Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flip'

English Word: flip

Key Russian Translations:

• перевернуть [pʲɪrʲɪˈvʲɛrnʊtʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Used for turning something over physically or metaphorically]
• подбросить [pədbɾɐˈsʲitʲ] - [Informal, Verb, Used in casual contexts like flipping a coin or tossing something lightly]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly used in everyday Russian, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs like "идти" (to go).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of verb conjugations and basic noun cases. For "перевернуть," it's slightly more challenging due to perfective aspect; for "подбросить," it's straightforward for intermediates.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перевернуть: [pʲɪrʲɪˈvʲɛrnʊtʲ]

Note on перевернуть: This is a perfective verb with stress on the third syllable ("vɛrn"). Pay attention to the soft 'r' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. It's often pronounced more fluidly in rapid speech.

подбросить: [pədbɾɐˈsʲitʲ]

Note on подбросить: Stress falls on the third syllable ("sʲitʲ"). The initial 'p' is unaspirated, differing from English pronunciation. This verb has a more casual, playful connotation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To turn over or flip something quickly (e.g., an object like a book or pancake).

Translation(s) & Context:

• перевернуть - Used in formal or everyday contexts when describing a deliberate action of flipping, such as in cooking or handling objects. Common in narratives or instructions.

Usage Examples:

• Он перевернул книгу, чтобы посмотреть другую страницу.

  He flipped the book to look at the other page.

• Повар перевернул блин на сковороде.

  The cook flipped the pancake on the frying pan.

• Дети перевернули коробку с игрушками в поисках любимой.

  The children flipped the toy box to find their favorite one.

• Ветер перевернул листья на деревьях.

  The wind flipped the leaves on the trees.

Meaning 2: To toss or flip lightly, such as a coin (implying chance or quick movement).

Translation(s) & Context:

• подбросить - Informal and playful, often in games or decisions, like flipping a coin to decide. Avoid in formal writing; better for spoken language.

Usage Examples:

• Давай подбросим монету, чтобы решить, кто пойдёт первым.

  Let's flip a coin to decide who goes first.

• Он подбросил ключ в воздух и поймал его.

  He flipped the key in the air and caught it.

• Подбрось мячик, и мы поиграем.

  Flip the ball, and we'll play.

• В игре они подбросили кубик для случайного результата.

  In the game, they flipped the die for a random outcome.

• Она подбросила идею, и все согласились.

  She flipped the idea around, and everyone agreed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are verbs in Russian, which means they undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. "Перевернуть" is a perfective verb (indicating completion), while "подбросить" is also perfective but more irregular in some forms.

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the infinitive or future forms but follow standard Russian conjugation patterns. They are invariable in aspect (perfective), meaning they don't have imperfective counterparts in this exact form, though related imperfectives exist (e.g., перевертывать for перевернуть).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: перевертывать (to keep flipping, imperfective), опрокинуть (to overturn), кинуть (to throw lightly) - "кинуть" is more casual and implies speed.
• Antonyms: оставить (to leave as is), зафиксировать (to fix in place) - "зафиксировать" is formal and used in technical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• перевернуть вверх дном - To turn upside down; meaning: To completely reverse or disrupt something, often used metaphorically in chaotic situations.
• подбросить идею - To toss out an idea; meaning: To suggest something casually, common in brainstorming or informal discussions.
• перевернуть страницу - To flip the page; meaning: To move on from the past, as in personal growth contexts.

Usage Notes:

The English word "flip" corresponds closely to "перевернуть" for physical actions and "подбросить" for lighter, chance-based flips. In Russian, choose "перевернуть" for formal or descriptive contexts (e.g., writing or instructions), and "подбросить" for informal speech. Be mindful of aspect: these are perfective verbs, implying completion, so they work well for one-time actions. Grammar note: Always conjugate based on subject gender and number, as Russian verbs agree with the subject. When translating, consider the context—e.g., don't use "подбросить" in professional settings where "перевернуть" might be more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "перевернуть" interchangeably with "подбросить" without considering formality. For example, English learners might say "подбросить" in a serious context like a recipe, which sounds too casual. Correct: Use "перевернуть" for precise, deliberate actions. Example of error: "Подбросьте блин в рецепте" (incorrect for formal writing); Correct: "Переверните блин в рецепте". Explanation: "Подбросить" implies a throw, not a flip, leading to confusion.

• Error: Forgetting verb conjugation, e.g., using the infinitive form in a sentence where a conjugated form is needed. Example of error: "Я перевернуть книгу" (incorrect); Correct: "Я переверну книгу". Explanation: Russian verbs must agree with the subject, so always adjust for person and tense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "подбросить монету" (to flip a coin) are often linked to games of chance or decision-making in folklore, reflecting a historical emphasis on fate and randomness in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin). "Перевернуть" can metaphorically appear in expressions of upheaval, such as during historical events like the Russian Revolution, symbolizing dramatic change.

Related Concepts:

• переворот
• кинуть
• опрокинуть