Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'earplug'

English Word: earplug

Key Russian Translations:

• беруши [ˈbʲerʊʂɨ] - [Plural, Informal, Commonly used in everyday contexts for noise protection]

Frequency: Medium (This term is moderately common in modern Russian, especially in discussions about health, travel, or noise pollution, but not as frequent as basic everyday words.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers to learn due to its borrowed status and simple usage, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

беруши: [ˈbʲerʊʂɨ]

Note on беруши: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ш' sound is a soft, voiceless postalveolar fricative, which may be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronounce it with a clear 'y' sound in 'bʲer' as in 'yes'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small device inserted into the ear to block out sound, often used for protection against noise.

Translation(s) & Context:

• беруши - Typically used in informal or everyday situations, such as during flights, concerts, or sleeping; it refers to disposable or reusable earplugs for noise reduction.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда беру беруши в самолет, чтобы не слышать шум двигателей.

  I always take earplugs on the plane to not hear the engine noise.

• Музыканты надевают беруши на концертах для защиты слуха.

  Musicians wear earplugs at concerts to protect their hearing.

• Эти беруши сделаны из силикона и идеально подходят для сна в шумном городе.

  These earplugs are made of silicone and are perfect for sleeping in a noisy city.

• Купите беруши в аптеке, если вы едете в поездку с детьми.

  Buy earplugs at the pharmacy if you're going on a trip with children.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Беруши" is a plural noun borrowed from English, and it does not inflect regularly in Russian due to its status as an unadapted loanword. It remains mostly unchanged across cases and numbers, which is common for modern technical terms.

Note: While it is primarily plural, in some contexts, it might be used without change, emphasizing its invariability.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • затычки для ушей (zatychki dlya ushey) - More descriptive, often used interchangeably for basic earplugs.
  • шумозащитные вкладыши (shumozashchitnye vklyadyshi) - Formal synonym, emphasizing noise protection features.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "беруши" is a specific item without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• шумозащитные беруши - Noise-cancelling earplugs; used for contexts requiring advanced hearing protection, like industrial work.
• беруши для сна - Earplugs for sleep; commonly referenced in discussions about improving sleep quality in urban environments.
• мягкие беруши - Soft earplugs; refers to comfortable, foam-based varieties for everyday use.

Usage Notes:

"Беруши" directly corresponds to the English "earplug" as a plural noun, making it a straightforward translation for English speakers. It is most common in informal settings, such as casual conversations about travel or health, but can appear in formal contexts like medical advice. Be mindful that Russian often uses plural forms for such items, so avoid trying to force a singular usage. When choosing between synonyms like "затычки для ушей," opt for "беруши" in modern, urban contexts for brevity and familiarity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using it in the singular form, e.g., saying "одна беруша" incorrectly, as it is inherently plural.

  Correct Usage: Stick to "беруши" and use genitive forms like "берушей" for possession (e.g., "пара берушей" for "a pair of earplugs"). Explanation: Russian loanwords like this don't adapt fully, so treating it as plural avoids grammatical errors.

• Error: Mispronouncing the 'ш' sound as in English "sh," making it sound like [ˈbɛrʊʃi] instead of the correct [ˈbʲerʊʂɨ].

  Correct Usage: Practice the soft Russian 'ш' with a more palatalized pronunciation. Explanation: This can lead to confusion with similar words, affecting comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "беруши" doesn't carry significant historical or cultural connotations, as it's a modern borrowed term. However, their use has become more prominent in urban life due to increasing noise pollution in cities like Moscow, reflecting a growing awareness of health and well-being in contemporary Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• наушники (naushniki) - Headphones
• защитные средства (zashchitnye sredstva) - Protective gear
• слуховые аппараты (slukhovye apparaty) - Hearing aids