Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tiredness'

English Word: tiredness

Key Russian Translations:

• усталость /ʊˈstaləsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, used in general contexts for physical or mental exhaustion]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and medical discussions)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; suitable for elementary learners, as it follows standard noun patterns in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

усталость: /ʊˈstaləsʲtʲ/

Note on усталость: The stress falls on the second syllable ('sta'), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the palatalized 't' sound at the end, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being tired or fatigued (physical or mental exhaustion).

Translation(s) & Context:

• усталость - Used in formal and informal settings to describe a general sense of weariness, often in health, work, or daily life contexts.

Usage Examples:

• После интенсивной тренировки я ощущаю сильную усталость.

  After an intense workout, I feel strong tiredness.

• Её усталость от повседневных забот сказывается на работе.

  Her tiredness from everyday worries is affecting her work.

• В конце длинного дня усталость накапливается, и мне нужно отдохнуть.

  By the end of a long day, tiredness builds up, and I need to rest.

• Хроническая усталость может быть симптомом более серьёзных проблем со здоровьем.

  Chronic tiredness can be a symptom of more serious health issues.

• Несмотря на усталость, он продолжил работать, чтобы закончить проект.

  Despite the tiredness, he continued working to finish the project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Усталость' is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • утомление (utomlénie) - Similar to 'усталость' but often implies more gradual exhaustion; used in formal or medical contexts.
  • изнеможение (iznemožénie) - Indicates extreme tiredness, with a connotation of near-collapse; more dramatic than 'усталость'.
• Antonyms:
  • бодрость (bódrost') - Energetic state, opposite of physical weariness.
  • энергия (énérgiya) - Vigor or vitality, contrasting with mental or physical fatigue.

Related Phrases:

• хроническая усталость (khronícheskaya ustalóst') - Chronic tiredness; refers to persistent fatigue, often in medical contexts.
• бороться с усталостью (bóritsya s ustalóst'yu) - To fight against tiredness; used for describing efforts to overcome exhaustion.
• усталость глаз (ustalóst' glaz) - Eye tiredness; common in discussions about screen time or visual strain.

Usage Notes:

'Усталость' directly corresponds to 'tiredness' as a noun, emphasizing a state rather than an action (unlike the verb 'устать', which means 'to get tired'). It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., medical reports) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). Be aware of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., 'сильная усталость' for 'strong tiredness'). When choosing between synonyms like 'утомление', opt for 'усталость' in everyday contexts for simplicity. In Russian, it's common to pair this word with verbs like 'чувствовать' (to feel) to express subjective experiences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'усталость' (noun) with 'устать' (verb): English learners might say 'Я усталость' instead of 'Я устал' (I am tired). Correct usage: Use 'усталость' as a noun in sentences like 'Я чувствую усталость', not as a verb.

• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., saying 'без усталость' instead of 'без усталости' (without tiredness). Explanation: Russian requires genitive case after prepositions like 'без', so always check the context.

• Overusing in formal writing: Learners might misuse it interchangeably with 'утомление', leading to imprecise meaning. Tip: Reserve 'усталость' for general fatigue and use 'утомление' for more prolonged states.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of 'усталость' often reflect the emphasis on endurance and resilience, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works where characters endure physical and emotional exhaustion. It's commonly discussed in contexts of daily life hardships, symbolizing the 'Russian soul's' stoicism, but it doesn't carry unique idiomatic connotations beyond standard usage.

Related Concepts:

• сон (son) - Sleep
• отдых (otdykh) - Rest
• энергичность (énergichnost') - Energy