Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gurgle'

English Word: gurgle

Key Russian Translations:

• бормотать /bɐrmɐˈtatʲ/ - [Informal, often used for soft, bubbling sounds like a baby or light stream]
• хлюпать /xlʲʊˈpatʲ/ - [Informal, specifically for liquid sounds, such as water flowing]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are moderately common in everyday Russian conversation, especially in descriptive contexts like nature or child care.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian verb conjugations and pronunciation, but not advanced grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бормотать: /bɐrmɐˈtatʲ/

Note on бормотать: The 'р' sound is typically rolled (trilled), which can be challenging for English speakers; stress falls on the third syllable. Variations in informal speech may soften the 'т' to a 'd' sound.

Audio: []

хлюпать: /xlʲʊˈpatʲ/

Note on хлюпать: The initial 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch"; the 'лʲ' is palatalized, which is common in Russian but may require practice for non-native speakers. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The sound of flowing water or liquids (e.g., a stream making a bubbling noise)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хлюпать - Used in informal or descriptive contexts, such as describing natural sounds or everyday liquids; common in literature or casual speech.

Usage Examples:

• Ручей хлюпал в тишине леса, создавая успокаивающий звук.

  The stream gurgled in the silence of the forest, creating a soothing sound.

• В ванной воде хлюпала, пока мыли посуду.

  The water gurgled in the sink while we washed the dishes.

• Хлюпала река под мостом, напоминая о дождливом дне.

  The river gurgled under the bridge, reminding us of the rainy day.

• Когда ветер дул, вода в озере начала хлюпать ритмично.

  When the wind blew, the water in the lake started to gurgle rhythmically.

Meaning 2: The soft, bubbling sound made by a baby or infant (e.g., expressing contentment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бормотать - Applied in familial or affectionate contexts, often with children; can imply a gentle, playful tone.

Usage Examples:

• Малыш бормотал в колыбели, радуясь новой игрушке.

  The baby gurgled in the crib, delighted with the new toy.

• Когда мама улыбнулась, ребенок начал бормотать тихонько.

  When mom smiled, the child started to gurgle softly.

• Во время кормления, младенец бормотал, показывая удовольствие.

  During feeding, the infant gurgled, showing contentment.

• Бормотал малыш на прогулке, привлекаю внимание прохожих.

  The baby gurgled on the walk, drawing attention from passersby.

• После сна, он бормотал, как будто рассказывал сон.

  After sleeping, he gurgled as if recounting his dream.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs, which follow standard Russian conjugation patterns. "Бормотать" and "хлюпать" are imperfective verbs, meaning they describe ongoing actions. They undergo regular conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. Below is a table for "бормотать" as an example; "хлюпать" follows similar patterns.

For "хлюпать", it is similarly conjugated but may vary slightly in informal speech. These verbs do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Шептать (whisper, murmur) - Often used interchangeably for soft sounds, but implies more secrecy.
  • Гулить (to hum or gurgle, especially for babies) - More specific to infant sounds and less formal.
  • Булькать (to bubble) - Similar to хлюпать for liquid contexts, with a focus on rapid bubbling.
• Antonyms:
  • Молчать (to be silent) - Directly opposite, indicating no sound at all.
  • Кричать (to shout) - Contrasts with the soft nature of gurgling, implying loudness.

Related Phrases:

• Бормотать что-то под нос - (Muttering something under one's breath; used for quiet, indistinct speaking, often in frustration.)
• Хлюпать водой в стакане - (Gurgling water in a glass; common in descriptions of everyday sounds.)
• Малыш бормочет в ответ - (The baby gurgles in response; typical in parent-child interactions.)

Usage Notes:

"Бормотать" and "хлюпать" are not direct one-to-one matches for "gurgle" in English, as Russian often emphasizes context more. "Бормотать" is ideal for human or animal sounds, while "хлюпать" fits liquid scenarios. Both are informal, so avoid them in formal writing; opt for more descriptive phrases instead. When choosing between translations, consider the subject: use "бормотать" for babies and "хлюпать" for water. Grammatically, these verbs require agreement in tense and aspect with the sentence's context.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "бормотать" for loud water sounds, e.g., saying "Река бормотала громко" instead of "Река хлюпала громко".
  Correct: "Хлюпать" is more appropriate for liquids; explanation: Confusing the verbs leads to inaccurate imagery—stick to "хлюпать" for water to maintain precision.
• Mistake: Forgetting conjugation, e.g., using "бормотать" in the wrong person, like "Он бормотат" instead of "Он бормочет".
  Correct: Always conjugate based on subject; explanation: Russian verbs change endings, so learners must practice tables to avoid basic grammar errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sounds like gurgling (e.g., a baby бормочет) are often romanticized in literature and folklore, symbolizing innocence and the rhythms of nature. For instance, in works by authors like Chekhov, such sounds evoke rural life, highlighting Russia's deep connection to its landscapes and family traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Шуметь (to make noise)
• Гудеть (to hum or buzz)
• Бульканье (bubbling)