Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Billiards'

English Word: billiards

Key Russian Translations:

• бильярд [bʲɪlʲˈjart] - [Singular, Neutral]
• бильярды [bʲɪlʲˈjardɨ] - [Plural, Rare]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts related to sports and leisure)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate, due to straightforward usage and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бильярд: [bʲɪlʲˈjart]

Note on бильярд: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'л' sound (indicated by ʲ) may be challenging for English speakers.

бильярды: [bʲɪlʲˈjardɨ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A game played on a table with cues and balls (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бильярд - Refers to the game of billiards or pool in general, used in both formal and informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю играть в бильярд по выходным.

  I love playing billiards on weekends.

• В этом клубе есть отличный бильярдный стол.

  This club has an excellent billiards table.

• Ты умеешь играть в русский бильярд?

  Do you know how to play Russian billiards?

• Бильярд — это игра, требующая точности.

  Billiards is a game that requires precision.

• Мы провели весь вечер за бильярдом.

  We spent the whole evening playing billiards.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бильярд is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: The plural form "бильярды" is rarely used as the singular form often covers both singular and plural contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• пул (pool, a specific type of billiards)

Note: "пул" is often used for the American-style game, while "бильярд" can refer to various types, including Russian billiards.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable

Related Phrases:

• играть в бильярд - to play billiards
• русский бильярд - Russian billiards (a specific variant with larger balls and smaller pockets)
• бильярдный стол - billiards table
• бильярдный кий - billiards cue

Usage Notes:

• The term "бильярд" is a direct borrowing from French ("billard") and is used universally in Russian to refer to the game of billiards or pool.
• In Russian, "бильярд" can imply different variants of the game, including Russian billiards, which has distinct rules compared to American pool or English snooker. Specify the type if necessary (e.g., "русский бильярд").
• The word is always used in the singular form in most contexts, even when referring to multiple games or tables, unless explicitly emphasizing plurality (rare).

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "бильярд" by stressing the first syllable (e.g., *['bʲɪlʲjart] instead of [bʲɪlʲˈjart]). Correction: Stress the second syllable.
• Error: Using plural "бильярды" incorrectly in general contexts. Correction: Stick to the singular "бильярд" unless the plural is contextually necessary.
• Error: Confusing "бильярд" with "пул" when referring to specific games. Correction: Use "пул" for American-style pool and "бильярд" for general or Russian variants.

Cultural Notes:

Billiards, particularly Russian billiards ("русский бильярд"), holds a special place in Russian leisure culture. It is a popular pastime in clubs and bars, often associated with social gatherings. Russian billiards is known for its challenging rules, with larger balls and smaller pockets compared to Western variants, reflecting a cultural emphasis on precision and skill.

Related Concepts:

• пул (pool)
• снукер (snooker)
• кий (cue)
• шар (ball, as in billiards ball)