Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jinx'

English Word: jinx

Key Russian Translations:

• сглаз [sɡlaz] - [Informal, often used in superstitious contexts]
• порча [ˈporʲtɕə] - [Formal, implying a curse or spell]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about superstition, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of cultural nuances and basic noun inflections, with "сглаз" being slightly easier than "порча")

Pronunciation (Russian):

сглаз: [sɡlaz]

порча: [ˈporʲtɕə]

Note on сглаз: The initial "с" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, and the "г" is devoiced before "л", which can be tricky for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable.

Note on порча: The "ч" is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the "ch" in "loch" in Scottish English. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A bad luck charm or person that brings misfortune

Translation(s) & Context:

• сглаз - Used in informal settings, such as family discussions about superstitions or folklore.
• порча - Applied in more formal or literary contexts, often involving witchcraft or intentional harm.

Usage Examples:

• Они сказали, что это сглаз, и посоветовали повесить амулет.

  They said it was a jinx and advised hanging a talisman.

• После того, как он появился, всё пошло наперекосяк — наверняка порча.

  After he showed up, everything went wrong — it's definitely a jinx.

• В деревне верят, что сглаз можно снять, прочитав специальный заговор.

  In the village, they believe you can remove a jinx by reciting a special incantation.

• Её порча на дом привела к серии неудач в бизнесе.

  Her jinx on the house led to a series of business misfortunes.

• Дети боятся сглаза, когда хвастаются новыми игрушками.

  Children fear a jinx when they boast about new toys.

A spell or curse causing bad luck

Translation(s) & Context:

• сглаз - Common in everyday superstitious talk, especially in rural or traditional settings.
• порча - More intense, used in contexts involving magic or professional fortune-telling.

Usage Examples:

• Этот старый амулет защищает от сглаза во время путешествий.

  This old amulet protects against a jinx during travels.

• Бабушка предупредила, что порча может наслать несчастье на всю семью.

  Grandma warned that a jinx could bring misfortune to the whole family.

• В фильме герой борется с сглазом, наложенным злым колдуном.

  In the movie, the hero fights a jinx cast by an evil sorcerer.

• Многие люди носят обереги, чтобы избежать порчи.

  Many people wear charms to avoid a jinx.

• Сглаз ребенка — это распространённая тема в русских сказках.

  Jinxing a child is a common theme in Russian folktales.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "сглаз" and "порча" are masculine nouns in Russian. They follow standard first-declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: These nouns are invariable in terms of gender but change based on case and number as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: проклятие [proklyatiye] (curse, more general); злой рок [zloi rok] (evil fate, poetic usage)
• Antonyms: благословение [blagosloveniye] ( blessing, opposite in superstitious contexts); удача [udacha] (luck, direct opposite)

Related Phrases:

• снять сглаз - To remove a jinx (used in contexts of reversing bad luck through rituals).
• наложить порчу - To cast a jinx (implies intentional cursing in folklore).
• оберег от сглаза - Charm against a jinx (common in protective traditions).

Usage Notes:

"Jinx" in English often refers to unintentional bad luck, while Russian equivalents like "сглаз" carry a stronger superstitious connotation, rooted in Slavic folklore. Use "сглаз" for everyday, informal situations and "порча" for more formal or narrative contexts. Be mindful of gender agreements in sentences, as both are masculine nouns. When choosing between translations, opt for "сглаз" if the jinx is perceived as accidental, and "порча" if it's deliberate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сглаз" in formal writing without proper context, e.g., saying "Это сглаз" instead of "Это порча" for a curse in a story. Correct: "Порча" is more appropriate for intentional acts. Explanation: "Сглаз" implies an accidental evil eye, while "порча" denotes a spell, so mixing them can confuse the intent.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using "сглаз" in genitive as "сглаз" instead of "сглаза". Correct: "сглаза бизнеса" (of the jinx on business). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, and beginners often forget declensions, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сглаз" is tied to the concept of the "evil eye," a widespread belief in Slavic traditions where envy or ill wishes can cause misfortune. This reflects historical pagan influences and is still prevalent in rural areas, often countered by amulets or rituals, highlighting the blend of folklore and daily life in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• амулет
• заговор
• народные поверья