Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to express that something is broken, finished, or no longer functioning in Russian? The word “kaput” is commonly used in English to convey this meaning. In this guide, we will explore how to say “kaput” in Russian, providing you with both formal and informal ways to express this concept. We will also delve into some regional variations, offering useful tips and examples along the way. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Kaput” in Russian
In formal settings, it is important to use appropriate language when expressing that something is broken or no longer functioning. Here are some formal ways to convey this meaning:
- Разорвано (razorvano) – This word literally translates to “torn” and can be used to describe something that is irreparably damaged or broken.
- Испорчено (isporcheno) – This term is used to indicate that something is spoiled or ruined, often beyond repair or use.
- Неисправно (neispravno) – If an object or a system is malfunctioning or not working properly, this is the word to use. It suggests that there is a problem that needs fixing.
Informal Ways to Say “Kaput” in Russian
Informally, you may want to use more colloquial expressions to convey the same meaning. Here are some informal ways to say “kaput” in Russian:
- Придушило (pridushilo) – Literally meaning “choked,” this word can be humorously used to express that something has stopped working or is no longer functioning.
- Сдохло (sdokhlo) – This term, originating from the word “сдохнуть” (sdokhnout), which means “to die,” is used informally to convey that something no longer works or has died figuratively.
- Швах (shvakh) – This colloquial term suggests that something is weak, worthless, or has become useless, similar to the connotation of “kaput” in English.
Regional Variations and Dialects
It is important to note that the Russian language is diverse, with various regional variations and dialects. This can sometimes lead to differences in the expressions used to describe something that is broken. However, the words and phrases mentioned above are commonly understood throughout Russia. If you encounter a specific regional variation, it could be interesting to learn and embrace it as part of your language journey!
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you effectively incorporate these phrases into your Russian conversations:
TIP: Depending on the context, you may want to use these phrases with additional words or expressions to provide more clarity. For example, you can say “Мой компьютер разорвано” (Moy kompyuter razorvano) to convey “My computer is kaput” or “У меня служебка испорчено” (U menya sluzhebka isporcheno) to mean “My work assignment is kaput.”
EXAMPLES:
Formal:
- Машина неисправно. (Mashina neispravno) – The car is kaput.
- Деталь внутри испорчено. (Detal vnuzhri isporcheno) – The component inside is kaput.
Informal:
- Кофеварка сдохло. (Kofevarka sdokhlo) – The coffee maker is kaput.
- Мобильный телефон придушило. (Mobilnyy telefon pridushilo) – The mobile phone is kaput.
Remember, learning a language is not just about vocabulary, but also about understanding the context and cultural nuances. By knowing how to say “kaput” in Russian, you’ll be able to effectively communicate when something is broken or no longer functioning, whether in formal or informal situations.
Enjoy your language learning journey and have fun incorporating these new phrases into your Russian conversations! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these expressions until they become second nature to you. Good luck!
