Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flog'

English Word: flog

Key Russian Translations:

• пороть [ˈporətʲ] - [Informal, often used in historical or punitive contexts]
• бить плетью [ˈbitʲ ˈplʲetʲju] - [Formal, literal translation for whipping]

Frequency: Low (Not commonly used in everyday modern Russian; more prevalent in literature or historical discussions)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual nuances; for 'пороть', it's straightforward, but 'бить плетью' may vary by context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пороть: [ˈporətʲ]

Note on пороть: The stress is on the first syllable. This verb has a soft 't' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization.

бить плетью: [ˈbitʲ ˈplʲetʲju]

Note on бить плетью: 'Бить' is a common verb with stress on the first syllable, and 'плетью' is in the instrumental case; pronounce the 'pl' softly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To beat or whip someone or something as a form of punishment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пороть - Used in informal or historical contexts, such as describing physical discipline.
• бить плетью - More formal, often in legal or narrative settings, emphasizing the tool used.

Usage Examples:

• В старые времена солдаты пороли дезертиров. (In old times, soldiers flogged deserters.)

  In old times, soldiers flogged deserters.

• Он бьёт плетью лошадь, чтобы заставить её бежать быстрее. (He is flogging the horse with a whip to make it run faster.)

  He is flogging the horse with a whip to make it run faster.

• В романе описывается, как хозяин порол своих слуг за малейшую провинность. (In the novel, it's described how the master flogged his servants for the slightest offense.)

  In the novel, it's described how the master flogged his servants for the slightest offense.

• Судья приказал бить плетью преступника в публичном месте. (The judge ordered the criminal to be flogged with a whip in a public place.)

  The judge ordered the criminal to be flogged with a whip in a public place.

• Дети иногда шутливо говорят, что их "порют" за плохие отметки, но это метафора. (Children sometimes jokingly say they are "flogged" for bad grades, but it's a metaphor.)

  Children sometimes jokingly say they are "flogged" for bad grades, but it's a metaphor.

Meaning 2: Figuratively, to criticize severely (e.g., in journalism or debate).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пороть чушь - Used idiomatically to mean "to talk nonsense," but can extend to severe criticism in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Критик порол его статью в газете. (The critic flogged his article in the newspaper.)

  The critic flogged his article in the newspaper.

• В дебатах оппонент порол его аргументы без жалости. (In the debate, the opponent flogged his arguments mercilessly.)

  In the debate, the opponent flogged his arguments mercilessly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'пороть' (a verb of the first conjugation):

For 'бить плетью', 'бить' is irregular and follows the first conjugation pattern, but 'плетью' is a noun in instrumental case and does not inflect in this phrase. It remains unchanged in most uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: бить (to hit), хлестать (to lash) - 'Хлестать' is more specific to whipping motions.
• Antonyms: гладить (to stroke) - Implies a gentle action, opposite to violent beating.

Related Phrases:

• пороть чушь - To talk nonsense; often used humorously in casual conversations.
• бить плетью по спине - To flog on the back; refers to physical punishment in historical contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Flog' corresponds most directly to 'пороть' in punitive contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian equivalents can carry stronger historical connotations, such as serfdom or military discipline. Use 'пороть' in informal or literary settings, and opt for 'бить плетью' in more precise, formal descriptions. Be cautious with these terms in modern speech, as they may sound archaic or offensive. When choosing between translations, consider the context: 'пороть' is more idiomatic, while 'бить плетью' emphasizes the method.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'бить' alone without specifying the instrument, which can make it too general (e.g., saying 'бить' for 'flog' when 'пороть' is more accurate). Correct: Instead of "Он бьёт", say "Он порёт" for flogging. Explanation: 'Бить' means general hitting, potentially diluting the specific meaning of flogging.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, such as saying 'порют' in singular contexts. Correct: Use 'порит' for third person singular. Explanation: Russian verbs change based on subject, and mistakes here can confuse native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'пороть' are often linked to historical practices such as corporal punishment during the Tsarist era or in literature by authors like Tolstoy, evoking themes of social inequality and reform. This adds a layer of depth, making the word not just about physical action but also about Russia's feudal past.

Related Concepts:

• наказание (punishment)
• дисциплина (discipline)
• бич (whip)