Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cushion'

English Word: Cushion

Key Russian Translations:

• подушка [ˈpɐˈduʂkə] - [Informal, Commonly used for soft cushions]
• подушечка [pɐˈduʂɨtɕkə] - [Diminutive, Often used for smaller or decorative cushions]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

подушка: [ˈpɐˈduʂkə]

Note on подушка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, similar to "sh" in English but harder.

подушечка: [pɐˈduʂɨtɕkə]

Note on подушечка: Stress on the third syllable. The diminutive suffix "-ечка" softens the tone, often implying affection or small size.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A soft object used for sitting or resting (e.g., on a sofa or chair)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подушка - Most common term for a cushion used for comfort on furniture.
• подушечка - Used for smaller or decorative cushions, often with an affectionate tone.

Usage Examples:

• Я положил подушку на диван для удобства.

  I put a cushion on the sofa for comfort.

• Эта подушечка такая милая, она идеально подходит к интерьеру!

  This little cushion is so cute, it matches the interior perfectly!

• Можешь подложить подушку под спину?

  Can you put a cushion behind your back?

• На стуле лежала мягкая подушка.

  There was a soft cushion on the chair.

• У бабушки всегда есть подушечки для гостей.

  Grandma always has little cushions for guests.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

подушка (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian. It changes according to case and number.

подушечка (feminine noun, diminutive): Follows a similar declension pattern with slight variations due to the suffix "-ечка".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• валик (used for cylindrical cushions or bolsters)
• думка (regional or archaic term for cushion/pillow)

Note: "валик" often implies a specific shape, while "думка" is less common in modern Russian.

Antonyms:

• жёсткая поверхность (hard surface)

Related Phrases:

• диванная подушка - Sofa cushion (a cushion specifically for a sofa).
• декоративная подушка - Decorative cushion (used for aesthetic purposes).
• подушка для сидения - Seat cushion (used for sitting comfort).

Usage Notes:

• "подушка" is the default and most widely recognized term for "cushion" in Russian, applicable in most contexts.
• "подушечка" carries a diminutive, affectionate tone and is often used for smaller or decorative items. Avoid using it in formal contexts.
• Be aware that "подушка" can also mean "pillow" (for sleeping) in Russian. Context usually clarifies the meaning, but you can specify with phrases like "диванная подушка" (sofa cushion) if needed.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "подушка" interchangeably with "подушечка" without considering tone or context. For example, saying "подушечка" in a formal setting sounds odd.
  Correct Usage: Use "подушка" in neutral or formal contexts (e.g., "Купи подушку для дивана" - Buy a cushion for the sofa).
  Incorrect Example: "Купи подушечку для офиса" (sounds overly affectionate for an office setting).
• Error: Confusing "подушка" with "подуха" (a non-standard or dialectal form). "Подуха" is incorrect in standard Russian.
  Correct Usage: Always use "подушка" in standard speech and writing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cushions (especially decorative ones) are often associated with home comfort and hospitality. Offering a cushion to a guest to make them comfortable is a common gesture in Russian homes. Additionally, embroidered or handmade cushions may carry cultural or familial significance, often passed down as heirlooms.

Related Concepts:

• постель (bedding)
• одеяло (blanket)
• матрас (mattress)