Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'poise'

English Word: poise

Key Russian Translations:

• выдержка [vɨˈdʲerʲʂkə] - [Formal, used for composure or self-control in challenging situations]
• равновесие [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪɪ] - [General, often referring to physical or emotional balance]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, psychology, and everyday conversations about behavior)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of nuanced emotional vocabulary, but the translations are straightforward for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выдержка: [vɨˈdʲerʲʂkə]

Note on выдержка: The 'ж' sound (as in [ʂkə]) is a soft, fricative sound similar to 'zh' in English 'measure'; stress falls on the second syllable, which can be tricky for beginners.

равновесие: [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪɪ]

Note on равновесие: The word has a rolling 'р' sound and stress on the third syllable; be cautious with the vowel shifts in inflected forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Composure or self-control (e.g., maintaining calm under pressure)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдержка - Used in formal or professional contexts to describe emotional steadiness, such as in negotiations or public speaking.

Usage Examples:

• Она показала выдержку в трудной ситуации, не поддавшись панике.

  She showed poise in a difficult situation, without giving in to panic.

• В бизнесе важно иметь выдержку, чтобы принимать правильные решения.

  In business, it's important to have poise to make the right decisions.

• Его выдержка во время кризиса впечатлила всех коллег.

  His poise during the crisis impressed all his colleagues.

• Несмотря на провокации, она сохранила выдержку и ответила спокойно.

  Despite the provocations, she maintained her poise and responded calmly.

Meaning 2: Physical or emotional balance (e.g., equilibrium)

Translation(s) & Context:

• равновесие - Applied in literal (physical) or metaphorical (emotional) contexts, such as in sports, physics, or personal stability.

Usage Examples:

• Йога помогает достичь равновесия тела и ума.

  Yoga helps achieve poise of the body and mind.

• В науке равновесие — это ключевой принцип механики.

  In science, poise is a key principle of mechanics.

• Она потеряла равновесие на скользком полу, но быстро восстановилась.

  She lost her poise on the slippery floor but quickly regained it.

• Равновесие в отношениях требует усилий от обоих партнеров.

  Poise in relationships requires effort from both partners.

• Художник изобразил танцора в идеальном равновесии.

  The artist depicted the dancer in perfect poise.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are nouns and follow standard Russian inflection patterns. "Выдержка" is a feminine noun (3rd declension), while "равновесие" is a neuter noun (2nd declension). They exhibit regular changes based on case, number, and gender.

Note: These are regular inflections; no irregularities, but pay attention to soft endings in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: спокойствие (spokoystvo) - More general calmness; хладнокровие (khladnokrovie) - Implies cool-headedness, often in high-stakes situations.
• Antonyms: паника (panika) - Direct opposite, indicating panic or loss of control.

Related Phrases:

• Сохранить выдержку - To keep one's poise; used when maintaining composure under stress.
• Нарушить равновесие - To disrupt poise; often in contexts of imbalance or instability.
• Внутреннее равновесие - Inner poise; refers to emotional equilibrium in personal development.

Usage Notes:

"Выдержка" closely aligns with the English "poise" in terms of emotional self-control and is preferred in formal or literary contexts, while "равновесие" is better for physical or metaphorical balance. English speakers should note that Russian vocabulary often requires case agreement in sentences, e.g., using the genitive case after certain prepositions. When choosing between translations, opt for "выдержка" in social or psychological scenarios and "равновесие" in scientific ones. Avoid direct word-for-word translation; instead, consider the context to ensure natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "выдержка" interchangeably with "спокойствие" without nuance. Correct: "Выдержка" implies active self-control, while "спокойствие" is more passive. Example of error: *Она имела спокойствие в кризисе* (incorrect for emphasizing poise); Correct: Она показала выдержку в кризисе. Explanation: This confuses levels of agency, leading to imprecise communication.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative "равновесие" in a genitive context. Correct: Instead of *потеря равновесие*, say *потеря равновесия*. Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence structure, which English learners often overlook, resulting in grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "выдержка" is highly valued in contexts like literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy, where characters demonstrate poise during turmoil) and daily life, reflecting the historical emphasis on resilience amid challenges such as wars and social upheavals. It symbolizes strength and dignity, often linked to the stoic ideal in Slavic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Достоинство (dignity)
• Самоконтроль (self-control)
• Баланс (balance, in a broader sense)