Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'barracks'

English Word: barracks

Key Russian Translations:

• казарма [kɐˈzarmə] - [Singular, Neutral/Formal]
• казармы [kɐˈzarmɨ] - [Plural, Neutral/Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

казарма: [kɐˈzarmə]

Note on казарма: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

казармы: [kɐˈzarmɨ]

Note on казармы: The plural form shifts slightly in vowel sound at the end. Stress remains on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Military Housing

Translation(s) & Context:

• казарма/казармы - Used to refer to buildings where soldiers live, often in a military context.

Usage Examples:

• Солдаты живут в казарме.

  The soldiers live in the barracks.

• Казармы были построены в прошлом веке.

  The barracks were built in the last century.

• После тренировки все вернулись в казарму.

  After training, everyone returned to the barracks.

• Эти казармы давно не используются.

  These barracks have not been used for a long time.

• В казармах строгий порядок.

  There is strict order in the barracks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word казарма is a feminine noun in Russian and follows the first declension pattern. Its plural form is казармы. Below is the declension table for both singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• общежитие (for non-military communal housing, less formal)
• военный лагерь (broader term, can imply temporary military camp)

Note: "общежитие" is often used for civilian dormitories, while "казарма" is strictly tied to military contexts.

Antonyms:

• частный дом (private house)
• квартира (apartment)

Related Phrases:

• жить в казарме - to live in the barracks (common phrase for soldiers’ living conditions)
• казарменная дисциплина - barracks discipline (refers to strict military order)
• казарменный юмор - barracks humor (refers to crude or rough humor typical among soldiers)

Usage Notes:

• The term "казарма" is almost exclusively used in military contexts to describe housing for soldiers. It is not typically used for civilian dormitories or temporary shelters.
• Use the singular "казарма" when referring to one building or concept, and "казармы" for multiple buildings or in general contexts.
• The word carries a neutral to formal tone and is appropriate in both written and spoken Russian when discussing military topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "казарма" with "общежитие". English learners might use "общежитие" to mean "barracks", but it typically refers to student or worker dormitories.
  Incorrect: Студенты живут в казарме. (Students live in the barracks.)
  Correct: Солдаты живут в казарме. (Soldiers live in the barracks.)
• Error: Misusing singular and plural forms. English speakers might not switch to "казармы" when referring to multiple buildings.
  Incorrect: На базе много казарма.
  Correct: На базе много казарм.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "казарма" evokes strong associations with military service, which has historically been a significant part of life for many Russian men due to mandatory conscription. The term may carry connotations of strict discipline, camaraderie, and sometimes harsh living conditions, depending on the context or historical period being discussed.

Related Concepts:

• армия (army)
• солдат (soldier)
• военная служба (military service)
• дисциплина (discipline)