamation of surprise.)

  English: He let out a loud exclamation of surprise.

• Её восклицание эхом разнеслось по комнате. (Her exclamation echoed through the room.)

  English: Her exclamation echoed through the room, highlighting intense emotional expression.

• В моменте опасности люди часто испускают возгласы. (In moments of danger, people often utter exclamations.)

  English: In moments of danger, people often utter exclamations to convey urgency.

• Это было внезапное восклицание радости. (It was a sudden exclamation of joy.)

  English: It was a sudden exclamation of joy, showing how the word fits in positive contexts.

Meaning 2: The punctuation mark "!" used to indicate an exclamation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• восклицание - Specifically refers to the mark in formal writing or grammar discussions.
• восклицательный знак - Common phrase for the exclamation point itself.

Usage Examples:

• В конце предложения поставьте восклицание. (Put an exclamation at the end of the sentence.)

  English: Put an exclamation at the end of the sentence to emphasize excitement.

• Это предложение заканчивается восклицанием. (This sentence ends with an exclamation.)

  English: This sentence ends with an exclamation, altering the tone dramatically.

• Восклицание используется для выражения эмоций в письме. (The exclamation is used to express emotions in writing.)

  English: The exclamation is used to express emotions in writing, making text more vivid.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "восклицание" and "возглас" are nouns in Russian. "Восклицание" is a neuter noun of the second declension, while "возглас" is a masculine noun. They follow standard Russian inflection patterns with some irregularities in plural forms.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, but learners should pay attention to the soft sign in "восклицание" which affects pronunciation in inflected forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • возглас (similar to exclamation but often implies a louder, more abrupt sound)
  • крик (shout, used when the exclamation is very intense)
• Antonyms:
  • шепот (whisper, the opposite of a loud exclamation)
  • молчу (silence, implying no exclamation at all)

Related Phrases:

• Восклицательный знак - The exclamation mark; used in punctuation to denote strong emotion.
• Издать возглас - To utter an exclamation; common in narrative contexts.
• Восклицание удивления - An exclamation of surprise; a fixed phrase for expressing astonishment.

Usage Notes:

"Exclamation" translates most directly to "восклицание" in formal contexts like grammar or writing, while "возглас" is better for spoken, emotional outbursts. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for the noun based on sentence structure, e.g., genitive for possession. Choose "возглас" for informal settings to sound more natural, as it conveys immediacy.

• In questions or commands, pair with adverbs like "внезапно" (suddenly) for emphasis.
• Avoid overusing in formal writing; it's more common in creative or dialogue-heavy texts.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "восклицание" with "восклицательный знак," using the former when referring to the punctuation mark. For example:

• Incorrect: "Поставьте восклицание в конце." (This implies the act, not the mark.)
• Correct: "Поставьте восклицательный знак в конце." (This specifies the punctuation.)
• Explanation: The error stems from direct translation; always clarify if you're referring to the mark versus the action.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy, exclamations ("возгласы") are often used to convey dramatic emotion, reflecting the passionate nature of Russian storytelling. This can help English users appreciate how exclamations enhance expressiveness in Russian culture, where verbal intensity is valued in communication.

Related Concepts:

• вопрос (question)
• крик (shout)
• эмоция (emotion)