Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gesture'

English Word: gesture

Key Russian Translations:

• жест /ʐɛst/ - [Noun, Common; Used in everyday contexts for physical movements expressing ideas]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, literature, and media in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should grasp basic noun forms and usage, though pronunciation of 'ж' may pose a challenge for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

жест: /ʐɛst/

Note on жест: The initial 'ж' is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure' in English, but more guttural. Stress falls on the first syllable. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning.

Translation(s) & Context:

• жест - Used in informal or formal settings for non-verbal communication, such as in social interactions or public speaking.

Usage Examples:

• Он сделал жест рукой, указывая на дверь. (He made a gesture with his hand, pointing to the door.)

  He made a gesture with his hand, pointing to the door. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing direction.)

• Её жесты во время речи были очень выразительными. (Her gestures during the speech were very expressive.)

  Her gestures during the speech were very expressive. (Here, the word is used in a plural context to describe multiple actions in a formal setting.)

• В русской культуре жесты могут иметь разные значения в зависимости от региона. (In Russian culture, gestures can have different meanings depending on the region.)

  In Russian culture, gestures can have different meanings depending on the region. (This illustrates cultural variation and broader contextual use.)

• Доктор жестом пригласил пациента войти. (The doctor gestured for the patient to enter.)

  The doctor gestured for the patient to enter. (Demonstrates the word in a professional, imperative context.)

• Его жесты выдавали нервозность во время переговоров. (His gestures revealed nervousness during the negotiations.)

  His gestures revealed nervousness during the negotiations. (This example highlights emotional or psychological connotations.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "жест" is a masculine noun in Russian, which follows the standard third declension pattern. It is invariable in the plural form but changes according to case in the singular. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners. If used in compounds or derived forms, such as "жестикуляция" (gesticulation), separate inflections apply.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • знак (znak) - More general, often implies a signal or sign; used interchangeably in abstract contexts.
  • движение (dvizheniye) - Emphasizes physical motion; preferred in descriptions of body language.
• Antonyms:
  • бездействие (bezdeystviye) - Implies inaction or stillness; highlights the absence of movement.
  • молчание (molchaniye) - Refers to silence, contrasting with expressive gestures.

Related Phrases:

• Жест доброй воли (Zhest dobroi voli) - A gesture of goodwill; Used in diplomatic or interpersonal contexts to indicate a kind act without expectation of return.
• Выразительный жест (Vyrazitel'nyy zhest) - Expressive gesture; Common in discussions about acting or public speaking to denote emphatic movements.
• Жест отчаяния (Zhest otchayaniya) - Gesture of despair; Refers to movements that convey hopelessness, often in literature or emotional narratives.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "жест" directly corresponds to the English "gesture" as a noun, but it is more commonly used in contexts involving visible, intentional movements rather than subtle facial expressions. Be mindful of the word's masculine gender, which affects agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "этот жест" for "this gesture"). In formal writing, pair it with verbs like "сделать" (to make) or "использовать" (to use). If multiple translations exist, choose "жест" for physical actions and "знак" for symbolic ones. Cultural nuances, such as gestures varying by region in Russia, should guide usage to avoid misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: Learners often misuse the genitive form, saying "жестa" incorrectly as "жеста" in nominative contexts. Correct usage: "Я увидел жест" (I saw a gesture), not "Я увидел жестa". Explanation: Always check the sentence structure to apply the appropriate case.

• Overgeneralizing with synonyms: Mistaking "жест" for "движение" in emotional contexts, e.g., saying "Его движение показало гнев" instead of "Его жест показал гнев". Correct: Use "жест" for intentional expressions. Explanation: "Движение" is broader and may imply unintentional motion.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gestures like the "OK" sign (formed by a circle with thumb and forefinger) can have negative connotations, unlike in Western cultures where it's positive. The word "жест" often appears in discussions of body language in literature or theater, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of expressive arts, such as in Chekhov's plays, where gestures convey unspoken emotions and social hierarchies.

Related Concepts:

• мимика (mimika)
• жестикуляция (zhestikulatsiya)
• язык тела (yazyk tela)