Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'irritation'

English Word: irritation

Key Russian Translations:

• раздражение [rɐz.drɐˈʐenʲɪ.jə] - [Formal, Common in medical and emotional contexts]
• досада [dɐˈsadə] - [Informal, Used for mild frustration or annoyance]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in everyday conversations, literature, and medical discussions, but not as ubiquitous as basic emotion words like "гнев" for anger.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp basic usage, but mastering inflections and contextual nuances requires practice. For "раздражение," it's B1; for "досада," it's A2 due to its simplicity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

раздражение: [rɐz.drɐˈʐenʲɪ.jə]

Note on раздражение: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ʐenʲɪ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' and soft 'zh' sound. Pronounce it with a clear separation between syllables.

досада: [dɐˈsadə]

Note on досада: This word has a softer, more flowing pronunciation; the stress is on the second syllable. It's easier for beginners but watch for the vowel reduction in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Annoyance or emotional frustration (e.g., feeling irritated by something trivial)

Translation(s) & Context:

• раздражение - Used in formal or everyday contexts to describe mental or emotional irritation, such as in arguments or daily annoyances.
• досада - Informal contexts, like expressing regret or mild vexation in casual conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Его постоянные опоздания вызывают раздражение у коллег. (His constant lateness causes irritation among colleagues.)

  English: His constant lateness causes irritation among colleagues.

• Эта мелкая досада испортила мне весь день. (This minor irritation ruined my whole day.)

  English: This minor irritation ruined my whole day. (Here, "досада" is used for a less intense form of irritation.)

• Раздражение от шума за окном не дает мне сосредоточиться. (The irritation from the noise outside doesn't let me concentrate.)

  English: The irritation from the noise outside doesn't let me concentrate. (Demonstrates "раздражение" in a sensory context.)

• После неудачного разговора у меня накопилась досада. (After the unsuccessful conversation, irritation built up in me.)

  English: After the unsuccessful conversation, irritation built up in me. (Shows progression of emotion.)

Meaning 2: Physical irritation, such as skin irritation or discomfort

Translation(s) & Context:

• раздражение - Primarily used in medical or physical contexts, like skin reactions.

Usage Examples:

• Аллергия вызвала сильное раздражение на коже. (The allergy caused severe irritation on the skin.)

  English: The allergy caused severe irritation on the skin.

• Это средство от насекомых может привести к раздражению. (This insect repellent can lead to irritation.)

  English: This insect repellent can lead to irritation. (Illustrates a warning in everyday language.)

• Раздражение в глазах от дыма заставило его выйти на улицу. (The irritation in his eyes from the smoke made him go outside.)

  English: The irritation in his eyes from the smoke made him go outside. (Shows physical response to irritation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "раздражение" and "досада" are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard neuter declension patterns. "Раздражение" is a third-declension noun and can inflect based on case and number, while "досада" is more straightforward but still varies.

Note: "Досада" does not have a plural form in most contexts as it refers to a singular emotional state, making it less inflected.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • раздражительность (irritability; more about a personality trait)
  • недовольство (dissatisfaction; similar but broader)
  • эксцентричность (eccentricity; for specific behavioral irritation)
• Antonyms:
  • спокойствие (calmness; directly opposite in emotional contexts)
  • терпение (patience; counters frustration)

Related Phrases:

• раздражение кожи - Skin irritation; commonly used in health discussions.
• вызывать досаду - To cause irritation; for situations that provoke annoyance.
• подавить раздражение - To suppress irritation; in contexts of emotional control.

Usage Notes:

"Раздражение" directly corresponds to the English "irritation" in both emotional and physical senses, making it a versatile choice, but it's more formal than "досада," which is better for casual, everyday expressions of mild frustration. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the genitive case for possession (e.g., "раздражение от шума" for "irritation from noise"). When choosing between translations, opt for "раздражение" in professional or medical scenarios and "досада" in informal chats. Be mindful of context to avoid overgeneralizing; for example, in Russian literature, these words can carry subtle emotional depth not always present in English equivalents.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "раздражение" interchangeably with "гнев" (anger), leading to phrases like "Я чувствую раздражение" when "гнев" might be more accurate for intense anger. Correct: "Раздражение" implies milder annoyance, not rage. Example of error: "Он в раздражении ударил дверь" (implying extreme anger incorrectly); Correct: "Он в гневе ударил дверь."
• Error: Forgetting inflections, such as using nominative in all cases (e.g., "из-за раздражение" instead of "из-за раздражения"). Correct: Always adjust for genitive in prepositional phrases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of irritation like "раздражение" often reflect the value placed on emotional restraint, influenced by historical contexts such as Soviet-era stoicism. For instance, in literature by authors like Chekhov, irritation is portrayed as a subtle, everyday emotion rather than something explosive, helping to convey the nuances of interpersonal relationships in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• гнев (anger)
• усталость (fatigue)
• нервозность (nervousness)