Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cardigan'

English Word: Cardigan

Key Russian Translations:

• кардиган [ˈkardʲɪɡan] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кардиган: [ˈkardʲɪɡan]

Note on кардиган: The stress falls on the first syllable, which is typical for borrowed words in Russian. The 'r' is rolled slightly, and the 'g' is pronounced as a hard 'g'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Knitted Garment (Sweater with Buttons or Zipper)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кардиган - Refers to a knitted garment, typically with buttons or a zipper, worn over other clothing. Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я купила новый кардиган для осени.

  I bought a new cardigan for the fall.

• Этот кардиган очень тёплый и удобный.

  This cardigan is very warm and comfortable.

• Она надела кардиган поверх блузки.

  She put on a cardigan over her blouse.

• Кардиган отлично подходит для офиса.

  A cardigan is perfect for the office.

• У тебя есть кардиган тёмного цвета?

  Do you have a dark-colored cardigan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кардиган is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is the declension table:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• кофта (more general term for a sweater or knitted top, slightly less formal)
• жакет (closer to a jacket, but can overlap in some contexts)

Antonyms:

• майка (tank top or sleeveless shirt, opposite in terms of warmth and coverage)

Note: "кофта" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "кардиган," but "кофта" may also refer to pullovers without buttons.

Related Phrases:

• тёплый кардиган - warm cardigan (commonly used to describe a cozy, thick garment)
• шерстяной кардиган - woolen cardigan (specifying material)
• надеть кардиган - to put on a cardigan (common verb pairing)

Usage Notes:

• The term "кардиган" is a direct borrowing from English and is widely understood in Russian, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.
• It is a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal settings, a more descriptive phrase like "вязаный жакет" (knitted jacket) might be used.
• Unlike in English, where "cardigan" strictly implies a garment with an opening at the front, Russian speakers might occasionally use "кофта" for similar garments, which can cause slight confusion.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кофта" instead of "кардиган" when specificity is needed. For example, saying "У меня новая кофта" (I have a new sweater) when referring to a buttoned cardigan might be too vague. Correct Usage: "У меня новый кардиган" (I have a new cardigan) clearly indicates the style.
• Error: Incorrect stress on "кардиган." English speakers might stress the second syllable as in English. Correct Usage: Stress the first syllable: [ˈkardʲɪɡan].

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, cardigans are popular as versatile clothing items, especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall. They are often associated with a cozy, intellectual, or slightly vintage style, sometimes evoking imagery of teachers or librarians in Soviet-era fashion. Knitting cardigans by hand is also a cherished tradition among older generations.

Related Concepts:

• кофта (sweater or knitted top)
• свитер (pullover sweater)
• жакет (jacket or blazer, often lighter)