Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Camouflage'

English Word: Camouflage

Key Russian Translations:

• маскировка [mɐskʲɪˈrofkə] - [Formal, General Use]
• камуфляж [kɐmʊˈflʲaʂ] - [Informal, Often Refers to Camouflage Pattern or Clothing]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in military, nature, and fashion contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "маскировка"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "камуфляж"

Pronunciation (Russian):

маскировка: [mɐskʲɪˈrofkə]

Note on маскировка: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

камуфляж: [kɐmʊˈflʲaʂ]

Note on камуфляж: The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Disguise or Concealment (General or Military Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• маскировка - Used for concealment of objects, people, or military equipment to blend into surroundings.

Usage Examples:

• Маскировка техники была проведена идеально.

  The camouflage of the equipment was done perfectly.

• В лесу маскировка спасла нас от врага.

  In the forest, camouflage saved us from the enemy.

• Маскировка под кусты была единственным выходом.

  Camouflaging under bushes was the only option.

2. Camouflage Pattern or Clothing (Fashion or Visual Design)

Translation(s) & Context:

• камуфляж - Refers specifically to camouflage patterns, often on clothing or gear.

Usage Examples:

• Он носит куртку с камуфляжем.

  He wears a jacket with camouflage.

• Камуфляж стал популярным в уличной моде.

  Camouflage has become popular in street fashion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

маскировка (Noun, Feminine):

Case	Singular
Nominative	маскировка
Genitive	маскировки
Dative	маскировке
Accusative	маскировку
Instrumental	маскировкой
Prepositional	о маскировке

Note: Plural forms are rarely used for abstract concepts like "camouflage".

камуфляж (Noun, Masculine):

Case	Singular
Nominative	камуфляж
Genitive	камуфляжа
Dative	камуфляжу
Accusative	камуфляж
Instrumental	камуфляжем
Prepositional	о камуфляже

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for маскировка:

• сокрытие
• прикрытие

Note: "сокрытие" is more formal and often implies hiding something abstract, while "прикрытие" can mean "cover" or "protection".

Synonyms for камуфляж:

• маскировочный узор

Antonyms:

• разоблачение (exposure)
• открытие (discovery)

Related Phrases:

• военная маскировка - Military camouflage
• маскировочная сеть - Camouflage net
• камуфляжная форма - Camouflage uniform

Usage Notes:

• "маскировка" is the more versatile term, applicable to both literal and figurative concealment (e.g., hiding emotions or intentions), while "камуфляж" is more specific to visual patterns or military gear.
• Use "маскировка" in formal or written contexts, especially when discussing tactics or strategies. "камуфляж" is more colloquial and often used in fashion or casual speech.
• Be mindful of the context when translating "camouflage" as a verb; Russian often uses related verbs like "маскировать" (to camouflage).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "камуфляж" to describe abstract or tactical concealment.
  Incorrect: Камуфляж был необходим для скрытия планов.
  Correct: Маскировка была необходима для скрытия планов.
  Explanation: "камуфляж" refers to physical patterns or designs, not abstract hiding.
• Error: Mispronouncing "маскировка" by stressing the wrong syllable. Stress should be on "ро".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "маскировка" carries historical significance due to its extensive use in military strategies during World War II. The term often evokes imagery of wartime deception tactics, such as hiding equipment or creating decoys.

Related Concepts:

• маскировать (to camouflage, verb)
• мимикрия (mimicry, often in biological contexts)
• скрытность (stealth)