Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stare'

English Word: stare

Key Russian Translations:

• уставиться [u.stɐˈvʲi.t͡sə] - [Informal, often used for intense or rude staring]
• смотреть пристально [smaˈtrʲetʲ prʲiˈstalʲ.na] - [Formal, literal translation for fixed gazing]
• пялиться [pʲaˈlʲi.t͡sə] - [Informal, with a negative connotation, implying rudeness]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs like "смотреть")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding nuances of intensity and context; "уставиться" may be slightly harder for beginners due to its reflexive form)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уставиться: [u.stɐˈvʲi.t͡sə]

смотреть пристально: [smaˈtrʲetʲ prʲiˈstalʲ.na]

пялиться: [pʲaˈlʲi.t͡sə]

Note on уставиться: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the reflexive ending "-ся," which can be tricky for English speakers as it indicates an involuntary action.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To look fixedly or intently at something or someone (verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уставиться - Used in informal contexts for prolonged, often unintentional staring, such as in surprise or fascination.
• смотреть пристально - Applied in more formal or neutral settings, like observing carefully in a professional environment.
• пялиться - Employed when the staring is rude or unwelcome, such as in social faux pas.

Usage Examples:

• Он уставился на картину, не моргая глазами. (He stared at the painting without blinking.)

  English: He stared at the painting without blinking.

• Дети смотрят пристально на фокусника во время представления. (The children stare intently at the magician during the show.)

  English: The children stare intently at the magician during the show.

• Не пялься на людей в метро; это невежливо. (Don't stare at people in the subway; it's rude.)

  English: Don't stare at people in the subway; it's rude.

• Она уставилась в окно, погруженная в свои мысли. (She stared out the window, lost in her thoughts.)

  English: She stared out the window, lost in her thoughts.

• Во время лекции студенты смотрят пристально на доску, чтобы не упустить детали. (During the lecture, students stare intently at the board to not miss details.)

  English: During the lecture, students stare intently at the board to not miss details.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translations are verbs, which undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, and person. "Уставиться" is a perfective reflexive verb, while "смотреть" is imperfective. "Пялиться" follows similar patterns but is less formal.

Note: These verbs are reflexive where applicable (e.g., "уставиться" ends in "-ся"), meaning they don't change in a completely irregular way but follow standard Russian verb patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • глазеть [glɐˈzʲetʲ] - More casual, implying wide-eyed staring.
  • взирать [vzʲiˈratʲ] - Formal synonym, often used in literary contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • смотреть [smaˈtrʲetʲ] - Simply to look, without intensity.
  • отводить взгляд [ɐt.vɐˈdʲitʲ vzɐˈɡljad] - To avert one's gaze.

Related Phrases:

• Уставиться в пространство - To stare into space; used for daydreaming or deep thought.
• Смотреть пристально на кого-то - To stare intently at someone; common in investigative contexts.
• Пялиться как баран на новые ворота - To stare like a sheep at new gates; an idiomatic expression meaning to gawk foolishly.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "stare" translations like "уставиться" often carry a connotation of rudeness or fixation, unlike the neutral English usage. Choose "смотреть пристально" for formal or polite contexts, and avoid "пялиться" in professional settings as it implies disapproval. Grammatically, reflexive verbs like "уставиться" must include the "-ся" ending, which English speakers might forget. When translating, consider the aspect: perfective for completed actions and imperfective for ongoing ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "смотреть" alone to mean "stare," which is too general. Correct: Use "уставиться" for intensity. Example of error: "Он смотрит на картину" (He looks at the painting) instead of "Он уставился на картину" (He stared at the painting). Explanation: This dilutes the meaning; add adverbs or change verbs for precision.

• Error: Omitting the reflexive ending in "уставиться," saying "устарить" (which means "to become outdated"). Correct: Always use "уставиться." Explanation: Reflexive verbs are common in Russian and alter the verb's meaning significantly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, prolonged staring (as in "уставиться" or "пялиться") is often considered impolite or aggressive, similar to many Western cultures. However, in contexts like art appreciation or deep conversation, it might be tolerated. This reflects broader social norms where direct eye contact is valued in some situations but can be seen as confrontational in others.

Related Concepts:

• взгляд [vzɐˈɡljad] - Gaze
• наблюдение [nɐˈblʲu.ʐdʲe.nʲi.jɛ] - Observation
• глаза [ɡlaˈza] - Eyes