Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chest'

English Word: chest

Key Russian Translations:

• грудь [ɡrutʲ] - [General, Body Part, Singular]
• сундук [sʊnˈduk] - [Container, Singular]

Frequency: High (for "грудь"), Medium (for "сундук")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "грудь"), B1 (Intermediate for "сундук")

Pronunciation (Russian):

грудь: [ɡrutʲ]

Note on грудь: The "r" is rolled slightly, and the final soft sign (ь) indicates a palatalized "t" sound.

сундук: [sʊnˈduk]

Note on сундук: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "u" sounds like the "oo" in "book".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chest as a Body Part

Translation(s) & Context:

• грудь - Refers to the human chest or breast, often used in medical, emotional, or descriptive contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У него болит грудь после тренировки.

  His chest hurts after the workout.

• Она прижала ребёнка к груди.

  She pressed the child to her chest.

• Грудь вздымается от волнения.

  Her chest heaves with excitement.

2. Chest as a Container

Translation(s) & Context:

• сундук - Refers to a large box or trunk, often used for storage, historically or in storytelling.

Usage Examples:

• В старом сундуке лежали сокровища.

  Treasures lay in the old chest.

• Бабушка хранит одеяла в сундуке.

  Grandmother keeps blankets in the chest.

• Сундук был тяжёлым и пыльным.

  The chest was heavy and dusty.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

грудь (Noun, Feminine, 3rd Declension)

сундук (Noun, Masculine, 2nd Declension)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

For "грудь" (Body Part):

• Synonyms: грудная клетка (more anatomical)
• Antonyms: спина (back)

For "сундук" (Container):

• Synonyms: ларь, ящик
• Antonyms: None commonly used

Related Phrases:

• бить себя в грудь - "to beat one's chest" (to express remorse or pride)
• грудь на грудь - "chest to chest" (close combat or confrontation)
• пиратский сундук - "pirate chest" (a treasure chest associated with pirates)

Usage Notes:

• "грудь" is the most common translation for "chest" when referring to the human body. It can imply both the physical chest and emotional expressions (e.g., "pain in the chest").
• "сундук" is used exclusively for a container or trunk. It often carries a historical or rustic connotation, unlike the more neutral "box" (ящик).
• Be cautious when choosing between translations, as context is crucial. Using "сундук" for a body part or "грудь" for a container will result in misunderstanding.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сундук" to refer to the human chest. Example: *У меня болит сундук* (Incorrect). Correct: У меня болит грудь.
• Error: Misusing cases with "грудь". Example: *Я ударил в грудь* (Incorrect without preposition). Correct: Я ударил в грудь (Nominative after "в" in this context).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "грудь" often appears in literature and poetry as a symbol of emotion, strength, or vulnerability. Expressions like "прижать к груди" (to press to one's chest) are common to show affection or protection. "сундук", on the other hand, frequently appears in folklore and fairy tales as a container for treasures or magical items.

Related Concepts:

• сердце (heart)
• ребра (ribs)
• ящик (box)