Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'peek'

English Word: peek

Key Russian Translations:

• подглядеть (/pədɡlʲɪˈdʲetʲ/) - [Informal, used for secretive or quick observation]
• заглянуть (/zəɡlʲɪˈnutʲ/) - [Neutral, often used in casual or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversation but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context, but accessible to learners with basic grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

подглядеть: /pədɡlʲɪˈdʲetʲ/ (Stress on the third syllable; the "г" is pronounced as a soft "g" sound.)

заглянуть: /zəɡlʲɪˈnutʲ/ (Stress on the second syllable; note the palatalized "л" which can be tricky for beginners.)

Note on подглядеть: This verb has a soft consonant cluster that may vary slightly in fast speech; practice with native speakers to master the fluidity.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To look quickly at something (e.g., a brief glance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• заглянуть - Used in neutral or informal settings, such as peeking into a room or glancing at a document quickly.

Usage Examples:

• Я быстро заглянул в комнату, чтобы проверить, что там происходит.

  I quickly peeked into the room to check what was happening there.

• Она заглянула в книгу, не желая прерывать разговор.

  She peeked into the book without wanting to interrupt the conversation.

• Дети заглянули в окно магазина, увидев новые игрушки.

  The children peeked into the shop window and saw the new toys.

• Он заглянул в зеркало, поправляя галстук перед встречей.

  He peeked into the mirror, adjusting his tie before the meeting.

To look secretly or spy (e.g., unauthorized observation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подглядеть - Used in informal or slightly negative contexts, implying stealth or curiosity, such as spying on someone.

Usage Examples:

• Он подглядел за друзьями через забор, чтобы узнать их секрет.

  He peeked at his friends over the fence to find out their secret.

• Не подглядывай в чужие письма; это невежливо.

  Don't peek at other people's letters; it's rude.

• Девушка подглядела за подарком, скрытым в шкафу.

  The girl peeked at the gift hidden in the closet.

• Во время урока ученик подглядел ответы у соседа.

  During the lesson, the student peeked at the answers from his neighbor.

• Подглядеть за выступлением артистов – это искушение для фанатов.

  Peeking at the performers' rehearsal is a temptation for fans.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "подглядеть" and "заглянуть" are perfective verbs in Russian, meaning they express a completed action. They follow standard verb conjugation patterns for the first conjugation group. "Подглядеть" is irregular in some aspects due to its prefix, while "заглянуть" is more regular.

Note: These verbs do not change in aspect without additional context, but they can be used in various tenses as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подсмотреть (similar to подглядеть, but often implies more deliberate spying; used in contexts of observation without permission)
  • взглянуть (more neutral, like a quick look, but less secretive)
• Antonyms:
  • не смотреть (not to look, implying avoidance)
  • отвернуться (to turn away, actively avoiding sight)

Related Phrases:

• Подглядеть за углом – Peeking around the corner (used for secretive observation in detective or playful contexts).
• Заглянуть в будущее – Peeking into the future (a metaphorical phrase for predicting or anticipating events).
• Подсмотреть чужую жизнь – Peeking into someone else's life (implies invading privacy, often in social media contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "Подглядеть" is a more intense translation of "peek" and should be used when the action involves secrecy or potential wrongdoing, unlike the neutral "заглянуть" which suits everyday quick glances. English speakers might overuse "подглядеть" in formal settings where "заглянуть" is more appropriate.
• Be mindful of context: In Russian, these verbs often require prepositions like "в" (into) or "за" (at/from), which don't always directly translate from English.
• When choosing between translations, opt for "заглянуть" for innocent peeking and "подглядеть" for stealthier actions to match the nuance of "peek".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "подглядеть" in neutral contexts, e.g., saying "Я подглядел в меню" instead of "Я заглянул в меню".
  Correct: "Я заглянул в меню" (I peeked at the menu). Explanation: "Подглядеть" implies secrecy, which can make the sentence sound suspicious; use "заглянуть" for casual looking.
• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Я подглядел" in a future context instead of "Я подгляжу".
  Correct: "Я подгляжу" (I will peek). Explanation: Russian verbs must match tense; mix-ups often occur due to English's simpler tense system.
• Error: Omitting necessary prepositions, e.g., "Подглядел окно" instead of "Подглядел в окно".
  Correct: "Подглядел в окно" (Peeked into the window). Explanation: Prepositions are crucial in Russian for indicating direction or object.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, acts of "peeking" or spying, as in "подглядеть", often carry connotations from literature and folklore, such as in fairy tales where characters peek into forbidden places. This reflects a cultural emphasis on privacy and the consequences of curiosity, as seen in stories like those by Pushkin.

Related Concepts:

• наблюдать (to observe)
• шпионить (to spy)
• взгляд (glance)