Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'splurge'

English Word: splurge

Key Russian Translations:

• растратиться [rɐ.strɐˈtʲit͡sə] - [Informal, used in everyday contexts for reckless spending]
• потратиться [pɐˈtratʲit͡sə] - [Formal, often in financial or planned expenditures]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in casual conversations about finances, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "купить")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of reflexive verbs and perfective aspects in Russian, which can be challenging for learners beyond beginner level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

растратиться: [rɐ.strɐˈtʲit͡sə]

потратиться: [pɐˈtratʲit͡sə]

Note on растратиться: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tʲit͡sə"), and the initial "р" is rolled, which can be tricky for English speakers; common variation in fast speech may soften the "тʲ".

Note on потратиться: Pronunciation is straightforward, but ensure the "тʲ" is palatalized for authenticity in formal settings.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To spend money extravagantly or indulge in luxury (primary meaning of 'splurge')

Translation(s) & Context:

• растратиться - Used in informal contexts for impulsive, wasteful spending, such as on a shopping spree.
• потратиться - Applied in more formal or planned scenarios, like budgeting for a special event.

Usage Examples:

• Я решил растратиться на новую машину, несмотря на то, что это было неразумно.

  I decided to splurge on a new car, even though it was unwise.

• После получения премии она потратилась на роскошный отпуск в Европе.

  After receiving her bonus, she splurged on a luxurious vacation in Europe.

• Не стоит растрачиваться на ерунду; лучше сэкономь на что-то полезное.

  Don't splurge on nonsense; better save for something useful.

• Во время праздников многие люди потратились на подарки для семьи.

  During the holidays, many people splurge on gifts for their family.

• Он растратился в магазине электроники, купив последние гаджеты.

  He splurged at the electronics store, buying the latest gadgets.

To indulge oneself in something pleasurable (secondary, less common meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• растратиться - In emotional or personal contexts, implying overindulgence in non-financial ways, like eating.

Usage Examples:

• После тяжелой недели она растратилась на шоколад и кино.

  After a tough week, she splurged on chocolate and a movie.

• Дети растратились на сладости во время карнавала.

  The children splurged on sweets during the carnival.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "растратиться" and "потратиться" are reflexive verbs (ending in -ться), which are imperfective in base form. They follow standard Russian verb conjugation patterns for the first conjugation group. "Растратиться" is more commonly used in perfective contexts when completed.

Note: These verbs do not change irregularly, but always include the reflexive particle "-ся" or "-сь" in various forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тратить (to spend) - More general, without the connotation of extravagance.
  • пролить (to spill or waste) - Used metaphorically for careless spending.
  • разбазарить (to squander) - Implies wastefulness, similar to 'splurge' but with a negative tone.
• Antonyms:
  • экономить (to save)
  • сберегать (to conserve)

Related Phrases:

• растратиться на покупки - To splurge on shopping; often used for impulsive retail therapy.
• потратиться без счета - To splurge without counting; implies reckless financial behavior in social contexts.
• растратиться на еду - To splurge on food; common in dining or feasting scenarios.

Usage Notes:

"Splurge" corresponds closely to "растратиться" in informal English-Russian exchanges, but "потратиться" is preferred in formal writing or business contexts to emphasize planned indulgence. Be mindful of the reflexive form in Russian, which adds a sense of self-action not always present in English. For learners, choose "растратиться" for everyday conversations and avoid it in professional settings where "потратиться" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, these verbs require the accusative case for objects, e.g., "на машину" (on the car).

Common Errors:

• Confusing the reflexive form: English learners often forget the "-ся" ending, saying "растратить" instead of "растратиться," which changes the meaning to a non-reflexive action (e.g., to make someone spend). Correct: Use "растратиться" for self-indulgence. Error example: "Я растратить деньги" (incorrect) vs. "Я растратился на деньги" (correct but context-dependent).

• Misusing in formal contexts: Learners might overuse "растратиться" in professional emails, where "потратиться" is better. Error: "Компания растратилась на рекламу" (too casual) vs. "Компания потратилась на рекламу" (more appropriate).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "splurging" like "растратиться" often ties to celebrations or holidays, such as New Year's Eve, where extravagant spending on gifts or feasts is seen as a way to show generosity and joy. However, in post-Soviet contexts, it can carry undertones of consumerism influenced by Western culture, reflecting a balance between traditional frugality and modern indulgence.

Related Concepts:

• экономия (economy/saving)
• расход (expenditure)
• покупки (shopping)