Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Armpit'

English Word: Armpit

Key Russian Translations:

• подмышка [pɐdˈmɨʂkə] - [Informal, Common]
• подмышечная впадина [pɐdmɨˈʂɛt͡ɕnəjə vpɐˈdʲinə] - [Formal, Medical]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "подмышка"); B2 (Intermediate for "подмышечная впадина")

Pronunciation (Russian):

подмышка: [pɐdˈmɨʂkə]

Note on подмышка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central "i."

подмышечная впадина: [pɐdmɨˈʂɛt͡ɕnəjə vpɐˈdʲinə]

Note on подмышечная впадина: A compound term with stress on the third syllable of "подмышечная" and second syllable of "впадина."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Anatomical Part (General Reference to the Underarm Area)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подмышка - Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to the underarm area.

Usage Examples:

• У меня чешется подмышка.

  My armpit itches.

• После тренировки подмышки сильно потеют.

  After a workout, my armpits sweat a lot.

• Она подняла руку, и я заметил пятна на подмышках.

  She raised her hand, and I noticed stains on her armpits.

2. Medical or Formal Reference (Clinical Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подмышечная впадина - Used in medical contexts or formal discussions about anatomy.

Usage Examples:

• Врач измерил температуру в подмышечной впадине.

  The doctor measured the temperature in the armpit.

• Лимфатические узлы в подмышечной впадине могут воспаляться.

  Lymph nodes in the armpit can become inflamed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

подмышка (Noun, Feminine): Follows the regular feminine noun declension pattern in Russian.

подмышечная впадина (Compound Noun, Feminine): The main noun "впадина" declines similarly to "подмышка," while "подмышечная" (adjective) agrees in case, number, and gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for подмышка:

• подмышечная область (more formal)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "armpit" does not have a clear opposite in anatomical terms.

Related Phrases:

• потеть подмышками - To sweat in the armpits (common expression for perspiration).
• брить подмышки - To shave armpits (common in personal care context).
• воспаление подмышечных лимфоузлов - Inflammation of the armpit lymph nodes (medical context).

Usage Notes:

• "подмышка" is the go-to term in casual conversation and is widely understood across all Russian-speaking regions.
• "подмышечная впадина" is strictly formal or medical and would sound out of place in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as using the formal term in an informal setting might seem awkward or overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "подмышечная впадина" in casual speech.
  Incorrect: "У меня болит подмышечная впадина." (Sounds overly formal and unnatural)
  Correct: "У меня болит подмышка." (Natural and appropriate for casual speech)
  Explanation: Reserve "подмышечная впадина" for medical or academic discussions.
• Error: Mispronouncing "подмышка" by stressing the first syllable.
  Incorrect Pronunciation: [ˈpɐdmɨʂkə]
  Correct Pronunciation: [pɐdˈmɨʂkə]
  Explanation: Stress in Russian is crucial for correct pronunciation and comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, personal hygiene, including care for the armpits, is often emphasized, and discussing such topics may be considered private or sensitive in formal settings. Phrases like "потеть подмышками" (to sweat in the armpits) might carry a slightly humorous or colloquial tone in casual conversations.

Related Concepts:

• плечо (shoulder)
• рука (arm)
• локоть (elbow)