Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'palpitate'

English Word: palpitate

Key Russian Translations:

• трепетать [trʲɪˈpʲe.tətʲ] - [Formal, used in medical or emotional contexts]
• пульсировать [pulʲsʲɪˈrʊvətʲ] - [Informal, often for rhythmic pulsing]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature, medical discussions, and emotional descriptions, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual usage; "трепетать" may be slightly more challenging due to its poetic connotations, while "пульсировать" is straightforward)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трепетать: [trʲɪˈpʲe.tətʲ]

пульсировать: [pulʲsʲɪˈrʊvətʲ]

Note on трепетать: The initial 'т' is palatalized (as in 't' before 'р'), which can be tricky for English speakers; stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in informal speech may soften the 'т' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To beat rapidly or irregularly, especially of the heart (as in excitement, fear, or medical conditions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трепетать - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe emotional or physical palpitations, such as in poetry or medical reports.
• пульсировать - Applied in more scientific or everyday contexts, like describing a pulse or rhythmic movement.

Usage Examples:

• Его сердце начало трепетать от волнения, когда он увидел её. (His heart began to palpitate with excitement when he saw her.)

  English Translation: His heart began to palpitate with excitement when he saw her.

• После пробежки я почувствовал, как пульсирует моя грудь. (After the run, I felt my chest palpitating.)

  English Translation: After the run, I felt my chest palpitating.

• В состоянии стресса сердце может трепетать неритмично. (In a state of stress, the heart can palpitate irregularly.)

  English Translation: In a state of stress, the heart can palpitate irregularly.

• Доктор отметил, что артерия пульсирует слишком быстро. (The doctor noted that the artery is palpitating too quickly.)

  English Translation: The doctor noted that the artery is palpitating too quickly.

• Её руки начали трепетать от страха в тёмной комнате. (Her hands began to palpitate with fear in the dark room.)

  English Translation: Her hands began to palpitate with fear in the dark room. (Note: This extends metaphorically to trembling.)

Secondary Meaning: To quiver or tremble slightly (less common, metaphorical use)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трепетать - In poetic or descriptive contexts, e.g., for leaves or emotions.

Usage Examples:

• Листья на ветру трепетали, как сердце влюблённого. (The leaves palpitated in the wind, like the heart of a lover.)

  English Translation: The leaves palpitated in the wind, like the heart of a lover.

• Его голос трепетал от эмоций во время речи. (His voice palpitated with emotion during the speech.)

  English Translation: His voice palpitated with emotion during the speech.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "трепетать" and "пульсировать" are verbs in Russian, belonging to the first conjugation group. They follow regular patterns but have specific inflections based on tense, aspect, and person. "Трепетать" is imperfective, indicating ongoing action, while "пульсировать" can be used similarly.

Note: These verbs do not have irregular forms, but aspect changes (e.g., perfective counterparts like "трепнуть" for sudden action) may apply in specific contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • биться (bit'sya) - More general for beating or pulsing; often used for hearts.
  • вибрировать (vibrírovat') - Implies vibration; subtle difference in rhythmic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • успокаиваться (uspokáivatsya) - To calm down or steady.
  • застывать (zastývat') - To freeze or become still; used metaphorically.

Related Phrases:

• Сердце трепещет от радости (Serddze trepeshchet ot radosti) - Meaning: The heart palpitates with joy; used in emotional expressions.
• Пульсирующий ритм (Pulsiruyushchiy ritm) - Meaning: Pulsating rhythm; common in music or medical descriptions.
• Трепет страха (Trepjet strakha) - Meaning: Palpitation of fear; a poetic phrase for anxiety.

Usage Notes:

"Трепетать" is the most precise translation for "palpitate" in emotional or cardiac contexts, aligning closely with its English meaning of rapid, irregular beating. It carries a slightly poetic or formal tone, so it's ideal for literature or medical writing, but less common in casual conversation. "Пульсировать" is better for rhythmic or mechanical pulsing. English learners should note that Russian verbs require aspect consideration—use imperfective for ongoing actions. When choosing between translations, opt for "трепетать" in human-centric scenarios and "пульсировать" for objects or processes. Grammatically, ensure subject-verb agreement based on gender and number in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "трепетать" interchangeably with "пульсировать" without context, e.g., saying "Артерия трепещет" when "пульсирует" is more accurate for a steady pulse. Correct: "Артерия пульсирует." Explanation: "Трепетать" implies irregularity or emotion, while "пульсировать" suggests rhythm; this misuse can make the sentence sound overly dramatic.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, such as saying "Он трепетат" instead of "Он трепещет." Correct: "Он трепещет." Explanation: Russian verbs must follow specific endings for person and tense; beginners often forget palatalization in pronunciation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in the works of Pushkin or Dostoevsky, "трепетать" often symbolizes intense emotions like love or fear, reflecting the cultural emphasis on inner turmoil and passion. This word carries a romantic or dramatic connotation, which may not directly translate to everyday English usage, highlighting Russia's literary tradition of expressing psychological depth.

Related Concepts:

• сердцебиение (serdtsebijenie)
• аритмия (arritmiya)
• эмоциональный стресс (emotsional'nyy stress)