Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cotton'

English Word: Cotton

Key Russian Translations:

• хлопок [ˈxlopək] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• хлопчатник [xlɐpˈtɕatnʲɪk] - [Formal, Refers to the Cotton Plant]

Frequency: High (especially "хлопок")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "хлопок"); B1 (Intermediate for "хлопчатник")

Pronunciation (Russian):

хлопок: [ˈxlopək]

Note on хлопок: Stress is on the first syllable. The "х" sound is a voiceless fricative, similar to a strong "h".

хлопчатник: [xlɐpˈtɕatnʲɪk]

Note on хлопчатник: Stress is on the second syllable. The "тч" combination can be tricky for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cotton as a Material/Fiber

Translation(s) & Context:

• хлопок - Used to refer to cotton as a fabric or raw material in everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта рубашка сделана из хлопка.

  This shirt is made of cotton.

• Хлопок выращивают в теплых странах.

  Cotton is grown in warm countries.

• Хлопок очень мягкий и удобный.

  Cotton is very soft and comfortable.

2. Cotton as a Plant

Translation(s) & Context:

• хлопчатник - Refers specifically to the cotton plant, often in agricultural or scientific contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Хлопчатник требует много солнца и воды.

  The cotton plant requires a lot of sun and water.

• В этом регионе выращивают хлопчатник.

  Cotton plants are grown in this region.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хлопок (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate)

хлопчатник (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate) follows a similar declension pattern to "хлопок" but is less frequently used in plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for хлопок:

• ватка (colloquial, refers to small cotton pieces, like cotton wool)

Note: "ватка" is more specific and less common than "хлопок" for general use.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "cotton" lacks a clear opposite in this context.

Related Phrases:

• хлопковая ткань - Cotton fabric (refers to textiles made of cotton).
• хлопковое поле - Cotton field (refers to a field where cotton is grown).
• хлопковая промышленность - Cotton industry (refers to the economic sector dealing with cotton).

Usage Notes:

• "хлопок" is the most common and versatile term for "cotton" in Russian, used for both the material and the concept in general.
• "хлопчатник" is more specific and formal, referring exclusively to the cotton plant. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of context: using "хлопчатник" when talking about cotton fabric would sound unnatural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "хлопчатник" to refer to cotton fabric.
  Incorrect: Эта рубашка из хлопчатника.
  Correct: Эта рубашка из хлопка.
  Explanation: "хлопчатник" refers to the plant, not the material. Use "хлопок" for fabric or general references to cotton.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "хлопок" (saying [xlɐˈpok] instead of [ˈxlopək]).
  Explanation: Stress on the first syllable is critical; incorrect stress can lead to misunderstanding.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking regions, particularly in Central Asia (e.g., Uzbekistan), cotton has historically been a major agricultural product, often referred to as "white gold" (белое золото). The term "хлопок" carries economic and cultural significance in these areas, reflecting a deep connection to local history and identity.

Related Concepts:

• ткань (fabric)
• волокно (fiber)
• сельское хозяйство (agriculture)