Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lingering'

English Word: lingering

Key Russian Translations:

• Длительный [dɫʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• Затяжной [zəˈtʲaʐnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday language, literature, and professional contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective inflections and contextual usage, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Длительный: [dɫʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj]

Note on Длительный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tel"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'l' sound. Pronounce it with a clear palatalization.

Затяжной: [zəˈtʲaʐnɨj]

Note on Затяжной: The 'zh' sound (as in 'measure') in "zha" is a common challenge; ensure it's not confused with 's' sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Prolonged or lasting (referring to something that continues longer than expected)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Длительный - Used in formal contexts, such as medical, scientific, or descriptive writing, to indicate something extended over time.
• Затяжной - Applied in informal or everyday situations, often implying a sense of annoyance or persistence, like in conflicts or illnesses.

Usage Examples:

• У него длительная простуда, которая не проходит уже неделю.

  He has a lingering cold that hasn't gone away for a week already.

• Этот затяжной дождь испортил все наши планы на выходные.

  This lingering rain ruined all our plans for the weekend.

• Длительный эффект от лекарства помог справиться с симптомами.

  The lingering effect of the medicine helped manage the symptoms.

• В фильме показано затяжное ожидание, которое вызывает напряжение.

  The film depicts a lingering wait that builds tension.

• Её длительный взгляд в окно указывал на глубокие раздумья.

  Her lingering gaze out the window indicated deep thoughts.

Delaying or hesitating (in a more active sense, as in the verb form)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Задерживающийся - Used when emphasizing hesitation or postponement in dynamic contexts, such as daily interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Он задерживающийся у двери, не решаясь уйти.

  He is lingering at the door, not daring to leave.

• Затяжной процесс принятия решения раздражал всех участников.

  The lingering decision-making process frustrated all participants.

• Длительный разговор с другом помог развеять сомнения.

  The lingering conversation with a friend helped dispel doubts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Длительный" and "Затяжной" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections; they follow the standard pattern. For example, in a sentence: "Длительный эффект" (lingering effect) changes to "Длительного эффекта" in genitive case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Продолжительный (prolonged, similar but often used for time durations)
  • Задержанный (delayed, with a connotation of being held back)
• Antonyms:
  • Короткий (short, brief)
  • Мгновенный (instantaneous, fleeting)

Related Phrases:

• Длительный эффект - A lingering effect (used in contexts like medicine or psychology to describe prolonged impacts).
• Затяжной конфликт - A lingering conflict (common in discussions of politics or personal disputes, implying ongoing tension).
• Длительный взгляд - A lingering gaze (often in literature to describe emotional or introspective moments).

Usage Notes:

"Lingering" as an adjective in English often corresponds to "Длительный" in more formal Russian settings, such as academic or professional writing, while "Затяжной" is preferred for informal, everyday language to convey a sense of frustration or persistence. Be mindful of context: use "Длительный" for neutral descriptions (e.g., a lingering illness) and "Затяжной" for emotional ones (e.g., a lingering argument). Grammatically, always ensure the adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations, consider the tone—formal vs. informal—to match the English nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Длительный" in informal contexts where "Затяжной" is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Длительный спор" instead of "Затяжной спор" for a heated, ongoing argument. Correct: "Затяжной спор" – This mistake can make the language sound overly stiff.

• Error: Failing to inflect the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "Длительный женщина" instead of "Длительная женщина" (for feminine noun). Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "Длительная проблема" – English speakers often overlook Russian's case system.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Затяжной" often appear in literature and folklore to describe enduring hardships, such as in works by Tolstoy, where lingering emotions or conflicts reflect the vastness and resilience of Russian life. This can evoke a sense of melancholy or stoicism, differing from more transient expressions in English.

Related Concepts:

• Продолжительность
• Задержка
• Вечный