Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'epaulet'

English Word: epaulet

Key Russian Translations:

• эполет /ɛpɐˈlʲɛt/ - [Formal, typically used in military or historical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in discussions of military history, uniforms, or formal attire, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves specific vocabulary related to military terminology; learners should have a basic grasp of noun declensions and formal language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эполет: /ɛpɐˈlʲɛt/

Note on эполет: The stress falls on the second syllable (/lʲɛt/), which is a common feature in Russian words ending in -ет. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The shoulder ornament on a uniform, often indicating rank in military contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эполет - Used in formal military, historical, or ceremonial contexts to refer to decorative shoulder pieces on uniforms.

Usage Examples:

• Офицер носит эполет на плече, что указывает на его звание.

  The officer wears an epaulet on his shoulder, which indicates his rank.

• В исторических фильмах часто показывают солдат с золотыми эполетами.

  In historical films, soldiers are often shown with golden epaulets.

• Эполеты на парадной форме генерала блестели под солнцем.

  The epaulets on the general's parade uniform glistened in the sun.

• Музей выставляет коллекцию эполетов из разных эпох русской армии.

  The museum displays a collection of epaulets from various eras of the Russian army.

• Во время церемонии награждения, эполеты были украшены драгоценными камнями.

  During the award ceremony, the epaulets were adorned with precious stones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Эполет" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • погон - Often used interchangeably for shoulder straps on modern uniforms, but can imply a simpler design.
  • нагрудный знак - More general term for chest or shoulder insignia, with a slight emphasis on awards.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific physical object without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• золотой эполет - A golden epaulet; often refers to high-ranking officers in historical contexts.
• эполет с гербом - Epaulet with a coat of arms; used in ceremonial uniforms to denote affiliation.
• парадный эполет - Parade epaulet; indicates decorative elements for formal events.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "epaulet" in military and historical contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal or written Russian rather than everyday speech. When using "эполет," ensure it agrees with the sentence's case and number; for example, in genitive constructions like "цвет эполета" (the color of the epaulet). If the context involves modern uniforms, "погон" might be a more contemporary alternative. English learners should note that Russian military terminology often carries historical connotations, so usage is context-dependent.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: Learners might incorrectly use the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "о эполет" instead of "об эполете" in prepositional phrases. Correct usage: Use the proper prepositional form "эполете" for phrases like "говорить об эполете" (to talk about the epaulet).

• Mixing with synonyms: Non-native speakers may overuse "погон" when "эполет" is more appropriate for ornate, historical designs. Error example: "Солдат имеет погон на плече" (when it should be "эполет" for a decorative one). Correct: Specify based on context to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, epaulets hold significant historical value, often associated with the imperial Russian army and the Soviet era. They symbolized rank and status, appearing in literature like Tolstoy's works and in museums dedicated to military history. Today, they evoke nostalgia for Russia's imperial past, and wearing them in parades reinforces national pride and tradition.

Related Concepts:

• мундир (uniform)
• звание (rank)
• нагрудный знак (breastplate or insignia)