Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'toss'

English Word: toss

Key Russian Translations:

• бросить [brɐˈsʲitʲ] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday speech]
• кинуть [kʲɪˈnutʲ] - [Slang, Informal; often implies a quick or careless throw]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations appear regularly in conversational Russian but are not as common as basic verbs like "идти" (to go).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp the basic conjugations, but nuances in context may require practice. For "кинуть," it might be slightly more challenging due to its slang connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бросить: [brɐˈsʲitʲ]

Note on бросить: The stress falls on the second syllable ("sʲitʲ"), which is a common feature in Russian verbs. Be careful with the palatalized "sʲ" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

кинуть: [kʲɪˈnutʲ]

Note on кинуть: The initial "kʲ" is palatalized, making it sound softer; stress is on the second syllable. This word often has a more casual, rapid pronunciation in spoken language.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To throw something lightly or carelessly (e.g., tossing a ball).

Translation(s) & Context:

• бросить - Used in general, everyday contexts, such as sports or casual actions; appropriate for informal conversations.
• кинуть - Preferred in slang or informal settings, often implying a hasty or nonchalant throw; avoid in formal writing.

Usage Examples:

• Он бросил мяч в воздух. (He tossed the ball into the air.)

  This example shows the verb in a simple present context, demonstrating a light throw in a playful scenario.

• Дети кинули камни в реку. (The kids tossed stones into the river.)

  Here, "кинуть" highlights a careless, informal action among children, emphasizing slang usage.

• Она бросила монету в фонтан. (She tossed a coin into the fountain.)

  This illustrates the verb in a superstitious or wish-making context, common in cultural settings.

• Он кинул письмо в ящик. (He tossed the letter into the mailbox.)

  This shows "кинуть" in an everyday, hurried action, contrasting with more formal alternatives.

• Мы бросили монету, чтобы решить. (We tossed a coin to decide.)

  Demonstrates the verb in a decision-making context, like flipping a coin for choices.

Meaning 2: To flip or turn over (e.g., tossing a salad or a coin for heads/tails).

Translation(s) & Context:

• бросить - Used metaphorically for flipping, such as in games or cooking; suitable for neutral contexts.
• кинуть - Less common here, but can apply in informal games like coin tossing.

Usage Examples:

• Повар бросил салат в миске. (The chef tossed the salad in the bowl.)

  This example uses the verb to describe mixing in cooking, showing action in a domestic setting.

• Они бросили монету, чтобы выбрать. (They tossed a coin to choose.)

  Illustrates decision-making, with the verb in a simple past tense for games.

• Она кинула монету вверх. (She tossed the coin upward.)

  This slang variant emphasizes a quick, informal flip in a social game.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "бросить" and "кинуть" are verbs of the first conjugation in Russian, which means they follow regular patterns but have specific infinitive forms. "Бросить" is more standard, while "кинуть" shares similar inflections. Russian verbs change based on tense, aspect, person, and number. These are imperfective verbs, often paired with perfective counterparts like "бросить" (imperfective) vs. "броснуть" (perfective).

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the past tense but agree with the subject in other forms. If irregular, they follow standard rules without exceptions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • броснуть (brosnut') - Similar to бросить but perfective, implying completion.
  • метнуть (metnut') - More forceful throw; used in contexts like sports.
• Antonyms:
  • подержать (podderzhat') - To hold or keep, contrasting with throwing away.
  • собрать (sokrat') - To gather or collect, opposite in action.

Related Phrases:

• Бросить в воздух (brosit' v vozdukh) - To toss into the air; used in games or magic tricks. (English: Often implies a playful or testing action.)
• Кинуть взгляд (kinut' vzlyad) - To toss a glance; slang for a quick look. (English: Informal way to describe a brief observation.)
• Бросить вызов (brosit' vyzov) - To throw down the gauntlet; metaphorical for challenging someone. (English: Common in competitive contexts.)

Usage Notes:

"Toss" corresponds most directly to "бросить" in neutral contexts, but "кинуть" adds a layer of informality or slang, which might not fit formal writing or professional settings. English speakers should note that Russian verbs often require aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) to convey ongoing vs. completed actions—e.g., use "бросить" for habitual tossing and "броснуть" for a single instance. Be mindful of context: in phone conversations or casual chats, "кинуть" might sound more natural, but it can carry negative connotations like carelessness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "бросить" with "броснуть" and using them interchangeably. For example, a learner might say "Я бросил книгу" when meaning a completed action, but it should be "Я броснул книгу" for emphasis on completion.

  Correct: Я броснул книгу (I tossed the book and finished the action). Explanation: Russian aspect is crucial; "бросить" is imperfective for ongoing processes, while "броснуть" is perfective.

• Error: Overusing "кинуть" in formal contexts, e.g., saying "Он кинул доклад" in a business report instead of "Он представил доклад."

  Correct: Use "бросить" or avoid slang altogether. Explanation: "Кинуть" can imply irresponsibility, which might offend in professional settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "бросить монету в фонтан" (tossing a coin into a fountain) are tied to superstitions, similar to Western traditions, symbolizing wishes or good luck. However, "кинуть" in slang can sometimes evoke a sense of improvisation, reflecting Russia's informal social interactions in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• метать (metat') - To hurl or throw with force.
• бросок (brosok) - A throw or toss, as a noun.
• кидание (kidanije) - The act of tossing, in a broader sense.