Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rip'

English Word: rip

Key Russian Translations:

• рвать [/rʲˈvatʲ/] - [Informal, Verb, Used in everyday contexts for tearing]
• разрывать [/rɐˈzryvətʲ/] - [Formal, Verb, Used for more forceful or metaphorical tearing]

Frequency: Medium (Common in spoken language but not as frequent as basic verbs like "to take")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рвать: /rʲˈvatʲ/ (The "р" is a rolled 'r' sound, and the stress is on the first syllable.)

разрывать: /rɐˈzryvətʲ/ (Note the prefix "раз-" which adds emphasis; pay attention to the soft 'в' sound.)

Note on рвать: This word can have variations in pronunciation based on regional dialects, such as a softer 'тʲ' in southern Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To tear or pull apart something physically

Translation(s) & Context:

• рвать - Used in informal, everyday situations, such as tearing paper or fabric.
• разрывать - Applied in more formal or intense contexts, like tearing documents or metaphorical uses in literature.

Usage Examples:

• Он рвёт бумагу в клочья. (He is ripping the paper into pieces.)

  Translation: He is ripping the paper into pieces. (This example shows the verb in present tense, simple action.)

• Дети разрывают подарочную упаковку с восторгом. (The children are tearing open the gift wrapping with excitement.)

  Translation: The children are tearing open the gift wrapping with excitement. (Illustrates use in a joyful, informal family context.)

• Ветер рвёт листья с деревьев осенью. (The wind rips leaves from the trees in autumn.)

  Translation: The wind rips leaves from the trees in autumn. (Demonstrates metaphorical or natural force application.)

• Она разрывает письмо, полное плохих новостей. (She is tearing up the letter full of bad news.)

  Translation: She is tearing up the letter full of bad news. (Shows emotional context, more formal tone.)

To rip as in a slang or idiomatic sense (e.g., criticizing harshly)

Translation(s) & Context:

• рвать (informally) - Used in spoken language for vehement criticism, though less common.

Usage Examples:

• Критик рвёт фильм в пух и прах. (The critic rips the film to shreds.)

  Translation: The critic rips the film to shreds. (This highlights idiomatic use in reviews or discussions.)

• В интернете люди часто рвут чужие мнения. (On the internet, people often rip apart others' opinions.)

  Translation: On the internet, people often rip apart others' opinions. (Shows online discourse context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "рвать" and "разрывать" are imperfective verbs in Russian, which means they describe ongoing or repeated actions. They follow standard first-conjugation patterns with irregularities in some forms.

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the past tense but do conjugate for person and number in present and future.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Ломать (lomath) - Break, often used for more destructive tearing.
  • Рвать на части (rvat' na chasti) - Tear to pieces, more emphatic.
• Antonyms:
  • Склеивать (skleivat') - Glue or stick together.
  • Зашивать (zashivat') - Sew or mend.

Related Phrases:

• Рвать волосы (rvat' volosy) - To tear one's hair (in frustration or anger); English explanation: An idiomatic expression for extreme annoyance.
• Рвать глотку (rvat' glotku) - To shout at the top of one's lungs; English explanation: Used for yelling loudly, often in arguments.

Usage Notes:

"Рвать" directly corresponds to the English "rip" in physical contexts but is more versatile in Russian for emotional or metaphorical uses. It is typically informal, so opt for "разрывать" in formal writing. Be mindful of aspect: use imperfective for ongoing actions and perfective forms (e.g., разорвать) for completed ones. When choosing between translations, "рвать" suits casual speech, while "разрывать" is better for emphasis.

Common Errors:

• Confusing aspect: English learners often use "рвать" when a perfective form like "разорвать" is needed for a completed action. Error: "Я рвать бумагу" (incorrect). Correct: "Я разорвал бумагу" (I tore the paper). Explanation: Russian verbs require the correct aspect to convey completion.
• Mispronouncing the soft consonants: Learners might harden the 'в' sound. Error: Pronouncing /rʲvatʲ/ as /rvaht/. Correct: Emphasize the soft 'тʲ'. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like "рвать волосы" are common in literature and everyday speech to depict intense emotions, reflecting the passionate nature of Russian communication. This stems from historical influences in Slavic folklore where physical actions symbolize inner turmoil.

Related Concepts:

• Ломать (lomath) - Break
• Рвать на куски (rvat' na kuski) - Tear into pieces
• Взрывать (vzryvat') - Explode (for more violent destruction)