Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'strained'

English Word: strained

Key Russian Translations:

• напряженный /nəˈprʲæʐənɨj/ - [Formal, Adjective]
• напряженный /nəˈprʲæʐənɨj/ - [Informal, Used in emotional or relational contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and media discussing stress or tension)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective forms and basic emotional vocabulary in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

напряженный: /nəˈprʲæʐənɨj/

Note on напряженный: The stress falls on the second syllable; be mindful of the soft 'ж' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to its fricative quality. Variations in informal speech may soften the pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Tense or under strain (e.g., emotional or physical tension)

Translation(s) & Context:

• напряженный - Used in formal contexts like describing relationships or work environments, e.g., in professional or literary discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В отношениях между ними всегда была напряженная атмосфера.

  In their relationship, there was always a strained atmosphere.

• После долгого дня работы он чувствовал себя напряженным и уставшим.

  After a long day at work, he felt strained and tired.

• Напряженная тишина в комнате указывала на скрытый конфликт.

  The strained silence in the room indicated a hidden conflict.

• Ее напряженный голос выдал волнение во время беседы.

  Her strained voice revealed anxiety during the conversation.

Meaning 2: Filtered or strained (e.g., in a literal sense, like strained tea)

Translation(s) & Context:

• процеженный - Used in everyday or culinary contexts, often informal when discussing food preparation.

Usage Examples:

• Чай должен быть процеженным, чтобы удалить листья.

  The tea should be strained to remove the leaves.

• Она приготовила процеженный бульон для супа.

  She prepared a strained broth for the soup.

• Процеженный сок лучше всего для детского питания.

  Strained juice is best for baby food.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the adjective 'напряженный', it follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which are regular for most adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. Below is a table for its key inflections:

For 'процеженный', it is also an adjective and follows similar regular patterns, but it remains unchanged in its base form when used as a past passive participle in certain contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • напряженный - натянутый (similar, but often used for physical tension)
  • напряженный - взвинченный (implies more agitation)
• Antonyms:
  • расслабленный (relaxed)
  • спокойный (calm)

Related Phrases:

• Напряженная ситуация - A tense situation; often used in conflict resolution or daily life discussions.
• Под напряжением - Under strain; common in psychological or work-related contexts.
• Процеженный через сито - Strained through a sieve; typical in cooking instructions.

Usage Notes:

'Напряженный' directly corresponds to the emotional or physical 'strained' in English, but it's more versatile in Russian for describing atmospheres or states. Use it in formal writing or speech; in informal settings, pair it with adverbs like 'очень' for emphasis. For the literal 'strained' (e.g., filtered), 'процеженный' is preferred in culinary contexts. When choosing between translations, consider the context: emotional vs. physical. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree with nouns in gender, number, and case to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using 'напряженный' without proper agreement, e.g., saying "напряженный женщина" instead of "напряженная женщина". Correct: Always decline the adjective to match the noun's gender (feminine in this case). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree, unlike in English where 'strained' remains unchanged.

• Common Error: Confusing 'напряженный' with 'напряженный' in emotional vs. physical contexts, e.g., using it for a filtered liquid. Correct: Use 'процеженный' for literal straining. Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in communication, as the words have distinct domains.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'напряженный' often reflect the historical emphasis on endurance and emotional restraint, stemming from literature like Dostoevsky's works, where interpersonal tensions are a common theme. This can help English speakers understand why such vocabulary is prevalent in discussions of relationships and societal pressures.

Related Concepts:

• стрессовый
• эмоциональный
• напряжение