Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lash'

English Word: lash

Key Russian Translations:

• ресница [rʲɪˈsnʲɪtsə] - [Formal; Refers to an eyelash]
• бич [bʲit͡ɕ] - [Informal; Can imply a whip or lash as an object]
• хлестать [xlʲeˈstatʲ] - [Informal; Used for the action of lashing or whipping]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday contexts like beauty, descriptions, or literature, but not as high-frequency as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: A1 for 'ресница' (Beginner level, as it's a simple noun); B1 for 'бич' and 'хлестать' (Intermediate, due to potential verb conjugations and contextual nuances).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ресница: [rʲɪˈsnʲɪtsə]

бич: [bʲit͡ɕ]

хлестать: [xlʲeˈstatʲ]

Note on хлестать: This verb has a soft 'х' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it often varies slightly in rapid speech, sounding more like [xlʲəˈstatʲ] in informal contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Eyelash (as a body part)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ресница - Used in everyday, personal care, or descriptive contexts, such as in beauty products or anatomy.

Usage Examples:

• Её ресницы были длинными и изогнутыми, как у модели.

  Her lashes were long and curved, like those of a model.

• Я наношу тушь на ресницы каждое утро.

  I apply mascara to my lashes every morning.

• Ресницы защищают глаза от пыли и света.

  Lashes protect the eyes from dust and light.

• В косметическом магазине продают средства для удлинения ресниц.

  In the cosmetics store, they sell products for lengthening lashes.

Meaning 2: Whip or to strike forcefully

Translation(s) & Context:

• бич - Used metaphorically or literally for a whip-like object, often in historical or descriptive contexts.
• хлестать - Used as a verb for the action of lashing, in contexts like punishment or weather (e.g., wind lashing).

Usage Examples:

• Ветер хлестал по лицу, как бич во время бури.

  The wind lashed at my face like a whip during the storm.

• Он хлестал лошадь, чтобы заставить её бежать быстрее.

  He lashed the horse to make it run faster.

• Бич в руках кучера был символом власти в старые времена.

  The lash in the coachman's hand was a symbol of authority in old times.

• Море хлестало о скалы, создавая шумный прибой.

  The sea lashed against the rocks, creating a noisy surf.

• Она не потерпит, если кто-то будет хлестать животных.

  She won't tolerate anyone lashing animals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'ресница' (feminine noun, 1st declension):

For 'бич' (masculine noun, follows standard declension with irregularities in plural):

It is generally invariable in singular forms but changes in plural: Nominative plural is 'бичи'. No major irregularities.

For 'хлестать' (verb, imperfective aspect):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• ресничка (a diminutive form of ресница, implying affection or small size)
• плеть (for бич, meaning a whip)
• хлестнуть (for хлестать, a perfective synonym for a single action)

Antonyms:

• успокаивать (for хлестать, meaning to soothe or calm)
• защищать (in contexts of lashing as harm, meaning to protect)

Related Phrases:

• Длинные ресницы - Long lashes (common in beauty contexts; refers to attractive or enhanced eyelashes).
• Хлестать ветром - To be lashed by the wind (used in weather descriptions for dramatic effect).
• Бич судьбы - Lash of fate (a metaphorical phrase implying harsh destiny or punishment).

Usage Notes:

• 'Ресница' directly corresponds to 'lash' in the context of an eyelash and is neutral in tone, making it suitable for formal and informal use. Avoid using it metaphorically unless in poetic contexts.
• 'Бич' and 'хлестать' are more dynamic and often carry negative connotations, similar to English 'lash' as a verb. Choose 'хлестать' for actions involving repeated motion, and be mindful of its imperfective aspect in Russian grammar.
• In formal writing, opt for 'ресница' over slangier alternatives; for verbs like 'хлестать', consider the audience to avoid overly vivid imagery.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'ресница' with 'ресница' in plural forms, e.g., using 'ресниц' incorrectly in nominative. Correct: Use 'ресницы' for nominative plural. Explanation: Russian nouns decline based on case, so always check the context.
• Error: Overusing 'хлестать' in literal translations of 'lash', e.g., saying "Я лашу дверь" as "Я хлещу дверь" (incorrect for 'to lash' in non-physical senses). Correct: Use 'хлестать' only for whipping actions; for other meanings, choose appropriate synonyms. Explanation: This verb is aspect-specific and can sound aggressive if misplaced.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'ресница' is often associated with beauty standards, as seen in folklore and modern media, where long lashes symbolize femininity. 'Хлестать' might evoke historical references to serfdom or punishment in literature like Tolstoy's works, highlighting themes of suffering and resilience.

Related Concepts:

• волосы (hair)
• ветер (wind)
• наказание (punishment)