Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'domino'

English Word: domino

Key Russian Translations:

• домино [dɐˈmʲinə] - [Informal, Used in everyday contexts related to games]

Frequency: Medium (Common in recreational and cultural contexts, but not as frequent as basic everyday vocabulary).

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner/Elementary, per CEFR; straightforward for new learners due to its loanword nature, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

домино: [dɐˈmʲinə]

Note on домино: The stress is on the second syllable (mi), and the 'o' at the end is often reduced in casual speech to a schwa sound [ə]. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, such as in faster speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The game piece or set (Referring to the tile-based game)

Translation(s) & Context:

• домино - Used in contexts involving board games, leisure activities, or metaphors for cause-and-effect chains (e.g., domino effect).

Usage Examples:

• Мы часто играем в домино по выходным, чтобы расслабиться.

  We often play dominoes on weekends to relax. (Shows casual, social context)

• Дети учились правилам домино в детском саду.

  The children were learning the rules of dominoes in kindergarten. (Illustrates educational or introductory use)

• В этой игре домино символизирует цепную реакцию событий.

  In this game, dominoes symbolize a chain reaction of events. (Demonstrates metaphorical usage)

• Он выиграл партию в домино, используя стратегический подход.

  He won the game of dominoes using a strategic approach. (Highlights competitive or skillful context)

• Домино — это не только игра, но и способ объединить семью.

  Dominoes are not just a game but also a way to bring the family together. (Emphasizes cultural and relational aspects)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Домино" is a neuter noun in Russian, borrowed from Italian, and follows standard second-declension patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is typically used in singular form but can be pluralized. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: "Домино" is invariable in most cases, which makes it easier for learners, but always check context for proper usage in phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кости (kosti) - Refers more broadly to dice or game pieces, with a slight difference in implying physical objects.
  • игральные кости (igral'nye kosti) - Specifically for game-related items, but less direct for dominoes.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "домино" is a specific game term without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Игра в домино (Igra v domino) - Playing dominoes; a common recreational activity in Russian culture.
• Цепная реакция домино (Tsepnaia reaktsiia domino) - Domino effect; used metaphorically for sequential events.
• Набор домино (Nabor domino) - Set of dominoes; refers to the collection of pieces.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "домино" directly corresponds to the English "domino" as a game, but it's often used in informal settings like family gatherings or casual entertainment. Be mindful of its neuter gender and invariable form, which means it doesn't change much in sentences. When discussing the metaphorical "domino effect," pair it with phrases like "цепная реакция" for clarity. If multiple translations exist, choose "домино" for standard contexts, but "кости" if emphasizing physical game pieces. Grammatically, it's straightforward, but ensure proper preposition use, e.g., "в домино" for "in dominoes."

• Avoid over-literal translations; in Russian, it's more about cultural context than exact word-for-word matches.
• In formal writing, it might appear in discussions of games or psychology, but it's rare in professional jargon.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistakenly treat "домино" as a fully declinable noun, leading to incorrect forms like "доминос" in genitive case, which is wrong. Correct usage: Use "домино" unchanged, as in "я играю в домино" (I play dominoes). Error example: "У меня нет доминос" (incorrect) vs. Correct: "У меня нет домино" (I don't have dominoes). This error stems from confusing it with Russian-native nouns that change endings.

• Another common mistake is overusing it metaphorically without context, e.g., saying "домино эффект" instead of "цепная реакция домино." Explanation: Always integrate it into full phrases for natural flow.

Cultural Notes:

"Домино" is popular in Russian culture as a traditional game, often played during long winters or social events. It reflects a communal aspect of Russian leisure, dating back to the 18th century when it was introduced from Europe. In modern contexts, it symbolizes patience and strategy, and is sometimes referenced in literature or idioms to represent inevitable consequences, much like the English "domino effect."

Related Concepts:

• шахматы (shakhmaty) - Chess
• карты (karty) - Cards (as in playing cards)
• лото (loto) - Lotto or bingo-like games