Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raillery'

English Word: raillery

Key Russian Translations:

• насмешка [nɐˈsmʲeʂkə] - [Informal, often used in casual or literary contexts for light-hearted teasing]
• шуточная насмешка [ˈʂu.tət͡ɕ.nə.jə nɐˈsmʲeʂkə] - [Formal, emphasizes the playful aspect, suitable for written or sophisticated discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary and conversational Russian, but not everyday casual speech; appears frequently in novels and media discussing humor.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of nuanced emotions and cultural contexts in Russian, as the word involves subtle distinctions from more negative forms of mockery.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

насмешка: [nɐˈsmʲeʂkə]

шуточная насмешка: [ˈʂu.tət͡ɕ.nə.jə nɐˈsmʲeʂkə]

Note on насмешка: The 'щ' sound ([ʂ]) can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a voiceless retroflex fricative—similar to 'sh' in 'she' but more hissed. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Light-hearted, good-natured teasing or banter, often without malice.

Translation(s) & Context:

• насмешка - Used in informal settings, such as among friends, to describe playful mockery that strengthens relationships.
• шуточная насмешка - Applied in more formal or literary contexts, highlighting the humorous intent to avoid offense.

Usage Examples:

• Его насмешка над моим акцентом была доброй и заставила всех посмеяться. (His raillery about my accent was kind and made everyone laugh.)

  English Translation: His raillery about my accent was kind and made everyone laugh.

• В их переписке часто встречается шуточная насмешка, которая подчеркивает их дружбу. (Their correspondence often features raillery that underscores their friendship.)

  English Translation: Their correspondence often features raillery that underscores their friendship.

• Она отреагировала на его насмешку улыбкой, показывая, что не обиделась. (She responded to his raillery with a smile, showing she wasn't offended.)

  English Translation: She responded to his raillery with a smile, showing she wasn't offended.

• В русской литературе шуточная насмешка используется для сатиры, не переходящей в жесткую критику. (In Russian literature, raillery is used for satire without crossing into harsh criticism.)

  English Translation: In Russian literature, raillery is used for satire without crossing into harsh criticism.

• Друзья обменивались насмешками во время ужина, делая атмосферу веселой. (Friends exchanged raillery during dinner, making the atmosphere lively.)

  English Translation: Friends exchanged raillery during dinner, making the atmosphere lively.

Secondary Meaning: Witty or ironic commentary in a social or intellectual setting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• насмешка - In intellectual discussions, to denote clever banter that critiques ideas lightly.

Usage Examples:

• Его насмешка над политикой была остроумной, но не слишком резкой. (His raillery about politics was witty but not too sharp.)

  English Translation: His raillery about politics was witty but not too sharp.

• Шуточная насмешка в его речи помогла разрядить напряженную обстановку. (The raillery in his speech helped to defuse the tense situation.)

  English Translation: The raillery in his speech helped to defuse the tense situation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"насмешка" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian), which means it undergoes regular declension based on case and number. "шуточная насмешка" is a phrase where "шуточная" is an adjective that agrees with "насмешка". Below is a table for the inflections of "насмешка".

For "шуточная", as an adjective, it changes to agree: e.g., шуточной (genitive singular), шуточные (plural nominative). If the word is used in phrases, ensure adjective agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сатира (satira) - More formal, often literary, with a slight edge of criticism.
  • ирония (ironia) - Emphasizes irony, which can be similar but less playful.
• Antonyms:
  • похвала (pohvala) - Praise, the opposite of mockery.
  • серьезность (seryoznost') - Seriousness, lacking any humor.

Related Phrases:

• добрая насмешка - A kind raillery; used to describe teasing that is affectionate and non-offensive.
• легкая насмешка - Light raillery; implies something casual and fleeting in social interactions.
• насмешливый тон - Raillery tone; refers to the manner of speaking with playful mockery.

Usage Notes:

Raillery in English corresponds closely to "насмешка" in Russian, but it's important to note that Russian culture often values wit and humor in social exchanges, as seen in literature like Chekhov's works. Use "насмешка" for informal, friendly contexts to avoid implying malice, which might occur with stronger words like "издевка". If the situation is more formal, opt for "шуточная насмешка" to highlight the humorous intent. Grammatically, ensure that adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the noun.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "насмешка" with "издевка" (izdevka, meaning cruel mockery): English learners might overuse "издевка" thinking it's a direct synonym, but it conveys negativity. Correct usage: Use "насмешка" for friendly teasing, e.g., Incorrect: "Его издевка была дружеской" (His cruel mockery was friendly). Correct: "Его насмешка была дружеской". Explanation: "Издевка" implies harm, while "насмешка" does not.

• Forgetting adjective agreement: For example, saying "шуточный насмешка" instead of "шуточная насмешка". Correct: Always match the adjective's ending to the feminine noun. Explanation: Russian requires gender agreement, which English does not, so double-check declensions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, raillery like "насмешка" is often a staple of social interactions and literature, reflecting a tradition of intellectual humor seen in works by authors like Pushkin or Chekhov. It can serve as a way to bond or critique without direct confrontation, emphasizing the value of wit in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• юмор (humor)
• сарказм (sarcasm)
• ирония (irony)