Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recline'

English Word: recline

Key Russian Translations:

• откинуться [IPA: ɐt.kʲɪˈnu.t͡sə] - [Informal, Reflexive verb, Used for leaning back in casual or everyday contexts]
• отдыхать [IPA: ɐtˈdɨ.xətʲ] - [Informal, More general for resting, but can imply reclining in relaxed settings]

Frequency: Medium - This verb is commonly encountered in contexts like daily life, literature, or descriptions of furniture, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "сидеть" (sit).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Involves understanding reflexive verbs and aspectual nuances in Russian; for "откинуться", it's straightforward, but "отдыхать" may require grasping imperfective aspects.

Pronunciation (Russian):

откинуться: [ɐt.kʲɪˈnu.t͡sə] - Stress on the third syllable; note the palatalized 'кʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

отдыхать: [ɐtˈdɨ.xətʲ] - Stress on the second syllable; the 'ы' vowel is a distinct Russian sound, often approximated as a short 'i'.

Note on откинуться: This is a reflexive verb, so the particle 'ся' affects pronunciation slightly, making it softer; common variations in fast speech may reduce the final 'ся' to a quick [sə].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To lean back or lie down in a relaxed position (e.g., on furniture or for comfort).

Translation(s) & Context:

• откинуться - Typically used in informal, everyday situations, such as relaxing in a chair; implies a momentary or reflexive action.
• отдыхать - Used in broader contexts for resting, which might include reclining, but focuses more on the state of relaxation.

Usage Examples:

• После долгого дня он откинулся в кресле и закрыл глаза.

  After a long day, he reclined in the chair and closed his eyes.

• В самолёте пассажиры любят откинуться, чтобы поспать.

  On the plane, passengers like to recline to get some sleep.

• Она откинулась на подушку, наслаждаясь моментом отдыха.

  She reclined on the pillow, enjoying a moment of rest.

• Дети часто откидываются на спинку дивана во время просмотра фильма.

  Children often recline on the back of the sofa while watching a movie.

• В парке люди отдыхают, откинувшись на траву под деревьями.

  In the park, people rest by reclining on the grass under the trees.

2. To adjust or position something to lean back (e.g., a seat or chair).

Translation(s) & Context:

• откинуться - In transitive or descriptive senses, often with objects like chairs; used in practical or descriptive contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Кресло можно откинуть для большего комфорта.

  The chair can be reclined for more comfort.

• В автомобиле водитель откинул сиденье, чтобы вздремнуть.

  In the car, the driver reclined the seat to take a nap.

• Мебель в салоне откидывается автоматически.

  The furniture in the salon reclines automatically.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "откинуться", a reflexive imperfective verb, it follows standard Russian verb conjugation patterns with the reflexive particle 'ся'. It is based on the verb "откинуть" (to throw back), but in reflexive form. Below is a conjugation table for the present tense:

For "отдыхать", an imperfective verb, it conjugates regularly:

Both verbs are imperfective and do not change in form for aspects without additional prefixes. "откинуться" is irregular in its reflexive nature but follows standard patterns otherwise.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • расслабиться [IPA: rɐs.lɐˈbʲit͡sə] - More emphasis on full relaxation, often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • полулежать [IPA: pɐ.luˈlʲe.ʐətʲ] - Specifically for half-lying positions, with a slight formal connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • напрячься [IPA: nɐˈprʲaʐ.t͡sə] - To tense up or straighten, opposite in physical state.
  • встать [IPA: fsˈtatʲ] - To stand up, directly opposing reclining.

Related Phrases:

• откинуться на спинку - To lean back on the backrest; used for describing furniture adjustments.
• отдыхать в шезлонге - To rest in a lounge chair; a common phrase for outdoor relaxation.
• откинуться и расслабиться - To recline and unwind; implies a full state of ease, often in idiomatic expressions.

Usage Notes:

"Откинуться" is the most direct translation for "recline" as a reflexive action, ideal for informal contexts like daily conversations or descriptions of posture. It corresponds closely to English in physical actions but requires attention to Russian's reflexive particles. "Отдыхать" is better for broader resting scenarios and is more versatile in tense usage. Choose based on context: use "откинуться" for specific leaning motions and "отдыхать" for ongoing states. Grammatically, always pair with appropriate prepositions, like "в кресле" (in the chair), to clarify the action.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "откинуть" without the reflexive "ся", e.g., saying "Он откинул" instead of "Он откинулся".
  Correct: "Он откинулся" means "He reclined", while "откинуть" implies throwing something back.
  Explanation: English speakers often forget the reflexive form in Russian, which changes the meaning entirely.
• Mistake: Confusing with "лечь" (to lie down), leading to overuse in horizontal contexts.
  Correct: Use "откинуться" for semi-upright positions; "лечь" is for fully lying down.
  Explanation: This can result in awkward phrasing; always consider the posture degree.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, reclining or resting, as in phrases like "откинуться в кресле", often symbolizes relaxation and escape from daily stresses, influenced by historical contexts like long winters or communal gatherings. It's common in literature, such as in works by Chekhov, to depict characters reclining as a moment of introspection or social bonding.

Related Concepts:

• расслабление (relaxation)
• комфорт (comfort)
• поза (posture)