Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pause'

English Word: pause

Key Russian Translations:

• пауза [ˈpaʊzə] - [Informal, used in media and everyday contexts, such as video or audio playback]
• перерыв [pʲɪˈrʲɛrʲəf] - [Formal, used for scheduled breaks in activities, work, or events]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in daily conversations, media, and professional settings)

Difficulty: A2 for 'пауза' (elementary, as it's a straightforward borrowed noun); B1 for 'перерыв' (intermediate, due to its use in more contextual scenarios)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пауза: [ˈpaʊzə]

Note on пауза: The word is a loanword from English/French, so the pronunciation is relatively straightforward for English speakers, with stress on the first syllable. Be mindful of the Russian 'a' sound, which is more open than in English.

Audio: []

перерыв: [pʲɪˈrʲɛrʲəf]

Note on перерыв: The 'р' is rolled, and the stress is on the second syllable. This can be challenging for beginners due to the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A temporary stop in action, speech, or activity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пауза - Used in informal contexts like media playback, conversations, or performances; common in modern Russian for digital interfaces.
• перерыв - Applied in formal or structured settings, such as work breaks, meetings, or events; implies a planned interruption.

Usage Examples:

• Во время фильма я нажал на паузу, чтобы ответить на звонок.

  During the movie, I hit pause to answer the phone.

• После урока учитель объявил пятиминутный перерыв.

  After the lesson, the teacher announced a five-minute break.

• В разговоре она сделала паузу, чтобы собраться с мыслями.

  In the conversation, she made a pause to gather her thoughts.

• Во время концерта был короткий перерыв для артистов.

  During the concert, there was a short break for the performers.

• Я поставил паузу в записи, чтобы проверить детали.

  I put the recording on pause to check the details.

Meaning 2: A moment of hesitation or interruption in speech or thought.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пауза - Informal, often in spoken language or rhetoric; emphasizes a brief, intentional stop.

Usage Examples:

• В своей речи оратор использовал паузу для усиления эффекта.

  In his speech, the speaker used a pause to enhance the effect.

• Она сделала паузу перед ответом, чтобы не сказать лишнего.

  She made a pause before answering to avoid saying too much.

• Паузa в диалоге сделала разговор более драматичным.

  The pause in the dialogue made the conversation more dramatic.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'пауза' and 'перерыв' are feminine nouns in Russian. 'Пауза' is a first-declension noun with regular inflections, while 'перерыв' follows standard patterns but has some irregularities in certain cases.

Note: These nouns do not change in gender or have verbal inflections, as they are not verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • остановка (stop, more general)
  • интервал (interval, often in timed contexts; differs from пауза by implying a fixed duration)
• Antonyms:
  • продолжение (continuation)
  • возобновление (resumption)

Related Phrases:

• Сделать паузу - To take a break; used for short, informal interruptions.
• Перерыв на обед - Lunch break; a common phrase in work or school settings.
• Пауза в записи - Pause in recording; typical in media production.
• Короткий перерыв - Short break; emphasizes brevity in formal contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Пауза' is the most direct equivalent to 'pause' in English, especially for digital or media contexts, and is widely used in informal speech. 'Перерыв' is better for structured breaks, like in schedules, and carries a more formal tone. English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the context to choose the right word—e.g., use 'пауза' for video games but 'перерыв' for office meetings. Grammatically, both nouns decline regularly, but always check the case for proper sentence integration.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'пауза' with 'перерыв': English learners might use 'пауза' in formal settings where 'перерыв' is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Я взял паузу на работе" (incorrect for a work break) instead of "Я взял перерыв на работе" (correct). Explanation: 'Пауза' implies a temporary media stop, not a general break.
• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change the noun in cases, e.g., saying "во время пауза" (wrong) instead of "во время паузы" (genitive case). Correct usage: Always apply the appropriate case based on the preposition or sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'пауза' is often associated with theater and film, where dramatic pauses enhance storytelling, reflecting influences from Soviet-era cinema. 'Перерыв' is common in everyday life, such as in long meetings or classes, emphasizing the Russian value of structured routines to prevent burnout.

Related Concepts:

• интервал
• остановка
• переход