Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intermission'

English Word: intermission

Key Russian Translations:

• антракт [anˈtrakt] - [Used in theater or performances, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in cultural and entertainment contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and cultural contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

антракт: [anˈtrakt]

Note on антракт: The stress is on the second syllable; be mindful of the soft 'т' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear 'r' trill if speaking formally.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A break or pause between parts of a performance, such as in a theater play, concert, or film.

Translation(s) & Context:

• антракт - Typically used in formal or cultural settings like theaters; implies a scheduled pause for audience refreshment or intermission activities.

Usage Examples:

• Во время антракта зрители вышли в фойе, чтобы обсудить спектакль.

  During the intermission, the audience went to the foyer to discuss the performance.

• Антракт в опере длился пятнадцать минут, и мы успели выпить кофе.

  The intermission in the opera lasted fifteen minutes, and we managed to have coffee.

• После первого акта объявили антракт, и оркестр сделал перерыв.

  After the first act, they announced an intermission, and the orchestra took a break.

• В кинотеатре антракт не предусмотрен, но в театре он является традицией.

  Intermissions are not standard in cinemas, but in theaters, they are a tradition.

• Антракт позволил актерам переодеться и подготовиться к следующему акту.

  The intermission allowed the actors to change and prepare for the next act.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Антракт" is a masculine noun (third declension in Russian). It follows regular noun inflection patterns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple intermissions, which is less common but applicable in contexts like a series of events.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: перерыв (perekhiv) - A general break, often less formal; used in everyday contexts like work or sports.
• передышка (peredyshka) - A short rest or breather, implying informality and brevity.
• Antonyms: продолжение (prodolzheniye) - Continuation, as in resuming an activity without pause.

Related Phrases:

• В антракте - During the intermission; often used to describe activities happening in that time period.
• Объявить антракт - To announce an intermission; common in theatrical announcements.
• Антрактный буфет - Intermission buffet; refers to the refreshment area during breaks in performances.

Usage Notes:

"Антракт" directly corresponds to "intermission" in English, particularly in cultural or artistic contexts, but it is more commonly associated with live performances like theater or opera. Use it in formal settings; for everyday breaks, "перерыв" might be more appropriate. Be aware of grammatical gender (masculine) and always decline it according to the sentence case. When choosing between translations, opt for "антракт" if the context involves structured entertainment, as it carries a cultural connotation.

• In informal speech, Russians might use "перерыв" interchangeably, but "антракт" adds a layer of sophistication.
• Grammar note: Always pair it with appropriate prepositions, e.g., "во время антракта" (during the intermission).

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "антракт" with "перерыв," using "антракт" in non-performance contexts. For example:

• Error: "Я сделал антракт на работе" (I took an intermission at work) - This sounds unnatural because "антракт" implies a theatrical break.
• Correct: "Я сделал перерыв на работе" (I took a break at work). Explanation: Use "перерыв" for general pauses to avoid cultural mismatch.
• Another error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "в антракт" instead of "в антракте." Explanation: The prepositional case requires "антракте" for correct grammar.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "антракт" is not just a break but a social tradition in theaters and operas. It's a time for audience interaction, such as chatting in the foyer or visiting the bar, reflecting the communal aspect of Russian performing arts. This stems from historical practices in imperial theaters, where intermissions allowed for elaborate social gatherings.

Related Concepts:

• спектакль (spektakl) - Performance or play.
• концерт (kontsert) - Concert.
• перерыв (perekhiv) - General break, as discussed.