Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'haircut'

English Word: haircut

Key Russian Translations:

• Стрижка (/ˈstrʲiʐkə/) - [Informal, Common noun]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday conversations related to personal grooming but is not among the most frequent in general Russian vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners need to understand noun declensions and basic vocabulary for personal care, making it moderately challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Стрижка: /ˈstrʲiʐkə/

Note on Стрижка: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'r' sound (/ʲ/) and a soft 'zh' (/ʐ/), which can be tricky for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The act of cutting hair or the style resulting from it.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Стрижка - Used in informal contexts for describing a haircut at a salon or barbershop, often implying a simple trim or style change.

Usage Examples:

• Я сделала новую стрижку вчера в салоне. (Ya sdelala novuyu strizhku vchera v salone.)

  I got a new haircut yesterday at the salon.

• Его стрижка выглядит очень модно. (Yego strizhka vyglyadit ochen' modno.)

  His haircut looks very fashionable.

• Стрижка коротких волос требует специальных инструментов. (S trizhka korotkikh volos trebujet spetsial'nykh instrumentov.)

  Cutting short hair requires special tools.

• После стрижки она почувствовала себя увереннее. (Posle strizhki ona pochuvstvovala sebya uverennee.)

  After the haircut, she felt more confident.

• Мой парикмахер всегда предлагает разные варианты стрижки. (Moy parikmakher vsegda predlagayet raznye varianty strizhki.)

  My hairdresser always suggests different haircut options.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Стрижка is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ка, which inflect based on case and number. There are no irregularities.

Note: This noun does not change in adjectives or verbs directly but must agree in case with accompanying words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Прическа (/prʲiˈtʂeska/) - More general, referring to hairstyle; often used interchangeably but implies styling rather than just cutting.
  • Косметическая стрижка - Specific to cosmetic or beauty contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Рост волос (/rost volos/) - Hair growth, as it contrasts with cutting.

Related Phrases:

• Сделать стрижку - To get a haircut; commonly used when booking an appointment.
• Короткая стрижка - Short haircut; refers to a style with short hair length.
• Стильная стрижка - Stylish haircut; used in fashion contexts to describe trendy cuts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "стрижка" directly corresponds to the English "haircut" but is more commonly used for the result (e.g., the style) rather than the action itself. For the action, phrases like "сделать стрижку" are preferred. It is neutral in formality but leans informal in everyday speech. Be mindful of gender agreement: as a feminine noun, it requires feminine adjectives (e.g., "красивая стрижка" for "beautiful haircut"). When multiple translations exist, choose "стрижка" for general contexts and "прическа" for style-focused discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "стрижка" without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я люблю стрижка" instead of "Я люблю стрижку" (accusative case after "люблю").

  Correct: Я люблю стрижку. (Explanation: Verbs like "любить" require the accusative case for direct objects.)

• Error: Confusing with "прическа," leading to misuse in contexts where cutting is emphasized, e.g., saying "Я сделала прическу" when meaning a fresh cut.

  Correct: Use "стрижка" for cutting actions. (Explanation: "Прическа" implies styling or arrangement, not necessarily cutting.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, getting a "стрижка" is often tied to personal identity and social norms. For instance, in professional settings, men might opt for short, neat haircuts to convey formality, while women may experiment with various styles influenced by fashion trends. Historically, during the Soviet era, practical haircuts were common due to resource limitations, reflecting a cultural emphasis on functionality over extravagance.

Related Concepts:

• Парикмахер (hairdresser)
• Салон красоты (beauty salon)
• Прическа (hairstyle)