Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plod'

English Word: plod

Key Russian Translations:

• брести [ˈbrʲestʲi] - [Informal, often used for tired or laborious walking]
• тащиться [ˈtaʂʲit͡ɕɪsʲ] - [Informal, implies dragging oneself with effort]
• упорно работать [uˈpornə rɐˈbotatʲ] - [Formal or neutral, when 'plod' means steady, persistent work]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday Russian speech and literature, but not as frequent as basic verbs like 'идти')

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual nuances, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

брести: [ˈbrʲestʲi]

тащиться: [ˈtaʂʲit͡ɕɪsʲ]

упорно работать: [uˈpornə rɐˈbotatʲ]

Note on брести: The stress is on the first syllable; be cautious with the soft 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To walk slowly and heavily, often with effort (e.g., trudging)

Translation(s) & Context:

• брести - Used in informal contexts for describing tired, laborious walking, such as in daily life or literature.
• тащиться - Applied in casual settings for dragging oneself, often implying exhaustion or reluctance.

Usage Examples:

• Он бредёт по заснеженной улице, неся тяжёлый рюкзак.

  He is plodding along the snowy street, carrying a heavy backpack.

• После долгого дня работы она тащится домой, еле передвигая ноги.

  After a long day of work, she is plodding home, barely moving her feet.

• В дождливую погоду люди бредут по тропинке, борясь с ветром.

  In rainy weather, people are plodding along the path, struggling against the wind.

• Ребёнок тащится за родителями в парке, устав от игр.

  The child is plodding behind his parents in the park, tired from playing.

• Путник бредёт через лес, не обращая внимания на усталость.

  The traveler is plodding through the forest, ignoring his fatigue.

Meaning 2: To work steadily and persistently (e.g., without excitement)

Translation(s) & Context:

• упорно работать - Used in formal or professional contexts to describe diligent, routine work, similar to 'plodding along' in tasks.

Usage Examples:

• Он упорно работает над проектом, несмотря на позднее время.

  He is plodding away at the project, even though it's late.

• В офисе многие упорно работают, не поднимая глаз от компьютера.

  In the office, many are plodding through their work without looking up from their computers.

• Студент упорно работает над домашним заданием, шаг за шагом.

  The student is plodding through the homework, step by step.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily verbs, which undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number in Russian. 'Брести' and 'тащиться' are imperfective verbs, indicating ongoing actions, while 'упорно работать' is a phrase involving an adverb and verb.

For 'брести' (infinitive):

For 'тащиться', it follows similar patterns as an imperfective reflexive verb. 'Упорно работать' does not inflect as a single word but conjugates 'работать' regularly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: плестись (to shuffle slowly), ковылять (to hobble)
• Antonyms: бежать (to run, implying speed and energy)

Note: 'Плестись' is similar to 'брести' but often connotes even more reluctance, while 'ковылять' suggests a limp.

Related Phrases:

• Брести домой - To plod home (Used for returning tiredly after a long day, emphasizing exhaustion in everyday contexts).
• Тащиться на работу - To plod to work (Implies a reluctant, effortful commute, common in urban settings).
• Упорно работать над чем-то - To plod away at something (A phrase for persistent effort in professional or academic scenarios).

Usage Notes:

The English word 'plod' often corresponds to 'брести' or 'тащиться' when referring to physical movement, but for work-related meanings, 'упорно работать' is more precise. These verbs are typically used in informal contexts and carry connotations of fatigue or determination. Be mindful of aspect in Russian: use imperfective forms like these for ongoing actions. When choosing between translations, opt for 'брести' in narrative or descriptive settings, and 'тащиться' for more emotional, personal expressions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing 'брести' with faster movements like 'идти' (to go). Incorrect: Он бредёт быстро. (This implies fast plodding, which is illogical.) Correct: Он идёт быстро. (He is going quickly.) Explanation: 'Брести' inherently suggests slowness, so pair it only with contexts of effort or tiredness.
• Mistake: Overusing 'тащиться' in formal writing. Incorrect: В отчёте он тащится к цели. (This sounds too casual.) Correct: В отчёте он упорно работает к цели. (He is plodding towards the goal.) Explanation: Reserve 'тащиться' for spoken or informal language to avoid sounding unprofessional.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, verbs like 'брести' often symbolize the endurance and hardships of everyday life in Russia, reflecting themes of resilience in the face of adversity, like long winters or rural struggles.

Related Concepts:

• идти (to go)
• ходить (to walk)
• усталость (fatigue)