Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'smithereens'

English Word: smithereens

Key Russian Translations:

• Осколки (/ɐˈskolʲkʲi/) - [Formal, Plural, Used in contexts of shattered objects]
• Куски (/ˈkusʲkʲi/) - [Informal, Plural, Used in everyday descriptions of broken items]
• Обломки (/ɐˈblomʲkʲi/) - [Formal, Plural, Used for larger fragments or wreckage]

Frequency: Low (This word and its equivalents are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in descriptive or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary for physical destruction; variations in translations may add nuance for advanced learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Осколки: /ɐˈskolʲkʲi/ (The stress is on the second syllable; note the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

Куски: /ˈkusʲkʲi/ (Stress on the first syllable; the 'к' is unaspirated, common in Russian.)

Обломки: /ɐˈblomʲkʲi/ (Stress on the second syllable; pay attention to the soft 'м' sound.)

Note on Осколки: This word often has a rolled 'р' in some regional accents, but standard pronunciation uses a flap. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Main meaning: Small fragments or pieces into which something is broken, often implying complete destruction.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Осколки - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as accidents or explosions, to emphasize sharp, small pieces.
• Куски - Applied in informal settings for everyday breakage, like dropping a plate.
• Обломки - Common in contexts involving larger-scale destruction, such as shipwrecks or crashes.

Usage Examples:

• Ваза разбилась на осколки от сильного удара.

  The vase shattered into smithereens from the strong impact.

• После взрыва машина превратилась в куски металла.

  After the explosion, the car turned into smithereens of metal.

• Стекло окна разбилось на обломки во время бури.

  The window glass broke into smithereens during the storm.

• Игрушка ребенка сломалась в осколки, и он заплакал.

  The child's toy broke into smithereens, and he started crying.

• В старом фильме показывают, как дом рушится в куски.

  In the old movie, they show the house collapsing into smithereens.

Secondary meaning: Figurative use, implying total ruin or dispersal (e.g., in arguments or plans).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Осколки - In metaphorical contexts, like "plans in smithereens" translated as "планы в осколках."

Usage Examples:

• Его аргументы разлетелись в осколки под напором фактов.

  His arguments fell into smithereens under the pressure of facts.

• Мечты о поездке превратились в куски из-за отмены рейса.

  Dreams of the trip shattered into smithereens due to the flight cancellation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in consonants (e.g., Осколки is plural nominative). They are invariant in some forms but change based on case and number.

Note: These words are typically used in plural forms and do not have singular irregularities, but always check context for correct case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Фрагменты (Fragments; more neutral and less emphatic)
  • Остатки (Remains; implies what's left after destruction)
• Antonyms:
  • Целое (Whole; opposite of broken pieces)
  • Интактное (Intact; used in formal contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Разбить в осколки - To smash into smithereens; used for violent breaking of objects.
• Лететь в куски - To fly into pieces; common in action descriptions.
• Оставаться в обломках - To be left in smithereens; implies aftermath of an event.

Usage Notes:

Осколки directly corresponds to "smithereens" in emphasizing small, sharp fragments, making it ideal for translations involving glass or brittle materials. Use Куски for more general, informal contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Be mindful of Russian case requirements; for example, in prepositional phrases like "в осколках" (in smithereens). When choosing among translations, opt for Осколки in formal writing and Обломки for larger-scale events. English learners should note that Russian often requires specifying the agent of destruction for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "осколок" when "smithereens" implies plurality. Correct: Always use plural forms like "осколки" in translations. Example of error: "Ваза в осколок" (incorrect); Correct: "Ваза в осколках". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in number, and "smithereens" is inherently plural.

• Error: Misapplying cases, e.g., saying "разбить осколки" instead of "разбить на осколки". Correct: Use the appropriate preposition and case for context. Explanation: Prepositions like "на" require the accusative case to indicate the result of breaking.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and media, words like "осколки" often evoke themes of war or revolution, as seen in historical contexts like World War II, where "осколки" refers to bomb fragments. This adds a layer of emotional weight, contrasting with the more neutral English "smithereens," highlighting Russia's history of upheaval.

Related Concepts:

• Фрагменты
• Разрушение
• Остатки