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1. Poshlost
Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov, who lectured on Slavic Research to college students in America, admitted that he couldn’t translate this phrase, which each and every Russian simply understands.
What’s poshlost (пошлость)?
Nabokov provides the next instance: “Open any journal and also you’ll definitely discover one thing like this – a household simply purchased a radio (a automobile, a fridge, silverware, it would not matter), and the mom is clapping her arms, mad with pleasure, the kids gathered round her with their mouths agape; the infant and the canine are leaning in direction of the desk on which the `idol’ has been hoisted… a bit to the aspect victoriously stands the daddy, the proud breadwinner.
The extreme “poshlosity” of such a scene comes not from the false exaggeration of the dignity of a selected helpful object, however from the idea that the best pleasure will be purchased and that such a buy ennobles the customer.”
“This phrase consists of triviality, vulgarity, sexual promiscuity and soullessness,” added the late Professor Svetlana Boym from Harvard College.
2. Nadryv
German Wikipedia has a whole article devoted to the phrase nadryv (надрыв). This can be a key idea within the writings of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky.
The phrase describes an uncontrollable emotional outburst, when an individual releases intimate, deeply hidden emotions.
Furthermore, Dostoevsky’s nadryv implies a state of affairs through which the protagonist indulges within the thought that he can discover in his soul one thing that won’t even exist.
That is why the nadryv usually expressed imaginary, excessively exaggerated and distorted emotions. One half of the novel, Brothers Karamazov, known as “Nadryvs.”
3. Khamstvo
Soviet émigré author Sergei Dovlatov wrote about this phenomenon within the article “This Untranslatable Khamstvo,” commenting that “Khamstvo is nothing apart from rudeness, conceitedness and insolence multiplied by impunity.”
In Dovlatov’s view, it’s with impunity that khamstvo (хамство) outright kills us.
It is unattainable to struggle it; you’ll be able to solely resign your self to it. “I’ve lived on this mad, great, horrifying New York for ten years and am amazed by the absence of khamstvo. Something can occur to you right here, however there’s no khamstvo. You will be robbed however nobody will shut the door in your face,” added the author.
4. Stushevatsya
Some linguists consider stushevatsya (стушеваться) was launched by Fyodor Dostoevsky, who used it for the primary time in a figurative sense in his novella, The Double. This phrase means to be much less noticeable, go to the background, lose an essential function, noticeably go away the scene, change into confused in a clumsy or sudden state of affairs, change into meek.
5. Toska
This Russian phrase will be translated as “emotional ache,” or “melancholy,” however this doesn’t transmit all of its depth. Vladimir Nabokov wrote that, “Not one phrase in English can transmit all of the nuances of toska (тоска). This can be a feeling of religious struggling with none specific purpose. On a much less dolorous degree, it’s the vague ache of the soul…obscure nervousness, nostalgia, amorous longing.”
6. Bytie
This phrase comes from the Russian byt’(to exist). In Russian-English dictionaries this philosophical idea is translated as “being.” Nevertheless, bytie (бытие) isn’t just life or existence, it’s the existence of an goal actuality that’s impartial of human consciousness (cosmos, nature, matter).
7. Bespredel
Eliot Borenstein, professor of Slavic Research at New York College, explains that bespredel (беспредел) actually means “with out restrictions or limits.” Translators usually use “lawlessness” (bezzakonie). In Russian, nonetheless, the which means of bespredel is way broader, and refers back to the conduct of an individual who violates not solely the legislation, but in addition ethical and social norms.
8. Avos’
It’s moderately troublesome to clarify to folks of different nationalities what this implies. Apparently, many individuals consider that avos’ (авось) is the primary Russian nationwide trait. Hoping for the avos’ means doing one thing with out planning, with out placing in a lot effort, relying on success.
9. Yurodivy
Yurodivys (юродивые) in historical Rus’ had been individuals who voluntarily renounced earthly pleasures within the title of Christ. Such folks appeared like madmen, and led a wandering life-style with the purpose of acquiring inside peace and defeating the foundation of all sin – satisfaction. They had been valued and had been thought of near God. Their opinions and prophecies had been considered and so they had been even feared.
10. Podvig
This phrase is commonly translated into English as “feat” or “achievement,” nevertheless it has different meanings. Podvig (подвиг) isn’t just a consequence, or the achievement of an goal; it’s a courageous and heroic act, an motion carried out in troublesome circumstances. Russian literature usually mentions army, civilian podvigs and even scientific podvigs. Furthermore, this phrase is a synonym for selfless acts, for instance, a podvig within the title of affection.
Supply: Russia Past the Headlines
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