Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'baggy'

English Word: baggy

Key Russian Translations:

• мешковатый [mʲɪʂkɐˈvatɨj] - [Informal, Adjective]
• широкий [ʂɨˈrokʲɪj] - [Neutral, Adjective, Often for clothing]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мешковатый: [mʲɪʂkɐˈvatɨj]

Note on мешковатый: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ш' sound is a retroflex fricative, similar to 'sh' in English but harder.

широкий: [ʂɨˈrokʲɪj]

Note on широкий: Stress on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, and 'к' is palatalized before 'и'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Loose-fitting (clothing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мешковатый - Often used for clothes that are overly loose or shapeless, sometimes with a negative connotation (e.g., unflattering).
• широкий - Neutral term for wide or loose-fitting clothing, often implying comfort or style.

Usage Examples:

• Он носит мешковатые джинсы.

  He wears baggy jeans.

• Её свитер выглядит слишком мешковатым.

  Her sweater looks too baggy.

• Мне нравятся широкие брюки, они удобные.

  I like baggy pants; they are comfortable.

• Этот пиджак немного широкий в плечах.

  This jacket is a bit baggy in the shoulders.

• Мешковатая одежда сейчас в моде.

  Baggy clothes are in fashion now.

2. Shapeless or sagging (general description)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мешковатый - Used for describing anything shapeless or droopy, often metaphorically (e.g., posture).

Usage Examples:

• У него мешковатая походка.

  He has a baggy (slouchy) gait.

• Этот диван выглядит мешковатым после стольких лет.

  This sofa looks baggy after so many years.

• Его мешковатая фигура выделялась в толпе.

  His baggy (slouched) figure stood out in the crowd.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мешковатый (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

широкий (Adjective): Also follows standard adjective declension with similar patterns to above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for мешковатый:

• неуклюжий (clumsy, awkward)
• бесформенный (shapeless)

Note: 'неуклюжий' often implies awkwardness beyond clothing, while 'бесформенный' is more literal for shapelessness.

Synonyms for широкий:

• просторный (spacious)
• объёмный (voluminous)

Antonyms for both:

• облегающий (tight-fitting)
• узкий (narrow)

Related Phrases:

• мешковатая одежда - Baggy clothing (common phrase for describing loose outfits).
• широкие рукава - Baggy sleeves (often used for describing specific parts of clothing).
• выглядеть мешковато - To look baggy (used for both clothing and posture).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use 'мешковатый' when emphasizing a negative or unflattering aspect of looseness. Use 'широкий' for a neutral or positive description of loose-fitting clothing.
• Context matters: 'мешковатый' can apply metaphorically to posture or appearance, while 'широкий' is more literal and often restricted to physical width or fit.
• Register: Both terms are generally informal to neutral, but 'мешковатый' can sound slightly critical in tone.

Common Errors:

• Misusing 'широкий' for negative contexts: English learners often use 'широкий' when describing unflattering baggy clothes. Incorrect: "Эта рубашка слишком широкая" (sounds neutral). Correct: "Эта рубашка слишком мешковатая" (conveys the negative tone).
• Overgeneralizing 'мешковатый': Learners may overuse 'мешковатый' for any loose item, even when 'широкий' fits better for style or comfort. Always consider the tone and context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing clothing as 'мешковатый' often carries a subtle critique of style or fit, reflecting a cultural preference for well-tailored appearances in formal or professional settings. However, baggy clothing described as 'широкий' may be associated with comfort and casual fashion, especially among younger generations influenced by global streetwear trends.

Related Concepts:

• облегающий (tight-fitting)
• мода (fashion)
• удобство (comfort)