Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bikini'

English Word: bikini

Key Russian Translations:

• бикини [bʲɪˈkʲinʲɪ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бикини: [bʲɪˈkʲinʲɪ]

Note on бикини: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'и' sounds are short and crisp, typical of Russian vowel reduction in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A two-piece swimsuit for women

Translation(s) & Context:

• бикини - Refers specifically to a two-piece swimsuit, used in casual and neutral contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Она купила новое бикини для отпуска на море.

  She bought a new bikini for her seaside vacation.

• На пляже многие девушки носят бикини.

  Many girls wear bikinis at the beach.

• Это бикини слишком яркое для моего вкуса.

  This bikini is too bright for my taste.

• Где ты купила такое стильное бикини?

  Where did you buy such a stylish bikini?

• Бикини не всегда удобно для плавания.

  A bikini isn’t always convenient for swimming.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word бикини is a borrowed term in Russian and is treated as a neuter noun (неодушевлённое, средний род). It is indeclinable, meaning it does not change form regardless of case or number. It remains "бикини" in singular and plural across all grammatical cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• купальник раздельный (lit. "separate swimsuit" - less common, more descriptive)

Note: While "купальник раздельный" can be used, "бикини" is far more common and widely understood.

Antonyms:

• цельный купальник (one-piece swimsuit)

Related Phrases:

• надеть бикини - to put on a bikini
• снять бикини - to take off a bikini
• яркое бикини - a bright bikini
• модное бикини - a fashionable bikini

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "бикини" is a direct borrowing from English and is universally understood in the context of a two-piece swimsuit. It is used in both formal and informal settings when discussing swimwear.
• Unlike some other loanwords, "бикини" does not change form in Russian grammar, which makes it easy to use across different cases and numbers.
• Be aware that "купальник" alone generally refers to any swimsuit (often a one-piece by default). To specify a bikini, "бикини" is the preferred term.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "купальник" to specifically mean "bikini." Many learners mistakenly assume "купальник" always means a bikini, but it often implies a one-piece swimsuit unless specified as "раздельный."

  Incorrect: Я купила купальник. (Ambiguous - could mean any swimsuit)

  Correct: Я купила бикини. (Clearly means a two-piece swimsuit)

• Error: Attempting to decline "бикини" as a regular Russian noun.

  Incorrect: Я купила бикиню. (Incorrect form)

  Correct: Я купила бикини. (Unchanged form)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, wearing a bikini is generally associated with beach vacations or pool settings, much like in Western cultures. However, public attitudes toward revealing swimwear can vary depending on the region or context, with more conservative areas or older generations sometimes viewing bikinis as less appropriate in certain public settings.

Related Concepts:

• купальник (swimsuit in general)
• пляж (beach)
• загар (suntan)