Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Braid'

English Word: braid

Key Russian Translations:

• коса [ˈko.sə] - [Feminine, Singular, Common for hair braids]
• плетение [plʲɪˈtʲe.nʲɪ.jə] - [Neuter, Singular, General term for braiding or weaving]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like hair or crafts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "коса"; B1 for "плетение" due to broader usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коса: [ˈko.sə]

Note on коса: Stress falls on the first syllable. The final "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound in unstressed position.

плетение: [plʲɪˈtʲe.nʲɪ.jə]

Note on плетение: Stress on the second syllable. The soft consonants (indicated by "ʲ") require a palatalized pronunciation, common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Braid (as in hair)

Translation(s) & Context:

• коса - Primarily used for a hair braid, often associated with traditional or feminine imagery.

Usage Examples:

• У неё длинная русая коса до пояса.

  She has a long, light-brown braid down to her waist.

• Девочка заплела две косы перед школой.

  The girl braided two braids before school.

• Коса — символ девичьей красоты в русской культуре.

  A braid is a symbol of girlish beauty in Russian culture.

2. Braid (as in weaving or craft)

Translation(s) & Context:

• плетение - Refers to the act or result of braiding/weaving, used for ropes, baskets, or decorative items.

Usage Examples:

• Плетение корзин — это древнее ремесло.

  Braiding baskets is an ancient craft.

• Это плетение сделано из соломы.

  This braid is made of straw.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

коса (feminine noun): Declines according to the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

плетение (neuter noun): Declines according to the second declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for коса:

• косичка (diminutive, often used for smaller or children's braids)

Synonyms for плетение:

• сплетение (similar, but often implies intertwining)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term in common usage.

Related Phrases:

• заплетать косу - to braid a braid (specifically hair)
• расплести косу - to unbraid a braid (specifically hair)
• искусство плетения - the art of braiding/weaving

Usage Notes:

• "Коса" is the most common term for a hair braid and carries a cultural connotation of traditional beauty in Russian-speaking regions. It is rarely used for other types of braids.
• "Плетение" is a more general term and can apply to various contexts beyond hair, such as crafts or rope-making. It is less emotionally charged than "коса".
• Choose "коса" when referring to hair and "плетение" for abstract or non-hair braiding contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "коса" to refer to braided objects like ropes or baskets.
  Incorrect: Коса из веревки (A braid of rope).
  Correct: Плетение из веревки (A braid of rope).
  Explanation: "Коса" is almost exclusively for hair; using it elsewhere sounds unnatural to native speakers.
• Error: Misusing cases with "коса" due to its feminine declension.
  Incorrect: Я вижу коса (I see a braid).
  Correct: Я вижу косу (I see a braid).
  Explanation: The accusative case for "коса" is "косу", not "коса".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "коса" (a hair braid) is often associated with traditional femininity and beauty, especially in rural or historical contexts. Long braids were a symbol of a young woman's eligibility for marriage in old Slavic traditions, and cutting a braid could symbolize a significant life change.

Related Concepts:

• волосы (hair)
• причёска (hairstyle)
• ремесло (craft)