Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ear'

English Word: ear

Key Russian Translations:

• ухо /ˈuxə/ - [Formal, Singular, Used for anatomical reference]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday language, especially in medical, descriptive, or casual contexts).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary word with straightforward usage in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ухо: /ˈuxə/

Note on ухо: The initial "у" sound is a back vowel similar to the "oo" in "book," but pronounced with rounded lips. The "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, like the "ch" in Scottish "loch." Stress is on the first syllable, which is common in Russian neuter nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The organ of hearing or balance in the body.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ухо - Used in formal and informal contexts for describing the physical ear, such as in medical discussions or everyday descriptions. Context: Anatomical or health-related conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Моё ухо болит после полёта. (My ear hurts after the flight.)

  Translation: This example shows the noun in a singular nominative form, used in a health-related context to describe pain.

• У неё чувствительные уши к громкой музыке. (She has sensitive ears to loud music.)

  Translation: Here, "уши" is the plural form, illustrating its use in describing sensitivity in a casual, everyday scenario.

• Врач осмотрел ухо пациента. (The doctor examined the patient's ear.)

  Translation: Demonstrates the accusative case in a professional medical context, showing how the word integrates with verbs like "осмотреть" (to examine).

• Ухо ребёнка забилось водой. (The child's ear got blocked with water.)

  Translation: This highlights the genitive case in a parental or everyday situation, emphasizing common accidents.

• Он чистит уши каждое утро. (He cleans his ears every morning.)

  Translation: Shows the word in a routine hygiene context, with plural implied through context, common in personal care discussions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ухо" is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -о. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used for multiple ears, and the declension is regular, making it straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • слуховой орган (slukhovoy organ) - More formal, scientific term for the auditory organ; used in medical contexts to emphasize function.
  • ушко (ushko) - Diminutive form, implying affection or small size; common in informal or child-related speech.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "ухо" is a specific body part without a direct opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• Заложенное ухо (Zalozhennoe ukho) - Meaning: Blocked ear, often used in contexts of pressure changes, like during flights or colds.
• Чистить уши (Chistit' ushi) - Meaning: To clean ears, a common phrase in personal hygiene routines.
• Ухо и глаз (Ukho i glaz) - Meaning: Ear and eye, used idiomatically to refer to sensory organs together in expressions about observation and hearing.

Usage Notes:

"Ухо" directly corresponds to the English "ear" in most contexts, but Russian speakers often emphasize its role in hearing or balance. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across various scenarios, from casual conversations to medical settings. When choosing between translations like "ухо" and its diminutive "ушко," opt for "ушко" in affectionate or child-directed speech. Grammatically, always consider Russian case endings; for example, use the accusative form when the ear is the direct object of a verb. This word is invariant in gender but changes with number and case, which is typical for Russian nouns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу ухо" instead of "Я вижу ухо" (which is correct in nominative/accusative), but commonly, learners forget to adjust for genitive in phrases like "боль в уха" (incorrect) vs. "боль в ухе" (correct: pain in the ear).

  Correct Usage: "Боль в ухе" – Explanation: The prepositional case "ухе" is required after prepositions like "в" (in). This mistake arises from English word order habits.

• Error: Overusing the singular form when plural is needed, e.g., "Мои ухо болит" (incorrect) instead of "Мои уши болят" (correct: My ears hurt).

  Correct Usage: "Мои уши болят" – Explanation: Russian requires plural agreement with adjectives and verbs, unlike English where context might suffice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the ear is sometimes featured in idioms, such as "на ухо" (na ukho), meaning "whispered" or "in secret," reflecting a historical emphasis on oral traditions and storytelling. This can tie into broader cultural values of discretion and verbal communication in social interactions.

Related Concepts:

• глаз (glaz) - Eye
• нос (nos) - Nose
• слух (slukh) - Hearing