Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Blouse'

English Word: Blouse

Key Russian Translations:

• блузка [ˈbluzkə] - [Informal, Everyday Use]
• блуза [ˈbluzə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

блузка: [ˈbluzkə]

Note on блузка: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'зк' combination can be tricky for non-native speakers. Ensure a clear 'z' sound before the 'k'.

блуза: [ˈbluzə]

Note on блуза: Similar stress pattern to 'блузка,' but the ending is softer with a schwa sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A woman's shirt-like garment

Translation(s) & Context:

• блузка - Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to a casual or semi-formal women's top.
• блуза - Used in more formal or literary contexts, often implying a more elegant or tailored garment.

Usage Examples:

• Она надела белую блузку на встречу.

  She wore a white blouse to the meeting.

• Эта блуза идеально подходит к твоей юбке.

  This blouse matches your skirt perfectly.

• Я купила блузку на распродаже.

  I bought a blouse on sale.

• Её блуза была украшена кружевом.

  Her blouse was decorated with lace.

• Блузка немного велика, но выглядит хорошо.

  The blouse is a bit big, but it looks good.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

блузка (Feminine Noun): Follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is the declension table:

блуза (Feminine Noun): Follows a similar declension pattern to 'блузка' as it also ends in -а. The changes are identical in structure (replace 'блузк-' with 'блуз-').

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• рубашка (more general term for 'shirt,' sometimes used for blouse-like garments)
• кофточка (informal, often refers to a lighter or knitted top)

Note: 'кофточка' often implies a more casual or cozy garment compared to 'блузка.'

Antonyms:

• пиджак (jacket, as an outer garment)

Related Phrases:

• белая блузка - White blouse (common collocation for formal or office wear).
• шёлковая блуза - Silk blouse (emphasizes elegance or luxury).
• надеть блузку - To put on a blouse (common verb pairing).

Usage Notes:

• 'блузка' is the more commonly used term in casual conversation, while 'блуза' might appear in written texts, fashion descriptions, or formal contexts.
• Both terms are feminine nouns, so they require feminine agreement with adjectives and verbs in sentences.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two translations; 'блуза' may sound overly formal or dated in everyday speech.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'рубашка' (shirt) instead of 'блузка' when referring to a woman's blouse. While 'рубашка' can sometimes be used, it often implies a men's shirt or a unisex item.
  Incorrect: Она купила красивую рубашку. (She bought a beautiful shirt - ambiguous gender implication.)
  Correct: Она купила красивую блузку. (She bought a beautiful blouse.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Stressing the second syllable in 'блузка' (bluz-KA) instead of the first (BLUZ-kaə) changes the word's natural flow. Practice stressing the first syllable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a 'блузка' or 'блуза' is often associated with femininity and is a staple in women's professional or formal attire, especially in office settings or schools. Historically, during Soviet times, a white blouse was part of the school uniform for girls, symbolizing neatness and discipline.

Related Concepts:

• рубашка (shirt)
• кофта (sweater or cardigan)
• платье (dress)