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What Russian word is not translated into any language in the world: foreigners do not understand it
29.05.2024 20:18
Every language has words that are either difficult to translate into another language, or impossible to translate at all.
The reason is that each language is unique and has specific features based on the culture, traditions and worldview of the people of the country in which it is used.
Hence the presence of words that are unique to a particular language, reflecting, as has already been said, the mentality, way of life, and traditions of the people.
"Binge"
In Russian, one of such words is "zapoi". There are no absolutely complete equivalents to it in other languages, reports the publication sport24.
When trying to explain the meaning of “binge drinking” to a foreigner, one has to resort to descriptive constructions with examples that are understandable to a native speaker of another language.
But there is another way. To show a foreign citizen in practice what a "binge" is.
And this can be done in one single place – Russia or other countries of the former Soviet Union.
We understand that binge drinking is a state of prolonged alcohol consumption – from several days to several weeks.
At the same time, those on a drinking binge usually do not have breaks for sobriety.
A foreigner will understand this only when he experiences first-hand what it is like to be on a drinking binge.
And how do Russians perceive it?
In the cultural context, “binge drinking” in Russian-speaking countries is perceived negatively.
It is often associated with social degradation, a person’s loss of connections with loved ones, family, friends, and his descent to the very bottom.
Sometimes "binge drinking" is interpreted as a desperate way to cope with stress and difficult life situations.
Simply put, this refers to hopelessness and despair, which a person tries to overcome by deceiving themselves that alcohol will help and bring some relief.
It is worth noting that the word "binge" is also used in a figurative sense when we talk about the extreme busyness of a person doing something without a break, for example, "binge reading", "binge watching".
Earlier, a word was named that even the Internet won’t help you spell correctly.
