Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fingernail'

English Word: fingernail

Key Russian Translations:

• ноготь (/nɐˈɡotʲ/) - [Formal, Common, Singular; Refers specifically to the nail on a finger]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations about personal care or anatomy, but it's not among the most frequent basic vocabulary items.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Easy for English learners to grasp as it involves straightforward vocabulary related to body parts, with minimal grammatical complexity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ноготь: /nɐˈɡotʲ/

Note on ноготь: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ɡotʲ"). In fast speech, the final "ʲ" sound (palatalization) may be subtle, so practice with native speakers. Common variations occur in dialects, but standard Russian uses this form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The hard, protective covering at the end of a finger

Translation(s) & Context:

• ноготь - Used in general contexts like personal hygiene, health, or descriptions of the human body; common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я чищу свои ногти каждый вечер. (Ya chishchu svoi nogti kazhdy vecher.)

  I clean my fingernails every evening. (This example shows the word in a routine personal care context, using the plural form in a simple declarative sentence.)

• Её ноготь сломался во время работы. (Eyó nogotʹ slomalsya vo vremya raboty.)

  Her fingernail broke during work. (Illustrates the word in a narrative about accidents, highlighting singular usage in past tense.)

• В салоне красоты можно сделать маникюр для ногтей. (V salone krasoty mozhno sdelatʹ manikyur dlya nogtey.)

  At the beauty salon, you can get a manicure for your fingernails. (Demonstrates the word in a service-related context, using the genitive case in a recommendation sentence.)

• Дети часто грызут ногти от волнения. (Deti chasto gryzut nogti ot volneniya.)

  Children often bite their fingernails when nervous. (Shows the word in a behavioral or psychological context, with plural form and habitual aspect.)

• Этот крем укрепляет ногти и кожу. (Etot krem ukrepyaet nogti i kozhu.)

  This cream strengthens fingernails and skin. (Exemplifies usage in product descriptions, linking to health and beauty topics.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ноготь" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has some variations in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not change for adjectives in basic forms, making it straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • коготь (kogotʹ) - Often used interchangeably but can imply a claw-like quality; more common for animals or in poetic contexts.
  • пластинка (plastinka) - Refers to the nail as a thin plate, used in scientific or medical discussions with a subtle difference in connotation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific anatomical term without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Обрезать ногти (Obrezatʹ nogti) - To cut fingernails; Used in daily grooming routines.
• Красить ногти (Krasitʹ nogti) - To paint fingernails; Common in beauty and fashion contexts.
• Грызть ногти (Gryztʹ nogti) - To bite fingernails; Often refers to a nervous habit.

Usage Notes:

"Ноготь" directly corresponds to "fingernail" in English and is the most precise translation for human fingers. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used across various contexts, from casual conversations to medical descriptions. Be aware that in Russian, nouns like this must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence—e.g., always use masculine adjectives with it. If the context involves toenails, "ноготь" still works but may be specified as "ноготь на ноге" for clarity. Among multiple translations, choose "ноготь" for everyday use over more specialized terms like "коготь."

Common Errors:

• Confusing "ноготь" with "коготь": English learners might use "коготь" (which means "claw") when referring to fingernails, leading to incorrect implications (e.g., saying "Я сломал коготь" instead of "Я сломал ноготь"). Correct usage: "ноготь" for human nails. Explanation: "Коготь" is typically for animals, so this error can make the speaker sound imprecise or humorous.

• Improper declension: Beginners often forget case changes, e.g., saying "Я мою ноготь" (incorrect for plural) instead of "Я мою ногти." Correct: Always adjust for context, like "ногтями" in instrumental case. Explanation: Russian requires grammatical agreement, unlike English, so practice with sentences to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, fingernails are often associated with personal hygiene and beauty standards. For instance, manicures are popular, reflecting influences from Western trends, but there's also a traditional emphasis on practicality in rural or working-class contexts. Historically, long fingernails might be seen as a sign of idleness in some folklore, contrasting with the modern view in urban areas.

Related Concepts:

• рука (ruka) - Hand
• кожа (kozhá) - Skin
• волосы (volosy) - Hair