Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'imbroglio'

English Word: imbroglio

Key Russian Translations:

• замешательство [zəmʲɪˈʂætlʲstvə] - [Formal; used in literary or serious contexts]
• перепутка [pʲɪrʲɪˈputkə] - [Informal; common in everyday spoken language]

Frequency: Medium (occasionally used in Russian literature and discussions, but not everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and contextual usage for English speakers)

Pronunciation (Russian):

замешательство: [zəmʲɪˈʂætlʲstvə]

перепутка: [pʲɪrʲɪˈputkə]

Note on замешательство: The 'ш' sound (as in [ʂ]) is a soft, retroflex fricative that can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A complicated or confused situation, often involving conflict or entanglement.

Translation(s) & Context:

• замешательство - Used in formal writing or discussions to describe a tangled affair, such as political scandals.
• перепутка - Applied in informal settings for everyday mix-ups, like personal misunderstandings.

Usage Examples:

• В политическом имброльо вокруг выборов возникло большое замешательство среди избирателей.

  In the political imbroglio surrounding the elections, there was great confusion among voters.

• Эта перепутка с документами превратила простой визит в настоящий хаос.

  This mix-up with the documents turned a simple visit into a real imbroglio.

• Из-за замешательства в переговорах, сделка была отложена на неопределенный срок.

  Due to the imbroglio in negotiations, the deal was postponed indefinitely.

• Перепутка в отношениях между друзьями иногда приводит к долгим размолвкам.

  An imbroglio in relationships between friends can sometimes lead to long-lasting disagreements.

• В этом замешательстве исторических фактов трудно разобраться без эксперта.

  In this imbroglio of historical facts, it's hard to make sense without an expert.

Secondary Meaning: A complicated plot or intrigue in literature or drama.

Translation(s) & Context:

• замешательство - Used in literary analysis to describe intricate storylines.

Usage Examples:

• Роман полон замешательств, которые держат читателя в напряжении до конца.

  The novel is full of imbroglios that keep the reader in suspense until the end.

• В пьесе Шекспира замешательство любовных интриг приводит к трагической развязке.

  In Shakespeare's play, the imbroglio of romantic intrigues leads to a tragic conclusion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are nouns. "Замешательство" is a neuter noun in the second declension, which follows regular patterns. "Перепутка" is a feminine noun in the first declension, also regular.

These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хаос (more general disorder)
  • интрига (specifically for plots or schemes)
  • смятение (emotional confusion, with a nuance of distress)
• Antonyms:
  • порядок (order, implying clarity and structure)
  • спокойствие (calm, contrasting with confusion)

Related Phrases:

• Впадать в замешательство - To fall into confusion; used when someone becomes entangled in a situation unexpectedly.
• Разрешить перепутку - To resolve a mix-up; common in problem-solving contexts.
• Полное замешательство дел - A complete imbroglio of affairs; implies total disarray in multiple areas.

Usage Notes:

"Замешательство" is a more formal equivalent to "imbroglio" and is often used in written Russian, such as in news articles or literature, to convey complexity without emotional overtones. In contrast, "перепутка" is informal and better suited for casual conversations. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case, so always adjust based on sentence structure. When choosing between translations, opt for "замешательство" in professional or abstract contexts and "перепутка" for everyday scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "замешательство" in plural form incorrectly, e.g., saying "замешательствос" instead of "замешательства". Correct: Always follow standard declension; for plural, use "замешательства". This mistake often arises from overgeneralizing English plural rules.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "замешанный" (meaning "mixed in"), leading to phrases like "Я замешанный в проблеме" instead of "Я в замешательстве". Correct: Use "замешательство" as a noun for the state of confusion, not as a verb form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "замешательство" often appear in literature by authors such as Dostoevsky, reflecting themes of existential confusion and societal entanglement. This mirrors the Russian literary tradition of exploring complex human emotions, making it a staple in discussions of Russian realism.

Related Concepts:

• конфликт
• интрига
• хаос