Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bedclothes'

English Word: bedclothes

Key Russian Translations:

• постельное белье [pɐˈstʲelʲnəje ˈbʲelʲje] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is frequently encountered in discussions about household items and daily routines, but not in casual conversation as often as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners need to understand noun genders and basic adjective agreements, which can be challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

постельное белье: [pɐˈstʲelʲnəje ˈbʲelʲje]

Note on постельное белье: The stress falls on the second syllable of "постельное" and the first of "белье." Be mindful of the soft consonants, which are common in Russian and may require practice for English speakers. Variations in regional accents might slightly alter vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Bed linens and covers (Refers to items like sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding materials.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• постельное белье - Used in neutral, everyday contexts for referring to bedding sets, especially in homes or stores. Common in formal and informal settings when discussing household chores or shopping.

Usage Examples:

• Я стираю постельное белье каждую неделю, чтобы оно оставалось чистым и свежим.

  I wash the bedclothes every week to keep them clean and fresh.

• В магазине есть качественное постельное белье из натуральных тканей.

  In the store, there is high-quality bedclothes made from natural fabrics.

• Зимой мы используем дополнительное постельное белье, чтобы теплее спать.

  In winter, we use extra bedclothes to sleep warmer.

• После ремонта комнаты мы заменили старое постельное белье на новое.

  After renovating the room, we replaced the old bedclothes with new ones.

• Гостиница предоставляет свежее постельное белье для каждого гостя.

  The hotel provides fresh bedclothes for each guest.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"постельное белье" is a noun phrase where "постельное" is a neuter adjective and "белье" is a neuter noun. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, while nouns like "белье" follow standard declension patterns for neuter nouns.

For "постельное белье," the adjective "постельное" changes based on case, but "белье" as a neuter noun has relatively simple inflections. Below is a table outlining key inflections:

Note: "Белье" is often used in plural contexts implicitly, but it doesn't change much in plural form. This phrase is relatively stable and doesn't have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • постельные вещи (postel'nye veshchi) - Slightly more general, often used interchangeably but emphasizes individual items.
  • постельный набор (postel'nyy nabor) - Refers to a set or collection, with a focus on coordinated bedding.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific category of items. However, related opposites might include "уличная одежда" (outdoor clothing) for contrast in context.

Related Phrases:

• сменить постельное белье - To change the bedclothes (Common in daily routines, implying replacement for cleanliness).
• постельное белье из хлопка - Bedclothes made of cotton (Used when specifying material in shopping or descriptions).
• собрать постельное белье - To gather or pack bedclothes (Often in contexts like moving or storage).

Usage Notes:

"Постельное белье" directly corresponds to "bedclothes" in English, encompassing sheets, blankets, and covers. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal (e.g., in retail or official contexts) and informal settings (e.g., home conversations). Remember that in Russian, adjectives like "постельное" must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case, so always check for proper declension. When choosing between synonyms, use "постельные вещи" if focusing on individual items, but "постельное белье" is more standard for the collective set.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "постельное белья" (incorrect genitive form) instead of "постельного белья."

  Correct: Use the proper case, as in "Я купил постельного белья" (I bought bedclothes). Explanation: Russian requires full agreement, so learners from non-inflected languages often overlook this.

• Error: Using it in the wrong context, such as confusing it with clothing (e.g., saying "постельное белье" for everyday clothes).

  Correct: Reserve it for bedding only; for general clothing, use "одежда." Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in conversations about household items.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "постельное белье" is often associated with home comfort and hygiene, reflecting the importance of a well-maintained living space in traditional Russian households. During festivals or seasonal changes, like preparing for winter, changing bedclothes is a common ritual to ensure warmth and cleanliness, symbolizing care for family well-being.

Related Concepts:

• одежда (clothing)
• постель (bed)
• домашний текстиль (home textiles)