Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shit'

English Word: shit

Key Russian Translations:

• дерьмо [dʲɪrʲˈmo] - [Informal, Vulgar, Used in casual or expressive speech to denote disgust or as an expletive]
• говно [ˈɡovnə] - [Informal, Vulgar, Similar to 'shit' but slightly more literal, often used in contexts emphasizing waste or worthlessness]

Frequency: Low (primarily used in informal, spoken language; rarely in formal writing due to its vulgar nature, but common in everyday conversations among peers).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of cultural nuances and vulgar expressions; 'дерьмо' and 'говно' may vary slightly in difficulty based on context, with 'дерьмо' being more straightforward for learners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

дерьмо: [dʲɪrʲˈmo]

Note on дерьмо: The soft sign (ь) affects the pronunciation, making the 'r' palatalized. Stress is on the second syllable; common mistake is over-emphasizing the first vowel.

говно: [ˈɡovnə]

Note on говно: Stress is on the first syllable; the 'o' is pronounced as a mid-back rounded vowel, and the final 'o' softens to [ə] in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. As a noun meaning feces or waste material

Translation(s) & Context:

• дерьмо - Used in informal contexts to refer to literal excrement or metaphorically to something worthless (e.g., in everyday complaints).
• говно - Similar, but often emphasizes disgust in more graphic descriptions, such as in humor or strong criticism.

Usage Examples:

• На улице полно дерьма после дождя. (Na ulitse polno der'ma posle dozhdya.)

  Translation: The street is full of shit after the rain. (This example shows literal usage in describing a messy environment.)

• Это говно в холодильнике уже испортилось. (Eto govno v kholodil'nike uzhe isportilos'.)

  Translation: This shit in the fridge has already gone bad. (Illustrates metaphorical use for spoiled or useless items.)

• Он назвал мою идею полным дерьмом. (On nazval moyu ideyu polnym der'mom.)

  Translation: He called my idea complete shit. (Demonstrates expressive, informal criticism in conversation.)

• В парке дети играют, а рядом лежит говно. (V parke deti igrayut, a ryadom lezhit govno.)

  Translation: In the park, kids are playing, and nearby there's shit. (Shows contextual awareness in everyday observations.)

2. As an expletive or intensifier (e.g., expressing frustration)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дерьмо - Employed as a swear word in emotional outbursts, similar to 'shit' in English, often in informal or heated discussions.
• говно - Used similarly but can intensify negative emotions, like in arguments or surprises.

Usage Examples:

• Дерьмо, я забыл ключи! (Der'mo, ya zabyl klyuchi!)

  Translation: Shit, I forgot the keys! (This highlights its use as an exclamation in moments of forgetfulness or annoyance.)

• Это чистое говно, что ты наделал! (Eto chistoe govno, chto ty nadelal!)

  Translation: This is pure shit, what you've done! (Illustrates intensifying frustration in a conversational dispute.)

• Опять дерьмо на работе. (Opyat' der'mo na rabote.)

  Translation: Shit at work again. (Shows repetitive use in venting about daily problems.)

• Говно, компьютер сломался! (Govno, komp'yuter slomalas'!)

  Translation: Shit, the computer broke! (Demonstrates spontaneous reaction in technical contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'дерьмо' and 'говно' are neuter nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are irregular in some forms due to their vulgar nature, but generally decline like other neuter words ending in -o.

Note: These words are often invariant in casual speech and do not frequently appear in plural forms due to their expressive use.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фекалии (fekaliyi) - More neutral, literal term for excrement.
  • отходы (othody) - General waste, less vulgar.
  • Говно is a synonym of дерьмо but implies a stronger sensory disgust in certain contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Чистота (chistota) - Cleanliness, as it contrasts the concept of waste.

Related Phrases:

• Полное дерьмо (Polnoye der'mo) - Meaning: Total crap or complete nonsense; used to dismiss something as utterly worthless.
• Говно вопрос (Govno vopros) - Meaning: Bullshit question; implies a query is pointless or irritating.
• В дерьме (V der'me) - Meaning: In deep shit; refers to being in a troublesome situation.

Usage Notes:

These translations are highly vulgar and should be used with extreme caution, as they are inappropriate in formal settings, professional environments, or with unfamiliar audiences in Russian-speaking cultures. 'Shit' in English corresponds most directly to 'дерьмо' for expressive swearing, while 'говно' aligns with more literal waste descriptions. Choose based on context: 'дерьмо' for emotional intensity and 'говно' for emphasis on filth. Grammatically, these nouns decline as per standard Russian rules, but their vulgarity often exempts them from complex sentences in polite discourse.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'дерьмо' in formal writing, e.g., saying "Это дерьмо" in an email instead of a neutral term like "Это отходы". Correct: Opt for "Это отходы" to avoid offense. Explanation: Russian culture is sensitive to vulgar language in professional contexts, leading to social repercussions.
• Error: Mispronouncing as [dɛrˈmo] instead of [dʲɪrʲˈmo], making it sound less natural. Correct: Practice the palatalized 'r' for authenticity. Explanation: Incorrect pronunciation can make the word harder to understand or comical in unintended ways.
• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using 'фекалии' interchangeably, which is more clinical. Correct: Reserve 'дерьмо' for informal, emotional use. Explanation: Overgeneralizing vulgar terms can dilute their impact or cause misuse in varying social scenarios.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'дерьмо' and 'говно' are part of a rich tradition of expressive swearing, often rooted in folklore and daily life. They reflect a direct, no-nonsense attitude but carry strong taboos in public or mixed-company settings, potentially indicating rudeness or lower social status if overused.

Related Concepts:

• Мат (Mat) - General term for profanity in Russian.
• Брань (Bran') - Swearing or cursing.
• Грязь (Gryaz') - Dirt or filth, as a less vulgar alternative.