What Does The Idiom "что Уж Там" Mean?
Introduction
The Russian language is rich in idioms and expressions that can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers. One such idiom is "что уж там," which is often used in informal conversations. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this idiom and its variations, such as "чего уж там."
What does "что уж там" mean?
The idiom "что уж там" is a colloquial expression that roughly translates to "what's the difference" or "what's the point." It is often used to convey a sense of indifference or resignation, implying that something is not worth worrying about or that it's not a big deal.
For example, in the sentence:
(1) Давайте везде курить, что уж там, детям в лицо: депутат Госдумы (... (Let's smoke everywhere, what's the difference, in front of children: a State Duma deputy...)
The speaker is expressing a sense of apathy and indifference towards the issue of smoking in public places, especially in front of children.
Variations of "что уж там"
The idiom "что уж там" has a sister idiom, "чего уж там," which is used in a similar way. The difference between the two is that "что уж там" is more informal and conversational, while "чего уж там" is slightly more formal.
For example:
(2) Чего уж там, я не пойду на эту встречу: у меня есть важные дела. (What's the point, I won't go to this meeting: I have important things to do.)
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing a sense of indifference towards attending a meeting, implying that it's not worth their time.
Origins of "что уж там"
The origins of the idiom "что уж там" are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to have come from the Russian phrase "что уж там, что уж там," which means "what's the difference, what's the difference." Over time, the phrase was shortened to "что уж там," and its meaning evolved to convey a sense of indifference or resignation.
Usage of "что уж там" in everyday conversations
The idiom "что уж там" is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in informal settings. It is often used to express a sense of apathy or resignation, or to convey that something is not worth worrying about.
For example:
(3) А что уж там, я не буду ходить на эту вечеринку: у меня есть другие планы. (What's the point, I won't go to this party: I have other plans.)
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing a sense of indifference towards attending a party, implying that they have better things to do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idiom "что уж там" is a colloquial expression that roughly translates to "what's the difference" or "what's the point." It is often used to convey a sense of indifference or resignation, implying that something is not worth worrying about or that it's not a big deal. Its variations, such as "чего уж там," are used in a similar way, but with a slightly more formal tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "что уж там" mean?
A: "Что уж там" roughly translates to "what's the difference" or "what's the point." It is often used to convey a sense of indifference or resignation.
Q: How is "что уж там" used in everyday conversations?
A: "Что уж там" is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in informal settings, to express a sense of apathy or resignation, or to convey that something is not worth worrying about.
Q: What are the variations of "что уж там"?
A: The variations of "что уж там" include "чего уж там," which is used in a similar way, but with a slightly more formal tone.
See Also
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored the meaning of the idiom "что уж там" and its variations, such as "чего уж там." In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about this idiom and provide more insights into its usage and meaning.
Q&A
Q: What does "что уж там" mean?
A: "Что уж там" roughly translates to "what's the difference" or "what's the point." It is often used to convey a sense of indifference or resignation, implying that something is not worth worrying about or that it's not a big deal.
Q: How is "что уж там" used in everyday conversations?
A: "Что уж там" is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in informal settings, to express a sense of apathy or resignation, or to convey that something is not worth worrying about.
Q: What are the variations of "что уж там"?
A: The variations of "что уж там" include "чего уж там," which is used in a similar way, but with a slightly more formal tone.
Q: Can "что уж там" be used in formal situations?
A: While "что уж там" is often used in informal settings, it can also be used in formal situations, but with caution. In formal situations, it's better to use more formal language to convey the same meaning.
Q: How can I use "что уж там" in a sentence?
A: Here's an example sentence: "А что уж там, я не буду ходить на эту вечеринку: у меня есть другие планы." (What's the point, I won't go to this party: I have other plans.)
Q: Is "что уж там" a negative expression?
A: While "что уж там" can convey a sense of indifference or resignation, it's not necessarily a negative expression. It can be used to convey a sense of apathy or resignation, but it can also be used to convey a sense of freedom or liberation.
Q: Can "что уж там" be used with other idioms or expressions?
A: Yes, "что уж там" can be used with other idioms or expressions to convey a sense of indifference or resignation. For example: "А что уж там, я не буду ходить на эту вечеринку, потому что у меня есть другие планы, и что уж там, я не буду тратить деньги на это." (What's the point, I won't go to this party, because I have other plans, and what's the point, I won't spend money on this.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idiom "что уж там" is a colloquial expression that roughly translates to "what's the difference" or "what's the point." It is often used to convey a sense of indifference or resignation, implying that something is not worth worrying about or that it's not a big deal. Its variations, such as "чего уж там," are used in a similar way, but with a slightly more formal tone.