Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cuirass'

English Word: cuirass

Key Russian Translations:

• кираса /kʲiˈrasə/ - [Formal, Historical/Military]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and rarely used in everyday conversation, primarily in historical, military, or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to history or armor, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кираса: /kʲiˈrasə/

Note on кираса: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ra/), which is common in Russian feminine nouns. Be mindful of the palatalized 'k' sound (/kʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers due to its softer pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A piece of armor covering the chest and back, often used in historical or military contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кираса - Used in formal, historical, or military discussions; refers specifically to protective chest armor in Russian literature or reenactments.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлена старинная кираса рыцаря.

  In the museum, an ancient knight's cuirass is on display.

• Солдаты надевали кирасу перед битвой, чтобы защитить торс.

  Soldiers wore a cuirass before battle to protect their torso.

• Кираса была неотъемлемой частью доспехов средневековых воинов.

  The cuirass was an integral part of medieval warriors' armor.

• В исторических фильмах кираса часто изображается как символ силы.

  In historical films, the cuirass is often depicted as a symbol of strength.

• Музейные реконструкции включают кирасу для демонстрации древних боевых тактик.

  Museum reconstructions include a cuirass to demonstrate ancient combat tactics.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кираса" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • доспехи (general armor; broader term, often used interchangeably in casual contexts)
  • броня (armor plating; implies modern or protective gear, with a slight technological connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • без доспехов (without armor; indicates vulnerability or lack of protection)

Related Phrases:

• полная кираса - Full cuirass; refers to a complete set of chest armor in historical reenactments (used in contexts discussing comprehensive protection).
• кираса рыцаря - Knight's cuirass; a phrase for armor specific to medieval knights (common in literature or educational settings).
• древняя кираса - Ancient cuirass; denotes historical artifacts (often in museum or archaeological discussions).

Usage Notes:

"Кираса" directly corresponds to "cuirass" in English, emphasizing its role as protective chest armor in military history. It is typically used in formal or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. When choosing this translation, ensure the context involves historical or armored themes, as "доспехи" might be a more general alternative. Grammatically, remember that as a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "старая кираса" for "old cuirass"). Avoid using it in modern contexts unless discussing replicas or role-playing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "кираса" with "броня" and using it for modern body armor. Incorrect: "Солдат надел кирасу в современном бою." (This implies historical armor in a contemporary setting.)

  Correct: "Солдат надел броню в современном бою." Explanation: "Кираса" is specific to historical contexts, while "броня" fits modern protective gear. This distinction prevents anachronistic usage.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly in sentences, e.g., using nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я видел кираса в музее." (Grammatically incorrect accusative form.)

  Correct: "Я видел кирасу в музее." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; learners should practice declensions to avoid this common mistake.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "кираса" evokes images of medieval and imperial Russian history, such as the armor worn by tsarist guards or in battles like those in the Napoleonic Wars. It symbolizes strength and tradition, often featured in folklore, museums, and reenactments, reflecting Russia's rich military heritage and the evolution of warfare.

Related Concepts:

• шлем (helmet)
• доспехи (armor)
• меч (sword)