Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Comb'

English Word: Comb

Key Russian Translations:

• расчёска [rɐˈʂːɵskə] - [Informal, Common]
• гребень [ˈɡrʲebʲɪnʲ] - [Formal, Often used for larger or decorative combs]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "расчёска"; A2 (Elementary) for "гребень"

Pronunciation (Russian):

расчёска: [rɐˈʂːɵskə]

Note on расчёска: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian.

гребень: [ˈɡrʲebʲɪnʲ]

Note on гребень: Stress on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A tool for grooming hair

Translation(s) & Context:

• расчёска - Commonly used for everyday hair grooming.
• гребень - Often refers to a larger comb or one used for specific styling.

Usage Examples:

• У меня в сумке всегда есть расчёска.

  I always have a comb in my bag.

• Она купила деревянный гребень для укладки волос.

  She bought a wooden comb for styling her hair.

• Дай мне, пожалуйста, расчёску, волосы растрепались.

  Please give me a comb, my hair is messy.

• Этот гребень очень старый, он принадлежал моей бабушке.

  This comb is very old; it belonged to my grandmother.

• Расчёска сломалась, когда я пыталась расчесать мокрые волосы.

  The comb broke when I tried to brush wet hair.

2. To arrange or straighten (figurative or literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• расчёсывать - Verb form, used for the action of combing.

Usage Examples:

• Она расчёсывает волосы каждое утро.

  She combs her hair every morning.

• Нужно расчёсывать шерсть собаки, чтобы не было колтунов.

  You need to comb the dog’s fur to prevent tangles.

• Он расчёсывал мысли, пытаясь понять проблему.

  He was combing through his thoughts, trying to understand the problem.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

расчёска (Noun, Feminine):

гребень (Noun, Masculine): Follows regular masculine noun declension rules. Plural form is "гребни".

расчёсывать (Verb): Regular verb of the first conjugation. Used in imperfective aspect. Perfective form is "расчесать".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for расчёска:

• щётка (more often for brushes, but sometimes used interchangeably)

Note: "щётка" often implies a brush with bristles rather than a typical comb.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for this noun.

Related Phrases:

• расчёсывать волосы - to comb hair
• гребень для волос - hair comb (often decorative)
• расчёска с редкими зубьями - comb with wide teeth (for detangling)

Usage Notes:

• "расчёска" is the most common and neutral term for a comb in everyday conversation.
• "гребень" may imply a larger, often decorative comb, or be used in literary or historical contexts.
• When using the verb "расчёсывать", note that it is imperfective, indicating an ongoing or repeated action. For a completed action, use "расчесать".

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "расчёска" with "щётка". English speakers might use "щётка" (brush) when they mean "comb".
  Wrong: У меня есть щётка для волос. (Intending to say "comb")
  Correct: У меня есть расчёска для волос.
• Error: Incorrect stress in pronunciation of "расчёска". Stressing the first syllable instead of the second changes the word's natural rhythm.
  Wrong: [ˈrɐsʂɵskə]
  Correct: [rɐˈʂːɵskə]

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "гребень" can carry a historical or folkloric connotation, often associated with traditional Slavic hair accessories or decorative items used in weddings and rituals. It appears in folklore and old literature more frequently than in modern speech.

Related Concepts:

• щётка (brush)
• заколка (hairpin)
• уход за волосами (hair care)