Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'elbow'

English Word: elbow

Key Russian Translations:

• локоть [lɐˈkotʲ] - [Common, used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations about anatomy but not as frequent as basic verbs or nouns in casual speech).

Difficulty: A2 (According to CEFR, suitable for elementary learners as it involves straightforward vocabulary for body parts).

Pronunciation (Russian):

локоть: [lɐˈkotʲ]

Note on локоть: The stress is on the second syllable ('ko'), and the final 'ʲ' indicates a palatalized 't' sound, which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Non-native speakers may struggle with the soft consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm.

Translation(s) & Context:

• локоть - Used in everyday discussions of human anatomy, medical contexts, or physical descriptions; informal to formal depending on the setting.

Usage Examples:

• Я ударился локтем о дверь.

  I hit my elbow on the door. (This example shows the word in a simple past tense context, describing a minor injury.)

• У него болит локоть после тренировки.

  His elbow hurts after the workout. (Demonstrates use in a present tense statement about pain or health.)

• Дети часто царапают локти во время игр.

  Children often scrape their elbows during play. (Illustrates plural usage and a general statement about children.)

• Локоть является важной частью сустава руки.

  The elbow is an important part of the arm joint. (Used in a more formal or educational context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Локоть' is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сустав руки (sustav ruki) - Literally 'arm joint'; used in more technical or descriptive contexts, but less common than 'локоть'.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as 'локоть' is a specific body part without a direct opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Согнуть локоть (sognut' lokot') - To bend the elbow; often used metaphorically to mean relaxing or having a drink.
• Локоть к локтю (lokot' k loktyu) - Elbow to elbow; implies being in close proximity, as in crowded situations.
• Вывихнуть локоть (vyvikhnut' lokot') - To dislocate the elbow; a phrase for medical or injury-related discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Локоть' directly corresponds to the English 'elbow' as a body part and is the most accurate translation in most contexts. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across various settings, from casual conversations to medical descriptions. Be mindful of Russian case endings when using it in sentences; for example, in prepositional phrases like 'о локте' (about the elbow). If multiple translations exist, 'локоть' is preferred for precision, but phrases like 'сустав руки' might be used for emphasis in formal writing.

• Grammar note: Always ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs based on its masculine gender.
• Context tip: In idiomatic expressions, it may carry cultural nuances, so learners should practice in real-life scenarios.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'локоть' with 'кисть' (wrist) due to similar arm-related meanings. For example:

• Incorrect: Я повредил кисть (meaning 'I injured my elbow' but using the wrong word).
• Correct: Я повредил локоть (I injured my elbow). Explanation: 'Кисть' specifically refers to the wrist, so using it for 'elbow' can lead to misunderstandings in communication.
• Another error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., saying 'Я взял локоть' instead of 'Я взял локоть' in accusative, which is correct here, but in genitive contexts, it should be 'локтя'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases involving 'локоть' like 'согнуть локоть' can metaphorically refer to socializing over drinks, reflecting a communal aspect of Russian social life. This isn't unique to Russian, but it emphasizes the importance of physical gestures in everyday interactions, such as in folk traditions or casual gatherings.

Related Concepts:

• плечо (plecho) - Shoulder
• запястье (zapjast'e) - Wrist
• сустав (sustav) - Joint (general term)