Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chess'

English Word: Chess

Key Russian Translations:

• шахматы [ˈʂaxmətɨ] - [Plural, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шахматы: [ˈʂaxmətɨ]

Note on шахматы: The stress falls on the first syllable, which is common in Russian nouns of foreign origin. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from the English "sh."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A strategic board game for two players

Translation(s) & Context:

• шахматы - Refers specifically to the game of chess, always used in the plural form in Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю играть в шахматы по выходным.

  I love playing chess on weekends.

• Шахматы требуют стратегического мышления.

  Chess requires strategic thinking.

• Мы купили новый набор шахмат.

  We bought a new chess set.

• Он выиграл турнир по шахматам.

  He won a chess tournament.

• Шахматы - это древняя игра.

  Chess is an ancient game.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шахматы is a plural-only noun in Russian (pluralia tantum), meaning it does not have a singular form. It belongs to the neuter gender and follows the second declension pattern for plural nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• нет (No direct synonyms, as "шахматы" is a specific term)

Antonyms:

• нет (No direct antonyms, as "chess" refers to a specific concept)

Note: Synonyms or related terms might appear in specific contexts (e.g., other board games), but they are not direct equivalents.

Related Phrases:

• играть в шахматы - To play chess
• шахматная доска - Chessboard
• шахматные фигуры - Chess pieces
• шах и мат - Checkmate (lit. "shah and mat")

Usage Notes:

• The word "шахматы" is always plural in Russian, unlike in English where "chess" can function as a singular noun. This reflects a grammatical feature of Russian where certain nouns, especially those of foreign origin, are treated as plural-only.
• When referring to playing chess, always use the preposition "в" (e.g., "играть в шахматы"). Omitting the preposition is a common mistake among learners.
• The term is neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "шахматы" in the singular form (e.g., "шахмат").
  Correct Usage: Always use "шахматы" in plural (e.g., "Я играю в шахматы").
  Explanation: "шахматы" is a pluralia tantum noun and does not have a singular form in standard Russian.
• Error: Omitting the preposition "в" when talking about playing chess (e.g., "играть шахматы").
  Correct Usage: Use "играть в шахматы."
  Explanation: The preposition "в" is required with games and sports in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

Chess holds a significant place in Russian culture, often associated with intellectual prowess and strategic thinking. During the Soviet era, chess was heavily promoted, and the USSR produced many world champions, such as Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. The game is often seen as a metaphor for political and military strategy in Russian literature and media. The term "шах и мат" (checkmate) is sometimes used figuratively to mean a decisive victory or endgame in non-chess contexts.

Related Concepts:

• шахматная партия (chess game/match)
• шахматный клуб (chess club)
• шахматный турнир (chess tournament)