Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'golf'

English Word: golf

Key Russian Translations:

• гольф [ɡɐlf] - [Neutral; Used in everyday and sports contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in discussions about sports, media, or leisure activities, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - As a borrowed word, it requires familiarity with modern loanwords and basic pronunciation rules, suitable for intermediate learners per CEFR standards.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гольф: [ɡɐlf]

Note on гольф: The pronunciation features a soft 'г' sound, similar to the English 'g' in "go," followed by a short 'o' vowel. Stress is on the first syllable. Be cautious with the final 'ф' (f), which is pronounced clearly without aspiration.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The sport of golf

Translation(s) & Context:

• гольф - Used in contexts related to the sport, such as playing, watching, or discussing golf events. It is a direct loanword and fits neutral or formal settings, like sports articles or conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Я играю в гольф по выходным, чтобы расслабиться после работы.

  I play golf on weekends to relax after work.

• В России популярны гольф-клубы, где проводятся международные турниры.

  In Russia, golf clubs are popular where international tournaments are held.

• Гольф требует точности и терпения, как и многие другие виды спорта.

  Golf requires precision and patience, just like many other sports.

• Мой друг учит меня гольфу, но я всё ещё новичок в этой игре.

  My friend is teaching me golf, but I'm still a beginner in this game.

• Во время отпуска мы посетили поле для гольфа в Сочи.

  During our vacation, we visited a golf course in Sochi.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гольф" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows the standard patterns for modern loanwords in Russian. It is typically indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different grammatical cases. However, it can occasionally inflect in informal or evolving usage.

Note: As an indeclinable word in strict usage, many Russians may not alter it, especially in casual speech. For verbs related to golf, such as "играть в гольф" (to play golf), no additional inflections are needed for the noun itself.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гольф-сport (a compound term emphasizing the sport aspect, used in more formal or technical contexts)
  • The difference: "гольф" is general, while "гольф-сport" might specify it as an organized activity.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "гольф" is a specific sport name. However, contrasting sports could include футбол (football) for team-based activities.

Related Phrases:

• Игра в гольф - "Playing golf; a common phrase for participating in the sport."
• Гольф-клуб - "Golf club; refers to a venue or organization for golf enthusiasts."
• Турнир по гольфу - "Golf tournament; used for competitive events."

Usage Notes:

"Гольф" directly corresponds to the English "golf" as a sport and is widely understood in Russian due to globalization. It is neutral in register and can be used in both formal (e.g., news reports) and informal contexts (e.g., casual conversations). Be aware that Russian sentence structure might place the verb before the object, as in "Я играю в гольф." When choosing between translations, stick with "гольф" for accuracy, as it's the standard term. Grammatically, it's a masculine noun, so adjectives and pronouns must agree accordingly, e.g., "этот гольф" (this golf).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Pronouncing it as [ɡoʊlf] with an English-style long 'o' sound. Correct: Use [ɡɐlf] to match Russian phonetics. Explanation: Russian vowels are shorter, so learners should practice the reduced 'o' sound.
• Mistake: Forgetting to use prepositions correctly, e.g., saying "играю гольф" instead of "играю в гольф." Correct: Always include "в" for "in" when referring to playing the sport. Explanation: This is a common prepositional requirement in Russian for activities.
• Mistake: Over-inflecting the word, e.g., using incorrect cases like "гольфом" in nominative contexts. Correct: Keep it simple as an indeclinable noun where possible. Explanation: As a loanword, it doesn't always follow full Russian declension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, golf is not as traditionally popular as sports like hockey or soccer, often associated with elite or Western-influenced leisure. However, it has grown in urban areas like Moscow and Sochi, symbolizing modernity and affluence. Events like the Russian Open Golf Championship highlight its cultural integration, blending international influences with local adaptations.

Related Concepts:

• футбол (football)
• теннис (tennis)
• спорт (sport)