vexation
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vexation'
English Word: vexation
Key Russian Translations:
- раздражение [rəzdrəˈʐenʲje] - [Formal]
- огорчение [ɐgɐrˈt͡ɕenʲje] - [Informal, often used in emotional contexts]
Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature and everyday conversations about emotions, but not as frequent as basic words like "гнев" for anger).
Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2, CEFR) - For "раздражение", learners need to grasp noun declensions; for "огорчение", it's slightly easier but still requires understanding of emotional nuance.
Pronunciation (Russian):
раздражение: [rəzdrəˈʐenʲje]
огорчение: [ɐgɐrˈt͡ɕenʲje]
Note on раздражение: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ʐenʲje"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' and soft 'zh' sound; variations in fast speech may soften the vowels.
Note on огорчение: Pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but the soft 'ch' sound (as in "church") requires practice for non-Slavic speakers.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Meaning 1: The state of being annoyed or irritated (e.g., emotional distress caused by minor frustrations)
Translation(s) & Context:
- раздражение - Used in formal or psychological contexts, such as describing ongoing irritation in daily life or professional settings.
- огорчение - Applied in informal, personal contexts, like disappointment in relationships or minor setbacks.
Usage Examples:
-
Его постоянное опоздание вызывало у меня раздражение.
His constant lateness caused me vexation.
-
Раздражение от шума соседей не дает мне сосредоточиться на работе.
The vexation from the neighbors' noise doesn't let me focus on work.
-
Ее огорчение из-за отмененного плана было заметно на лице.
Her vexation over the canceled plan was evident on her face.
-
В повседневной жизни мелкие раздражения могут накапливаться и привести к стрессу.
In everyday life, minor vexations can build up and lead to stress.
-
Огорчение от неудачи в экзамене заставило его пересмотреть свои привычки.
The vexation from failing the exam made him rethink his habits.
Meaning 2: Something that causes annoyance or irritation (e.g., a source of frustration)
Translation(s) & Context:
- раздражение - In contexts involving external triggers, like environmental or social factors.
- огорчение - Less common here, but used for emotional sources like personal letdowns.
Usage Examples:
-
Это раздражение в виде бюрократических задержек делает жизнь сложнее.
This vexation in the form of bureaucratic delays makes life harder.
-
Раздражение от плохой погоды испортило наш пикник.
The vexation from the bad weather ruined our picnic.
-
Его огорчение, вызванное критикой, стало источником конфликта.
His vexation, caused by criticism, became a source of conflict.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
Both "раздражение" and "огорчение" are neuter nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender, but as neuter nouns, they have regular changes.
Case | Singular (e.g., раздражение) | Plural (e.g., раздражения) |
---|---|---|
Nominative | раздражение | раздражения |
Genitive | раздражения | раздражений |
Dative | раздражению | раздражениям |
Accusative | раздражение | раздражения |
Instrumental | раздражением | раздражениями |
Prepositional | раздражении | раздражениях |
For "огорчение", the inflections are similar: Nominative singular: огорчение; Genitive singular: огорчения, etc. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- гнев (gnev) - Stronger, more intense anger, often short-lived.
- тревога (trevoga) - More about anxiety, used when vexation involves worry.
- Antonyms:
- спокойствие (spokoystvo) - Calmness, directly opposite in emotional state.
- удовлетворение (udovletvorenie) - Satisfaction, implying the absence of annoyance.
Related Phrases:
- Вызывать раздражение - To cause vexation (used for something that provokes irritation, e.g., in social or environmental contexts).
- Подавлять огорчение - To suppress vexation (refers to controlling emotional distress, common in psychological discussions).
- Раздражение в отношениях - Vexation in relationships (a phrase for ongoing annoyances in personal interactions).
Usage Notes:
"Раздражение" closely matches the formal, sustained aspect of "vexation" in English, making it ideal for written or professional contexts, while "огорчение" is better for informal, emotional expressions. Be mindful of context: in Russian, these words often require specific cases (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for "раздражение" if the vexation is external or physical, and "огорчение" for internal disappointment. Grammatically, always check noun agreement with adjectives or verbs for accurate usage.
Common Errors:
- Confusing "раздражение" with "гнев": Learners might overuse "гнев" (anger) for "vexation", but "гнев" implies explosive rage. Correct: Use "раздражение" for mild, ongoing annoyance. Example of error: *Я чувствую гнев от задержки* (incorrect for mild vexation); Correct: Я чувствую раздражение от задержки.
- Misdeclining the noun: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Error: *Из-за раздражение* (wrong genitive); Correct: *Из-за раздражения* (proper genitive form).
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, expressions of "vexation" like "раздражение" often tie into the broader theme of "душевное равновесие" (emotional balance), influenced by historical literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works). It's common to internalize such emotions rather than express them openly, reflecting cultural stoicism.
Related Concepts:
- гнев
- тревога
- стресс