Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Card'

English Word: Card

Key Russian Translations:

• карта [ˈkartə] - [General, Used for playing cards, maps, or ID cards]
• карточка [ˈkartətʃkə] - [Diminutive, Often used for small cards like business or index cards]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

карта: [ˈkartə]

Note on карта: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

карточка: [ˈkartətʃkə]

Note on карточка: Stress on the first syllable. The 'tʃ' sound is similar to 'ch' in 'church'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Playing Card or Game Card

Translation(s) & Context:

• карта - Used specifically for playing cards or cards in games.

Usage Examples:

• У тебя есть тузовая карта?

  Do you have an ace card?

• Он выиграл игру, показав сильную карту.

  He won the game by showing a strong card.

• Мы играли в карты всю ночь.

  We played cards all night.

2. Identification or Business Card

Translation(s) & Context:

• карточка - Refers to smaller cards like ID cards, business cards, or library cards.
• карта - Sometimes used for ID or credit cards in formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Вот моя визитная карточка.

  Here is my business card.

• У тебя есть читательская карточка?

  Do you have a library card?

• Я потерял свою банковскую карту.

  I lost my bank card.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

карта (Feminine Noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian.

карточка (Feminine Noun): Also follows the first declension pattern, with a diminutive suffix.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for карта:

• лист (in the context of a map)

Note: 'лист' is used specifically for maps or sheets, not for playing cards.

Synonyms for карточка:

• билет (in the context of tickets or small ID cards)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term.

Related Phrases:

• играть в карты - To play cards (a common expression for card games).
• визитная карточка - Business card (a standard term for professional cards).
• банковская карта - Bank card (used for credit or debit cards).

Usage Notes:

• 'карта' is the more general term and can refer to playing cards, maps, or larger identification cards. It is the default choice in most contexts unless a diminutive or specific meaning is intended.
• 'карточка' often carries a diminutive connotation and is used for smaller or less formal cards, such as business cards or index cards. It may sound more affectionate or casual.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between the two terms, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'карточка' for playing cards. Incorrect: 'Я играю в карточки.' Correct: 'Я играю в карты.' Explanation: 'карточка' is not typically used for playing cards; it sounds unnatural in this context.
• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun based on case. Incorrect: 'Я купил карта.' Correct: 'Я купил карту.' Explanation: Russian nouns must be declined according to their grammatical role in the sentence.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, playing cards ('карты') are often associated with traditional games like 'Дурак' (Durak), a popular card game. Additionally, exchanging business cards ('визитная карточка') is a formal gesture in professional settings, similar to Western practices, but Russians may place high value on the design and quality of the card as a reflection of status.

Related Concepts:

• игра (game)
• колода (deck of cards)
• бизнес (business)