Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'slobber'

English Word: slobber

Key Russian Translations:

• слюни [ˈslu.nʲi] - [Informal, Plural]
• пустить слюни [ˈpusʲ.tʲi ˈslu.nʲi] - [Idiomatic expression, Informal, Used in everyday or humorous contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in formal or daily conversations but may appear in descriptive or idiomatic language.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves basic vocabulary with potential idiomatic nuances, making it accessible for learners with some grasp of Russian grammar and expressions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

слюни: [ˈslu.nʲi]

пустить слюни: [ˈpusʲ.tʲi ˈslu.nʲi]

Note on слюни: The stress falls on the first syllable; the 'л' is soft, which is a common feature in Russian words with palatalized consonants. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: Referring to saliva or drool, often in an informal or physical context

Translation(s) & Context:

• слюни - Used informally to describe drool or excessive saliva, often in contexts involving animals, children, or humorous situations.

Usage Examples:

• Собака пускала слюни, видя косточку.

  The dog was slobbering, seeing the bone. (This example shows the word in a simple descriptive context involving an animal.)

• Ребёнок оставил слюни на подушке после сна.

  The child left slobber on the pillow after sleeping. (Illustrates everyday use with a child, highlighting plural form in a domestic setting.)

• От вкусного запаха еды у меня потекли слюни.

  From the delicious smell of food, I started to slobber. (Demonstrates metaphorical or sensory use, common in informal narratives.)

• Во время болезни слюни могут быть признаком недомогания.

  During illness, slobber can be a sign of discomfort. (Shows usage in a health-related context, emphasizing physical description.)

• Слюни стекали по бороде старика, когда он ел суп.

  Slobber was dripping from the old man's beard as he ate soup. (This varies the structure, using a more vivid, literary description.)

As a verb or idiomatic expression: Referring to the action of drooling, often figuratively

Translation(s) & Context:

• пустить слюни - An idiomatic phrase meaning to drool or show excessive enthusiasm, often used metaphorically for greed, excitement, or attraction.

Usage Examples:

• Он пустил слюни, увидев новую машину.

  He started slobbering when he saw the new car. (This example depicts excitement or desire in a material context.)

• При виде торта дети пустили слюни от предвкушения.

  At the sight of the cake, the children started slobbering in anticipation. (Shows use with children, emphasizing emotional response.)

• В фильме героиня пустила слюни от романтической сцены.

  In the movie, the heroine started slobbering over the romantic scene. (Illustrates figurative use in media or storytelling.)

• Бизнесмен пустил слюни, услышав о выгодной сделке.

  The businessman started slobbering upon hearing about the profitable deal. (Demonstrates professional or greedy context.)

• Слюни пускать не стоит; лучше сосредоточься на цели.

  Don't start slobbering; better focus on the goal. (Varies grammar, using it in advice or motivational speech.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "слюни" (a plural noun form of "слюна", which is feminine):

This word is a plural form and follows standard Russian noun declension for feminine nouns ending in -a. It is irregular in the sense that "слюна" (singular) has its own declensions, but "слюни" is commonly used as plural.

For "пустить слюни" (a phrase involving a verb and noun): "Пустить" is a perfective verb that doesn't inflect in this fixed expression, but it conjugates normally in other contexts (e.g., я пущу, ты пустишь). The noun "слюни" inflects as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • слюна (more formal, singular form; used interchangeably in some contexts)
  • дрожь (in figurative senses, implying excitement, but less direct)

  Note: "слюна" is a more precise synonym for the literal meaning, while "дрожь" adds a nuance of trembling excitement.

• Antonyms:
  • Самоконтроль (self-control; antonym in figurative contexts where slobbering implies lack of restraint)

Related Phrases:

• Пустить слюни от восторга - To drool with delight; used to describe overwhelming excitement or admiration.
• Слюни на поводок - Slobber on a leash; a playful or metaphorical phrase for keeping desires in check.
• Течь слюнями - To flow with slobber; similar to drooling, often in humorous or animal-related contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Slobber" as a noun corresponds closely to "слюни" in informal Russian, which is typically used for drool rather than general saliva. As a verb, "to slobber" aligns with idiomatic expressions like "пустить слюни", which carries a figurative connotation of greed or infatuation—be mindful of cultural nuances when translating. This vocabulary is restricted to informal or colloquial settings; avoid it in formal writing. When choosing between translations, opt for "слюни" for literal descriptions and "пустить слюни" for emotional or idiomatic uses. Grammatically, ensure proper declension in sentences, as Russian nouns change based on case.

Common Errors:

• Using "слюна" (singular) instead of "слюни" (plural) in contexts where drool is implied: Error - "Собака пускала слюна" (incorrect); Correct - "Собака пускала слюни". Explanation: "Слюна" is for general saliva, while "слюни" specifies drool, and learners often overlook plural forms.
• Literal translation of "slobber" without idiomatic adaptation: Error - Directly saying "слоббер" as a verb; Correct - Use "пустить слюни". Explanation: Russian doesn't have a direct verb equivalent, so forcing an English loanword can confuse native speakers.
• Neglecting case changes: Error - "Я видел слюни" (ambiguous); Correct - "Я видел слюни на земле" with proper context. Explanation: Russian requires cases for clarity, which English learners might skip, leading to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "пустить слюни" often appear in humorous or satirical contexts, such as in literature or comedy, to depict human desires or weaknesses. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to use vivid, bodily metaphors for emotions, stemming from folk traditions where physical reactions symbolize inner states, like in fairy tales where characters "drool" over treasures.

Related Concepts:

• слюна
• рот (mouth)
• аппетит (appetite)
• восторг (delight)