Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chore'

English Word: chore

Key Russian Translations:

• обязанность [ɐbʲɪˈzanːəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Often used for duties or responsibilities]
• работа по дому [rɐˈbotə pɐ ˈdomu] - [Informal, Specifically for household tasks]
• задание [zɐˈdanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often used for assigned tasks]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts, especially "работа по дому")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies by translation - "работа по дому" is easier at A2, while "обязанность" may be B1 due to formal usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

обязанность: [ɐbʲɪˈzanːəsʲtʲ]

Note on обязанность: Stress falls on the third syllable; the double "н" is pronounced distinctly.

работа по дому: [rɐˈbotə pɐ ˈdomu]

Note on работа по дому: Stress is on the first syllable of "работа" and the first syllable of "дому".

задание: [zɐˈdanʲɪjə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A routine task, often unpleasant (e.g., household chore)

Translation(s) & Context:

• работа по дому - Most common for household tasks like cleaning or washing dishes.

Usage Examples:

• Мне нужно сделать работу по дому перед приходом гостей.

  I need to do household chores before the guests arrive.

• Работа по дому никогда не заканчивается.

  Household chores never end.

• Дети помогают с работой по дому каждые выходные.

  The children help with household chores every weekend.

2. A duty or responsibility (e.g., a chore to complete)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обязанность - Used in formal or serious contexts for duties or obligations.
• задание - Used for specific tasks or assignments, often in educational or work settings.

Usage Examples:

• Это моя обязанность заботиться о младшем брате.

  It’s my chore (duty) to take care of my younger brother.

• Учитель дал нам сложное задание на дом.

  The teacher gave us a difficult chore (assignment) to do at home.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. обязанность (Noun, Feminine):

2. работа по дому (Phrase, Feminine Noun "работа"): The noun "работа" declines, while "по дому" remains unchanged. See standard declension for "работа".

3. задание (Noun, Neuter): Follows standard neuter noun declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "работа по дому":

• домашние дела
• хозяйственные дела

Note: "домашние дела" is more colloquial, while "хозяйственные дела" may imply broader household management.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "chore" in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• делать работу по дому - To do household chores.
• выполнять обязанность - To fulfill a duty or chore.
• дать задание - To give a task or chore (assignment).

Usage Notes:

• "работа по дому" is the most direct translation for "chore" when referring to household tasks and is widely understood in casual conversation.
• "обязанность" carries a more formal or serious tone and is better suited for duties or responsibilities rather than mundane tasks.
• "задание" is often used in academic or professional settings for specific tasks or assignments; it may not always imply something unpleasant like "chore" does in English.
• Choose the translation based on context: household chores = "работа по дому", formal duties = "обязанность", specific tasks = "задание".

Common Errors:

1. Using "обязанность" for mundane household tasks:

Incorrect: У меня есть обязанность мыть посуду. (Sounds overly formal and awkward)

Correct: У меня есть работа по дому — мыть посуду. (Natural for household chores)

Explanation: "обязанность" implies a serious duty, not a routine task like washing dishes. Use "работа по дому" for everyday chores.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, household chores ("работа по дому") are often seen as shared responsibilities in families, especially in traditional settings. Discussing chores may carry a tone of necessity or routine rather than complaint, unlike the sometimes negative connotation of "chore" in English.

Related Concepts:

• домашние дела (household matters)
• труд (labor, work)
• помощь по дому (help around the house)