Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cuticle'

English Word: cuticle

Key Russian Translations:

• кутикула [kʊtʲɪˈkulə] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in medical, beauty, and biological contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with basic Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кутикула: [kʊtʲɪˈkulə]

Note on кутикула: The stress falls on the third syllable ("kulə"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the palatalized 'tʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The layer of clear skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail (Anatomical/Biological)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кутикула - Used in formal medical or beauty contexts, such as describing nail care or dermatological issues.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сухая кутикула, и мне нужно использовать увлажняющий крем.

  I have dry cuticles, and I need to use a moisturizing cream.

• В косметологии важно регулярно ухаживать за кутикулой, чтобы предотвратить инфекции.

  In cosmetology, it's important to regularly care for the cuticles to prevent infections.

• Кутикула на ногтях может утолщаться из-за недостатка витаминов.

  The cuticles on nails can thicken due to a lack of vitamins.

• Во время маникюра специалист аккуратно отодвигается кутикулу.

  During a manicure, the specialist carefully pushes back the cuticles.

• В биологии кутикула растений защищает от обезвоживания, подобно коже у человека.

  In biology, the cuticle of plants protects against dehydration, similar to human skin.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"кутикула" is a feminine noun (feminine singular) borrowed from Latin via English, and it follows the first declension pattern in Russian with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It declines based on cases, but its plural form is less common.

Note: This word does not change in gender or have verbal inflections, as it is a noun. In plural forms, usage is rare and typically limited to technical discussions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ногтевая кожица (nogtevaya kozhitsa) - A more descriptive term, often used interchangeably in everyday beauty contexts.
  • эпидермис (epidermis) - In broader biological senses, referring to outer layers.
• Antonyms:
  • ядро (yadra) - Core or nucleus, contrasting with outer layers in biological contexts.

Related Phrases:

• ухаживать за кутикулой - To care for the cuticles; used in beauty routines to emphasize maintenance.
• сухая кутикула - Dry cuticles; common in discussions about skin health and hydration.
• отодвигать кутикулу - To push back the cuticles; a phrase from manicure procedures.

Usage Notes:

"Кутикула" directly corresponds to the English "cuticle" in both anatomical and biological contexts, making it a straightforward loanword. However, in Russian, it is primarily used in formal or professional settings, such as medicine or cosmetology, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "ногтевая кожица," opt for "кутикула" in technical writing for precision. Grammatically, always ensure proper declension based on sentence structure, as Russian requires case agreement. For English learners, note that this word is invariable in gender but must align with adjectives or verbs in context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я вижу кутикула" instead of "Я вижу кутикулу" (accusative case).

  Correct: "Я вижу кутикулу." Explanation: In Russian, direct objects require the accusative case, so the ending changes from "а" to "у."

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "кутикула" and "эпидермис," leading to misuse in biological vs. cosmetic contexts.

  Correct: Use "кутикула" for nail-specific references and "эпидермис" for general skin layers. Explanation: This distinction prevents ambiguity in technical discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions around "кутикула" often tie into beauty standards and self-care routines, influenced by Western trends in manicure and pedicure. For instance, regular nail care is emphasized in urban settings, reflecting a blend of traditional Slavic hygiene practices with modern influences, though it lacks deep historical or folkloric connotations.

Related Concepts:

• ногти (nogti) - Nails
• эпидермис (epidermis) - Epidermis
• кожа (kozhda) - Skin