Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nuzzle'

English Word: nuzzle

Key Russian Translations:

• прижиматься [prʲiˈʐɨmətʲsə] - [Informal, used for affectionate physical contact]
• ласкаться [ˈlaskətʲsə] - [Informal, often in contexts of petting or cuddling]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature and everyday conversation involving animals or intimate interactions, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "идти" or "быть")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of reflexive verbs and contextual nuances. For "прижиматься", it's B1; for "ласкаться", it's also B1 due to similar structures.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прижиматься: [prʲiˈʐɨmətʲsə]

Note on прижиматься: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ʐɨ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'r' sound. Pay attention to the reflexive ending '-ся' for proper inflection.

ласкаться: [ˈlaskətʲsə]

Note on ласкаться: The initial 'л' is soft, and the verb ends in a reflexive suffix; common variations in speed may soften the 'тʲ' sound in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To press or rub affectionately with the nose or face (e.g., as animals or in intimate human interactions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• прижиматься - Typically used in informal settings for animals nuzzling against people or objects, such as in pet-related conversations.
• ласкаться - Applied in contexts of playful or loving physical contact, often with pets or children, emphasizing tenderness.

Usage Examples:

• Кот прижимается к моему ноге, мурлыкая от удовольствия.

  The cat is nuzzling against my leg, purring with pleasure.

• Дети ласкались к матери, ища утешения.

  The children were nuzzling up to their mother, seeking comfort.

• Собака прижимается к хозяину во время грозы.

  The dog is nuzzling against its owner during the storm.

• Она ласкалась к подушке, как будто это был любимый плюшевый мишка.

  She was nuzzling against the pillow as if it were her favorite stuffed toy.

• Лошадь прижимается мордой к руке наездника, показывая привязанность.

  The horse is nuzzling its muzzle against the rider's hand, showing affection.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "прижиматься" and "ласкаться" are reflexive verbs (ending in "-ся"), which are common in Russian for actions involving self or mutual interaction. They follow imperfective aspect patterns and conjugate irregularly in some forms due to Russian's complex verbal system.

Note: These verbs do not change in gender or number in the infinitive form but require agreement in past tense. They are imperfective, so for perfective actions, alternatives like "прижаться" might be used.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обниматься (to hug, similar but more encompassing physical embrace; used in broader affectionate contexts)
  • тесниться (to press close, with a connotation of crowding but can imply nuzzling in tight spaces)
• Antonyms:
  • отталкиваться (to push away, directly opposite in terms of affection)
  • удаляться (to move away, less emotional but contrasting with closeness)

Related Phrases:

• прижиматься к кому-то - "To nuzzle up to someone" (Used for seeking warmth or affection, e.g., in family or pet scenarios.)
• ласкаться как котёнок - "To nuzzle like a kitten" (A phrase implying playful, innocent affection, often in metaphorical language.)
• прижиматься мордой - "To nuzzle with the muzzle" (Common in animal contexts, emphasizing physical contact.)

Usage Notes:

"Nuzzle" corresponds most closely to "прижиматься" in Russian when describing gentle, nose-to-body contact, especially with animals, while "ласкаться" adds a layer of tenderness often seen in human interactions. Both are informal and rarely used in formal writing; opt for "прижиматься" in everyday scenarios involving pets. Be mindful of the reflexive "-ся" ending, which indicates the action is directed back to the subject. When choosing between translations, consider context: "ласкаться" implies more emotional warmth, whereas "прижиматься" is more physical.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget the reflexive ending, saying "прижимать" instead of "прижиматься," which changes the meaning to "to press something else" rather than self-directed action. Correct: Use "прижиматься" for nuzzling; Error example: "Я прижимать к собаке" (incorrect) vs. "Я прижимаюсь к собаке" (correct), as the latter properly conveys the reflexive nature.

• Mixing up with similar verbs, such as using "обнимать" (to hug) when "nuzzle" implies lighter contact. Error: "Кот обнимает меня" (implies a full embrace); Correct: "Кот прижимается ко мне" for accurate nuzzling.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "прижиматься" often appear in literature and folklore to depict warmth and intimacy, such as in stories about animals or family bonds. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on emotional expressiveness in close relationships, seen in traditions like "день семьи" (Family Day), where such affectionate behaviors are celebrated.

Related Concepts:

• обниматься
• лаять (for animal behaviors)
• привязанность