Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kaput'

English Word: kaput

Key Russian Translations:

• капут [kɐˈput] - [Informal, Borrowed from German via English]

Frequency: Medium (Common in informal spoken language but less frequent in formal writing)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - As a loanword, it requires familiarity with informal vocabulary and pronunciation nuances.

Pronunciation (Russian):

капут: [kɐˈput]

Note on капут: The stress is on the second syllable. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different Russian dialects, with a harder 'k' sound in some regions. Be cautious of the vowel shift in fast speech.

Audio: Insert audio player or link here (e.g., .mp3 file for 'kaput')

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Broken, not functioning, or completely finished (often used for objects or situations that are irreparably damaged)

Translation(s) & Context:

• капут - Used in casual, everyday conversations to emphasize total failure or breakdown, equivalent to "kaput" in English. Context: Informal settings, such as among friends or in spoken narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Мой старый компьютер капут, и я не могу его починить.

  My old computer is kaput, and I can't fix it.

• После аварии машина оказалась капут.

  After the accident, the car turned out to be kaput.

• Весь план пошёл капут из-за плохой погоды.

  The whole plan went kaput because of the bad weather.

• Телефон упал и теперь капут – экран разбит.

  The phone fell and now it's kaput – the screen is shattered.

• Эта идея была хорошей, но быстро стала капут из-за отсутствия финансирования.

  This idea was good, but it quickly became kaput due to lack of funding.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"капут" is a borrowed noun/adjective from German via English and is typically used in its base form without extensive inflection in modern Russian. It functions as an indeclinable word in most cases, meaning it does not change for case, number, or gender. However, in some contexts, it can be treated as a masculine noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сломанный (slomannyj) - Broken; more literal and common in everyday language.
  • неисправный (neispravnyj) - Faulty; used for mechanical or technical failures, with subtle differences in formality.
  • конченый (konchenyj) - Finished or ruined; implies complete end, often with a negative connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • рабочий (rabochiy) - Working or functional.
  • исправный (ispravnyj) - In good order; reliable.

Related Phrases:

• всё капут - Everything is kaput; Meaning: Indicates total failure or collapse in a situation. (Used in informal contexts to express frustration.)
• пошло капут - It went kaput; Meaning: Refers to something that has suddenly failed. (Common in narratives about plans or devices.)
• капут всему - Kaput to everything; Meaning: Suggests complete destruction or end. (Emphasizes dramatic outcomes in storytelling.)

Usage Notes:

"Капут" is an informal loanword that directly mirrors the English "kaput," originating from German. It is best used in spoken language or casual writing to convey that something is irreparably broken or finished. Avoid it in formal contexts, such as academic or professional documents, where more standard Russian equivalents like "сломанный" are preferred. When choosing between translations, opt for "капут" in youthful or slang-heavy conversations for authenticity, but ensure the audience is familiar with borrowed terms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "капут" in formal writing or official contexts, e.g., "Мой документ капут" instead of "Мой документ повреждён."

  Correct Usage: Stick to informal settings; correct example: "Мой телефон капут" (informal speech). Explanation: This word sounds casual and may undermine seriousness in formal Russian.

• Error: Mispronouncing as [kaˈput] without the Russian vowel sound, leading to confusion with English pronunciation.

  Correct Usage: Pronounce as [kɐˈput] with the correct Russian 'a' sound. Explanation: Learners often carry over English phonetics, which can make the word less intelligible to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Капут" reflects the influence of Western languages on Russian, particularly through media and technology. It entered Russian slang via German (originally meaning "head" but evolving to signify end or destruction) and English, highlighting how global interactions shape everyday vocabulary. In Russian culture, it's often used humorously in conversations about failed gadgets or plans, embodying a light-hearted resignation to misfortune.

Related Concepts:

• сломанный
• неисправность
• конец
• авария