Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'suspense'

English Word: suspense

Key Russian Translations:

• напряжение [nəˈprʲaʐənʲjə] - [Formal, used in literary or emotional contexts]
• саспенс [ˈsæspɛns] - [Informal, commonly used in film, theater, or modern media discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Appears frequently in literature, movies, and discussions but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations, as it involves understanding nuanced emotional states and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

напряжение: [nəˈprʲaʐənʲjə]

саспенс: [ˈsæspɛns] (Note: This is a borrowed word from English, so pronunciation is similar; stress on the first syllable, with a soft Russian influence.)

Note on напряжение: The "ж" sound is a voiced palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A state of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen (e.g., in stories, films, or real-life situations).

Translation(s) & Context:

• напряжение - Used in formal writing, literature, or when describing emotional tension; common in narrative contexts.
• саспенс - Applied in informal or entertainment settings, like movie reviews, to denote plot-building excitement.

Usage Examples:

• В фильме было столько напряжения, что зрители не могли оторваться от экрана.

  In the film, there was so much suspense that the viewers couldn't take their eyes off the screen.

• Автор мастерски создаёт саспенс в каждой главе, заставляя читателя ждать развязки.

  The author masterfully creates suspense in every chapter, making the reader wait for the resolution.

• Во время матча футболисты испытывали напряжение, ожидая финального свистка.

  During the match, the football players felt suspense while waiting for the final whistle.

• Этот триллер полон саспенса, с неожиданными поворотами сюжета.

  This thriller is full of suspense, with unexpected plot twists.

• Напряжение в комнате нарастало, пока все ждали объявления результатов.

  The suspense in the room built up as everyone waited for the results to be announced.

2. The quality of holding the attention or interest through uncertainty (e.g., in storytelling).

Translation(s) & Context:

• напряжение - Preferred in literary analysis or formal descriptions of narrative techniques.
• саспенс - More casual, often in critiques of media like TV shows or books.

Usage Examples:

• Хороший детектив всегда использует напряжение, чтобы вовлечь читателя.

  A good detective story always uses suspense to engage the reader.

• В сериале саспенс достигает пика в последней серии.

  In the series, the suspense reaches its peak in the final episode.

• Напряжение в сюжете помогает поддерживать интерес аудитории.

  The suspense in the plot helps maintain the audience's interest.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "напряжение" and "саспенс" are nouns. "Напряжение" is a neuter noun in the second declension, which follows regular patterns. "Саспенс" is a borrowed word and typically does not inflect in modern Russian usage.

For "саспенс", it remains unchanged in most contexts as an indeclinable noun, especially in informal use.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • интрига (intriga) - Focuses more on plot twists and mystery.
  • волнение (volnenie) - Emphasizes emotional excitement or agitation.
• Antonyms:
  • разрешение (razreshenie) - Refers to resolution or relief from uncertainty.
  • спокойствие (spokoyastie) - Means calmness or lack of tension.

Related Phrases:

• Создать напряжение - To build suspense; used in storytelling to heighten drama.
• Поддерживать саспенс - To maintain suspense; common in film direction or narrative techniques.
• В атмосфере напряжения - In an atmosphere of suspense; describes tense environments.

Usage Notes:

"Напряжение" is the more traditional and versatile translation for "suspense" in Russian, aligning closely with emotional or psychological states, while "саспенс" is a direct borrow from English and is best used in modern, pop-culture contexts like movies. Choose "напряжение" for formal writing or literature to sound more natural. Be mindful of context: in Russian, suspense often implies a build-up of emotion, so pair it with verbs like "создавать" (to create) or "нарастать" (to build). Grammatically, as a neuter noun, "напряжение" requires agreement in gender and case, which can affect sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "напряжение" with "напряг" (a slang term for stress), leading to incorrect usage. Error: "В фильме было напряг" (incorrect informal mix). Correct: "В фильме было напряжение" for proper suspense. Explanation: "Напряг" is colloquial and doesn't convey the narrative element.
• Overusing "саспенс" in formal contexts. Error: Using it in academic essays. Correct: Opt for "напряжение" instead. Explanation: "Саспенс" sounds out of place in non-entertainment settings and may make the language feel less authentic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, suspense is a key element in classic literature like Dostoevsky's works, where "напряжение" builds psychological depth. Films from the Soviet era, such as those by Tarkovsky, often emphasize suspense to explore human emotions, reflecting a cultural appreciation for introspective storytelling rather than fast-paced action.

Related Concepts:

• интрига
• драма
• триллер