Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rebuke'

English Word: rebuke

Key Russian Translations:

• упрек [ʊˈprʲek] - [Noun, Formal, Singular]
• осуждать [ɐˈsudʲitʲ] - [Verb, Formal]
• упрекать [ʊˈprʲekətʲ] - [Verb, Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal writing, speeches, and interpersonal discussions, but not as frequent in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic verb conjugations and noun declensions, suitable for learners with some prior exposure to Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

упрек: [ʊˈprʲek]

Note on упрек: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. A soft 'е' sound at the end adds a subtle palatalization.

осуждать: [ɐˈsudʲitʲ]

Note on осуждать: Stress on the second syllable; the 'дʲ' is palatalized, making it sound softer. Common verb variations may alter pronunciation slightly in different forms.

упрекать: [ʊˈprʲekətʲ]

Note on упрекать: Similar to "упрек," but with an additional infinitive ending; focus on the rolled 'р' and the soft 'тʲ' at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As a noun, referring to a sharp reprimand or criticism.

Translation(s) & Context:

• упрек - Used in formal or literary contexts to express disapproval, often in professional or familial settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его упрек за опоздание был вполне обоснованным.

  His rebuke for being late was entirely justified. (This example shows the noun in a neutral, everyday context involving accountability.)

• Упрек родителей заставил его пересмотреть свои действия.

  The rebuke from his parents made him rethink his actions. (Illustrates use in a familial, emotional context.)

• В письме был скрытый упрек в неэффективности работы.

  The letter contained a hidden rebuke regarding the inefficiency of the work. (Demonstrates a subtle, written form in professional scenarios.)

• Её упрек звучал жестко, но искренне.

  Her rebuke sounded harsh but sincere. (Shows variation in tone and delivery.)

Meaning 2: As a verb, meaning to express sharp disapproval or criticize severely.

Translation(s) & Context:

• осуждать - Typically used in formal or moral contexts, such as ethical discussions or public criticism.
• упрекать - More informal, often in personal interactions like arguments or advice-giving.

Usage Examples:

• Он осуждает её решение уйти из компании.

  He rebukes her decision to leave the company. (This highlights formal disapproval in a professional context.)

• Друзья упрекают его за пренебрежение к здоровью.

  Friends rebuke him for neglecting his health. (Shows informal use among peers, emphasizing relational dynamics.)

• В статье автор осуждает коррупцию в правительстве.

  In the article, the author rebukes corruption in the government. (Illustrates use in written, public discourse.)

• Она упрекает брата за его эгоистичные поступки.

  She rebukes her brother for his selfish actions. (Demonstrates familial or emotional rebuke with potential for escalation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For упрек (a masculine noun, 3rd declension):

Note: This noun follows standard masculine patterns with no irregularities.

For осуждать and упрекать (both verbs, 1st conjugation):

These verbs are regular and follow standard patterns for aspect (imperfective). No major irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • осуждение (similar to упрек, but more formal and moralistic)
  • выговор (used in disciplinary contexts, often official)
  • критиковать (for verbs, implying criticism but less harsh)
• Antonyms:
  • похвала (praise)
  • одобрение (approval)

Related Phrases:

• Дать упрек - To give a rebuke (used in contexts of direct confrontation or correction).
• Осуждать публично - To publicly rebuke (implies open criticism, often in media or social settings).
• Упрек в адрес кого-то - A rebuke directed at someone (highlights targeting in interpersonal communication).

Usage Notes:

"Упрек" as a noun corresponds closely to the English "rebuke" in formal contexts, while verbs like "осуждать" and "упрекать" align with the verbal form. Note that Russian often requires consideration of aspect (e.g., imperfective for ongoing actions), so use "осуждать" for habitual rebuke. In informal speech, "упрекать" is preferred for everyday interactions, but avoid it in professional writing to prevent sounding too casual. Always pair with appropriate prepositions, such as "в адрес" for directionality.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "упрек" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я слышал упрек" instead of "Я слышал упрек" (correct, but learners often forget genitive in phrases like "упрек за что-то"). Correct: "Я слышал упрек за опоздание." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so context dictates the form.
• Mistake: Conjugating "осуждать" incorrectly in past tense, e.g., "Он осуждал вчера" (correct), but learners might say "Он осуждать вчера." Correct: Use proper past forms like "осуждал." Explanation: English speakers often overlook verb endings, leading to incomplete conjugation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "rebuke" like "упрек" can carry significant emotional weight, often tied to collectivist values where public criticism reinforces social norms. Historically, in Soviet-era literature, such terms were used to depict moral accountability, reflecting a cultural emphasis on communal responsibility rather than individual expression.

Related Concepts:

• критика
• осуждение
• наказание