Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trepidation'

English Word: trepidation

Key Russian Translations:

• тревога [ˈtrʲevəɡə] - [Formal, commonly used in literary or psychological contexts]
• боязнь [bɐˈjɑznʲ] - [Informal, often in everyday conversations]
• волнение [vɐlʲˈnʲenʲje] - [Neutral, with a nuance of excitement or nervousness]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in Russian literature, media, and daily speech, but not as commonly as basic emotion words like "страх").

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp the nuances, but mastering inflections and contextual usage requires practice. For 'тревога', it's B2; for 'боязнь', it's also B2 due to similar complexity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тревога: [ˈtrʲevəɡə]

боязнь: [bɐˈjɑznʲ]

волнение: [vɐlʲˈnʲenʲje]

Note on тревога: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'р' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A state of anxiety or fear about an upcoming event or situation

Translation(s) & Context:

• тревога - Used in formal contexts, such as psychological discussions or literature, to describe deep-seated worry.
• боязнь - Applied in informal settings, like personal conversations, to express everyday apprehensions.
• волнение - Often used when the fear is mixed with excitement, such as before a performance.

Usage Examples:

• Он чувствовал лёгкую тревогу перед важным собеседованием.

  He felt a slight trepidation before the important interview.

• Её боязнь высоты помешала ей подняться на гору.

  Her trepidation about heights prevented her from climbing the mountain.

• Волнение перед экзаменом не давало ему сосредоточиться.

  The trepidation before the exam didn't allow him to focus.

• Несмотря на внутреннюю тревогу, она решила продолжить путешествие.

  Despite her inner trepidation, she decided to continue the journey.

• Боязнь неудачи часто сопровождает амбициозных людей.

  Trepidation of failure often accompanies ambitious people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily nouns, and Russian nouns change based on gender, number, and case. 'Тревога' is a feminine noun (3rd declension), 'боязнь' is also feminine, and 'волнение' is neuter. They follow standard patterns but have irregularities in certain cases.

Note: These words do not change in gender but follow the standard declension rules for their respective genders. They are invariant in form when used as predicates.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • страх (fear) - More intense than trepidation.
  • беспокойство (anxiety) - Similar but often implies restlessness.
  • нервозность (nervousness) - Used for temporary states.
• Antonyms:
  • спокойствие (calmness)
  • уверенность (confidence)
  • беззаботность (carefreeness)

Related Phrases:

• испытывать тревогу - To experience trepidation; used in contexts of emotional introspection.
• боязнь неизвестного - Fear of the unknown; a common phrase in philosophical discussions.
• волнение души - Inner trepidation or emotional turmoil; often in literary expressions.

Usage Notes:

Trepidation translates most accurately to 'тревога' in formal settings, where it conveys a deeper, more prolonged anxiety, as opposed to 'боязнь', which is better for sudden or specific fears. In Russian, these words are often paired with verbs like 'чувствовать' (to feel) or 'испытывать' (to experience). Be mindful of the context: 'волнение' might include positive excitement, differing from the purely negative connotation in English. When choosing between translations, opt for 'тревога' in written or professional contexts and 'боязнь' in casual speech.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'тревога' with 'страх': Learners might use 'страх' (fear) interchangeably, but it's more intense. Error: "Я имею страх перед полётом" (incorrect for mild trepidation). Correct: "Я имею тревогу перед полётом." Explanation: 'Тревога' better matches the subtlety of trepidation.
• Misapplying cases: Forgetting to change to genitive, e.g., "без тревога" instead of "без тревоги". Correct: Always decline based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of trepidation like 'тревога' are prevalent in literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky), often reflecting the historical context of uncertainty and introspection. This word carries a philosophical weight, symbolizing the Russian soul's depth and propensity for existential worry.

Related Concepts:

• апатия (apathy)
• паника (panic)
• надежда (hope)