Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prick'

English Word: prick

Key Russian Translations:

• укол [uˈkol] - [Informal, Common in medical or everyday contexts]
• прокол [prɐˈkol] - [Formal, Often used for punctures or holes]
• тычок [ˈtɨʂək] - [Informal, Slang for a quick jab or poke]

Frequency: Medium - The word 'prick' and its translations are encountered in everyday conversations, especially in medical, casual, or descriptive contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level can grasp the basic meanings, but understanding nuances and inflections may require practice. For slang usages like 'тычок', difficulty may rise to B2 due to cultural connotations.

Pronunciation (Russian):

укол: [uˈkol]

прокол: [prɐˈkol]

тычок: [ˈtɨʂək]

Note on укол: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the 'o' sound, which can vary slightly in fast speech to [uˈkɔl] in some dialects.

Note on прокол: The 'r' is rolled, a common feature in Russian; practice with native speakers to master the soft 'o' sound.

Audio: Play pronunciation for укол | Play for прокол | Play for тычок (Note: Replace placeholders with actual audio file links.)

Meanings and Usage:

1. As a noun meaning a sharp sting, puncture, or jab (e.g., a needle prick)

Translation(s) & Context:

• укол - Used in medical contexts, such as injections; informal and direct.
• прокол - Applied in scenarios involving accidental punctures, like a hole in fabric; more formal.

Usage Examples:

• Я почувствовал лёгкий укол в руку от укуса комара.

  I felt a light prick in my arm from the mosquito bite.

• Этот прокол в шине нужно срочно починить.

  This prick (puncture) in the tire needs to be fixed immediately.

• От его тычка в плечо я слегка вздрогнул.

  From his prick (quick jab) in the shoulder, I flinched a bit.

• После укола вакциной, рука немного покраснела.

  After the prick of the vaccine, my arm turned a little red.

2. As a verb meaning to pierce or jab (e.g., to prick with a pin)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уколоть - Used for actions involving a sharp point; common in everyday or medical descriptions.
• проткнуть - More emphatic for deeper penetration; formal in written contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Не уколи палец иголкой, будь осторожен!

  Don't prick your finger with the needle, be careful!

• Он проткнул бумагу булавкой, чтобы прикрепить её.

  He pricked the paper with a pin to attach it.

• Доктор уколол меня в вену для анализа крови.

  The doctor pricked me in the vein for a blood test.

• Эта колючка уколола меня, когда я проходил через кусты.

  This thorn pricked me as I walked through the bushes.

• Она случайно уколола себя шипом розы.

  She accidentally pricked herself with the rose thorn.

3. Slang meaning for a foolish or irritating person (informal, derogatory)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тычок - Informal slang for a jerk; used in casual, conversational settings among friends.

Usage Examples:

• Не слушай этого тычка, он всегда болтает nonsense.

  Don't listen to that prick; he always talks nonsense.

• Этот тычок опоздал на встречу в третий раз.

  This prick is late for the meeting for the third time.

• Почему ты общаешься с таким тычком?

  Why are you hanging out with such a prick?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the key translations, which are primarily nouns and verbs, Russian exhibits typical inflection patterns. Below is a table outlining the main forms:

Note: These words do not have invariant forms; they follow standard Russian declension and conjugation rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прокол (similar to укол, but emphasizes a hole)
  • колка (for a prick or stab, often in regional dialects)
  • уколывание (more formal synonym for the act of pricking)
• Antonyms:
  • заживление (healing, opposite of causing a prick)
  • защита (protection, contrasting with vulnerability to pricks)

Related Phrases:

• Сделать укол - To give an injection; used in medical contexts.
• Проколоть ухо - To pierce an ear; common in body modification discussions.
• Быстрый тычок - A quick jab; slang for a playful or aggressive nudge.
• Укол совести - A prick of conscience; metaphorical phrase for a sudden feeling of guilt.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'prick' corresponds closely to Russian translations like укол for literal meanings, but be cautious with slang (e.g., тычок) as it carries derogatory tones and is best used in informal settings. In formal writing, opt for прокол or укол over slang variants. Grammatically, ensure proper inflection based on case and number; for example, use укола in genitive constructions. When choosing among translations, consider context: укол for medical jabs and тычок for interpersonal interactions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using укол without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я видел укол" instead of "Я видел укол" (correct, but learners often forget in sentences like "Я боюсь укола" where it should be genitive in some contexts).
  Correct: "Я боюсь укола" (fear of the prick). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to agree in case, so always check the governing preposition or verb.
• Mistake: Confusing укол (a prick) with уколь (not a word); learners might misspell or misuse similar-sounding terms.
  Correct: Use укол consistently. Explanation: Pay attention to spelling to avoid non-words, which can lead to confusion in communication.
• Mistake: Overusing slang like тычок in formal contexts, e.g., in professional emails.
  Correct: Stick to neutral terms like укол. Explanation: Slang can offend or seem unprofessional, so reserve it for casual conversations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "укол совести" (a prick of conscience) often appear in literature and everyday moral discussions, reflecting a deep emphasis on personal integrity and guilt, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky. This metaphorical use highlights how physical sensations are linked to emotional states, a common theme in Slavic languages.

Related Concepts:

• инъекция (injection)
• прокалывание (piercing)
• боль (pain)
• укол в сердце (emotional stab, metaphorically)