Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thirst'

English Word: thirst

Key Russian Translations:

• жажда [ʒaʒda] - [Formal; Noun; Used in general contexts to describe a strong desire or physical need for liquid]
• жаждать [ʒaʐ'datʲ] - [Formal; Verb; Used in literary or expressive contexts to indicate craving or longing]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language for physical thirst, but less frequent in casual speech for metaphorical uses)

Difficulty: B1 for 'жажда' (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun declensions); B2 for 'жаждать' (Upper-Intermediate, due to verb conjugations and nuanced usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

жажда: [ʒaʒda] (The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'. Stress on the first syllable.)

жаждать: [ʒaʐ'datʲ] (Note the soft 'т' sound, indicated by the palatalization mark; stress on the second syllable. The 'ж' is pronounced as in 'жажда'.)

Note on жажда: Be cautious with the 'ж' sound, as it's a common challenge for English speakers; it doesn't have a direct equivalent in English.

Note on жаждать: This verb often involves infinitive forms in sentences; practice the soft consonants for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: Physical need for liquid

Translation(s) & Context:

• жажда - Used in everyday contexts for basic human needs, such as dehydration in hot weather or after exercise.

Usage Examples:

• После долгой прогулки на жаре меня мучила жажда.

  After a long walk in the heat, thirst tormented me.

• В пустыне жажда может стать смертельной опасностью.

  In the desert, thirst can become a deadly danger.

• Чтобы утолить жажда, он выпил целый литр воды.

  To quench his thirst, he drank a whole liter of water.

Figurative Meaning: Strong desire or craving (e.g., for knowledge or success)

Translation(s) & Context:

• жаждать - Used in more poetic or motivational contexts to express intense longing, often in literature or speeches.

Usage Examples:

• Молодой учёный жаждал знаний и проводил ночи за книгами.

  The young scientist thirsted for knowledge and spent nights with books.

• Она жаждала успеха в карьере, несмотря на все препятствия.

  She thirsted for success in her career, despite all obstacles.

• В детстве я жаждал приключений, как герои из сказок.

  In childhood, I thirsted for adventures like the heroes from fairy tales.

• После кризиса страна жаждала перемен и реформ.

  After the crisis, the country thirsted for change and reforms.

• Он жаждал любви, но боялся открыться.

  He thirsted for love but was afraid to open up.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Жажда' is a feminine noun in the first declension group, which follows regular patterns in Russian. It changes based on case, number, and gender. 'Жаждать' is a verb that conjugates irregularly in some aspects.

For 'жаждать', it is an imperfective verb and can form aspects like 'возжаждать' (perfective). It remains relatively stable but requires attention to stem changes.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тоска (toska) - Similar to a deep longing, but more emotional and less physical.
  • стремление (stremiénije) - Used for aspiration or drive, often in motivational contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • сытость (sytost') - Refers to satisfaction or fullness, especially after quenching thirst.
  • апатия (apatiya) - Indicates indifference or lack of desire.

Related Phrases:

• Утолить жажду - To quench thirst (Used literally for drinking or figuratively for satisfying desires).
• Жаждать жизни - To thirst for life (A common expression in literature for a passionate approach to living).
• Вечная жажда - Eternal thirst (Refers to an unquenchable desire, often in philosophical contexts).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'жажда' directly corresponds to the noun form of 'thirst' in English, while 'жаждать' aligns with the verb form. Use 'жажда' for static states (e.g., a condition) and 'жаждать' for dynamic actions (e.g., actively desiring). Be mindful of formal contexts; these words are more common in written or elevated speech rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for 'жажда' in physical scenarios and 'жаждать' for emotional or metaphorical ones to ensure natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'жажда' with 'жаждать' and using the noun as a verb, e.g., saying "Я жаждаю воду" instead of "Я жажду воды" or "Меня мучает жажда".

  Correct: "Я жажду воды" (I thirst for water). Explanation: 'Жажда' is a noun and cannot function as a verb; use 'жаждать' for verbal actions to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Mispronouncing the 'ж' sound in 'жажда', making it sound like 'zha-zhda' instead of the correct fricative.

  Correct: Practice with native audio; the sound is softer and more like a 'zh' in 'measure'. Explanation: This leads to misunderstandings in pronunciation, affecting overall comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'жажда' often appears in literature and poetry, such as in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy, symbolizing not just physical thirst but a deeper existential longing. This reflects the Russian emphasis on emotional depth and endurance, as seen in themes of survival in harsh environments like the Siberian wilderness.

Related Concepts:

• голод (golod) - Hunger (Physically or metaphorically related to basic needs).
• страсть (strast') - Passion (Often paired with intense desires like thirst for knowledge).
• аппетит (appetit) - Appetite (A lighter form of craving, sometimes contrasted with thirst).