Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hangover'

English Word: hangover

Key Russian Translations:

• похмелье [pɐxˈmʲelʲje] - [Informal]
• абстиненция [ɐbstʲiˈnɛntsʲɪjə] - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about drinking, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like greetings).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and everyday expressions, though pronunciation of palatalized consonants may pose a challenge for beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

похмелье: [pɐxˈmʲelʲje]

Note on похмелье: The stress falls on the second syllable ('mʲelʲje'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'x' sound, which is softer than in English, and the 'ʲ' indicates a palatal glide. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels slightly.

Audio: []

абстиненция: [ɐbstʲiˈnɛntsʲɪjə]

Note on абстиненция: This word has a more Latin-influenced pronunciation; the 'tʲ' is palatalized, making it sound like a soft 't' followed by a 'y' glide. It's less commonly used in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The uncomfortable physical condition after consuming too much alcohol, often involving headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Translation(s) & Context:

• похмелье - Used in informal, everyday contexts, such as casual conversations about parties or overindulgence in alcohol.
• абстиненция - Employed in formal or medical settings, such as discussions with doctors or in health-related literature, to describe withdrawal symptoms more broadly.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сильное похмелье после вчерашней вечеринки.

  I have a bad hangover after last night's party. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting personal experience in an informal context.)

• Он страдает от похмелья каждое утро после выходных.

  He suffers from a hangover every morning after the weekends. (Illustrates the word in a habitual context, with the noun in the genitive case to indicate "from hangover.")

• Похмелье может быть опасным, если не пить достаточно воды.

  A hangover can be dangerous if you don't drink enough water. (Demonstrates the word in a general advisory sentence, emphasizing health implications.)

• После абстиненции от алкоголя многие чувствуют себя лучше.

  After withdrawal from alcohol, many people feel better. (This uses the more formal translation in a medical or recovery context, showing its application in broader discussions.)

• Её похмелье было так плохо, что она пропустила работу.

  Her hangover was so bad that she missed work. (Exhibits the word in a narrative structure, with possessive forms to describe intensity.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"похмелье" is a neuter noun in the second declension, which means it follows standard patterns for Russian nouns. It is invariable in the plural form but changes in cases for singular. "абстиненция" is a feminine noun in the first declension and has more regular changes.

Note: "похмелье" is often used in singular only, as hangovers are typically discussed individually. "абстиненция" follows standard feminine patterns without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • интоксикация - More formal, often used in medical contexts to imply poisoning from alcohol.
  • отходняк - Slang variant, common in youth culture for a lighter, humorous take on hangovers.
• Antonyms:
  • трезвость (sobriety) - Directly opposite, referring to a state of being alcohol-free.

Related Phrases:

• Лечить похмелье - To cure a hangover; often used in contexts discussing remedies like drinking water or eating soup.
• Похмельный синдром - Hangover syndrome; a phrase from medical or psychological discussions.
• Послеабстинентный период - Post-withdrawal period; related to the formal translation and used in addiction recovery contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Похмелье" is the most direct and idiomatic translation for "hangover" in informal Russian speech, making it suitable for everyday conversations among friends. However, in professional or medical settings, "абстиненция" is preferred for its precision, as it encompasses broader withdrawal symptoms. Be mindful of context: Russians often discuss alcohol-related topics openly, but using these words in formal writing requires attention to declension for grammatical accuracy. When choosing between translations, opt for "похмелье" in casual scenarios and "абстиненция" when emphasizing health or addiction.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking "похмелье" for a verb: English learners might incorrectly use it as "похмелить" (which doesn't exist). Correct usage: It's a noun, so pair it with verbs like "иметь" (to have). Error example: *Я похмелье* (wrong); Correct: Я имею похмелье.
• Overusing the formal "абстиненция" in casual talk: This can sound overly clinical. Error example: Saying "У меня абстиненция" in a party chat; Correct: Use "похмелье" instead for natural flow.
• Ignoring case changes: Forgetting to adjust for genitive, e.g., *от похмелье* (wrong); Correct: от похмелья, to indicate "from a hangover."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of "похмелье" are common due to the historical and social role of alcohol in social gatherings, such as holidays or family events. However, it carries a somewhat humorous or resigned connotation in informal settings, reflecting a cultural attitude toward overindulgence as a relatable human experience. Be aware that in modern Russia, public health campaigns increasingly address alcohol's negative effects, adding a layer of sensitivity to these terms.

Related Concepts:

• алкоголь (alcohol)
• вечеринка (party)
• трезвость (sobriety)
• интоксикация (intoxication)