Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'quibble'

English Word: quibble

Key Russian Translations:

• Придирка [pʲrʲɪˈdʲi.rkə] - [Informal, Noun, Often used in everyday contexts for minor complaints]
• Придираться [pʲrʲɪˈdʲi.rə.t͡sə] - [Informal, Verb, Used when describing the act of quibbling in conversations or arguments]

Frequency: Medium (Common in informal discussions but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in Russian media or daily speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of noun and verb inflections, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge. For 'Придираться' as a verb, it may edge toward B2 due to aspectual nuances.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Придирка: [pʲrʲɪˈdʲi.rkə]

Note on Придирка: The stress falls on the second syllable ('dʲi'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Avoid over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Придираться: [pʲrʲɪˈdʲi.rə.t͡sə]

Note on Придираться: This is a reflexive verb; the 'ся' ending softens the pronunciation, and the 't͡sə' sound is similar to the 'ts' in 'bits'. Practice with native audio for the reflexive aspect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To argue or raise objections about a trivial matter (as a verb).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Придираться - Used in informal settings, such as family discussions or casual debates, to describe nitpicking over unimportant details.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда придирается к мелким деталям в наших планах.

  He always quibbles over minor details in our plans.

• Не придирайся к каждому слову; давай обсудим основное.

  Don't quibble over every word; let's discuss the main point.

• В споре она начала придираться к его аргументам без причины.

  In the argument, she started quibbling with his points for no reason.

• Придираться к качеству еды в этом ресторане — бессмысленно, всё вкусно.

  Quibbling about the food quality in this restaurant is pointless; everything is delicious.

• Дети часто придираются к правилам игр, чтобы выиграть.

  Children often quibble about game rules to gain an advantage.

Meaning 2: A trivial objection or complaint (as a noun).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Придирка - Applied in contexts like criticism or reviews, where someone points out petty flaws.

Usage Examples:

• Его придирка к цвету обоев была неожиданной.

  His quibble about the wallpaper color was unexpected.

• В отзыве была всего одна придирка: цена слишком высокая.

  In the review, there was just one quibble: the price is too high.

• Придирка к деталям иногда помогает улучшить проект.

  Quibbling over details can sometimes help improve the project.

• Её придирка к грамматике в письме была оправданной.

  Her quibble about the grammar in the letter was justified.

• Избегай придирок в дружеских беседах, чтобы не обижать людей.

  Avoid quibbles in friendly conversations to not offend people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'Придирка' (feminine noun, 1st declension):

This noun follows standard Russian feminine noun patterns with regular inflections. It does not have irregularities but changes based on case and number.

For 'Придираться' (imperfective reflexive verb):

This verb conjugates regularly for imperfective aspects and includes the reflexive particle 'ся'. It has present, past, and future tenses with person and number variations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Привередничать (more about being fussy in general)
  • Спорить по мелочам (specifically for arguing over trifles)
  • Капризничать (implies whimsy, often in a childish context)
• Antonyms:
  • Соглашаться (to agree without objection)
  • Не замечать (to overlook or ignore flaws)

Related Phrases:

• Придираться к деталям — To quibble over details (Common in professional or creative contexts, emphasizing perfectionism).
• Без придирок — Without quibbles (Used to mean straightforward acceptance in agreements or reviews).
• Придирки к качеству — Quibbles about quality (Often in consumer feedback, highlighting minor complaints).

Usage Notes:

Quibble translates most directly to 'придирка' as a noun or 'придираться' as a verb in Russian. Use 'придираться' for actions in informal speech, as it conveys a sense of ongoing nitpicking, which aligns with English's imperfective aspect. Be cautious with context: in formal writing, opt for phrases like 'спор о мелочах' to avoid sounding too casual. Grammar note: 'Придираться' is reflexive, so it always ends in 'ся' and requires appropriate verb conjugation. When choosing between translations, 'придирка' is better for static complaints, while 'придираться' suits dynamic scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting the reflexive 'ся' in 'придираться', e.g., saying "Он придирает" instead of "Он придирается". Correct: "Он придирается" means "He quibbles". Explanation: Russian reflexive verbs must include 'ся' to indicate the action reflects back on the subject; omitting it changes the meaning entirely.

• Error: Using 'придирка' in plural without context, e.g., "Придирка к плану" instead of "Придирки к плану" for multiple quibbles. Correct: Adjust for case and number as per Russian declension rules to maintain grammatical accuracy.

• Error: Confusing with similar verbs like 'привередничать', leading to overuse in formal contexts. Correct: Reserve 'придираться' for petty arguments, not general fussiness, to ensure precise communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, quibbling or 'придираться' is often seen in contexts like family dynamics or bureaucratic interactions, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on detail-oriented communication. For instance, in literature like Chekhov's works, such behavior highlights human flaws, underscoring the value of harmony over trivial disputes in everyday Russian life.

Related Concepts:

• Критика (criticism)
• Спор (argument)
• Мелочи (trifles)