Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hairdo'

English Word: hairdo

Key Russian Translations:

• прическа [/prʲɪˈt͡ɕeska/] - [Informal; commonly used in everyday contexts]
• укладка [/ʊˈkladka/] - [Informal; often used for styled or arranged hair, especially in beauty contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in daily conversations about personal appearance, but not as frequently as basic vocabulary like colors or family terms.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary) for "прическа" and B1 (Intermediate) for "укладка", based on CEFR standards, as they involve basic noun forms but may require understanding of beauty-related contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прическа: /prʲɪˈt͡ɕeska/ (The "ч" sound is a soft palatal fricative, similar to the "ch" in "church", but softer.)

Note on прическа: Be cautious with the stress on the third syllable; misplacing it can alter the perceived fluency. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

укладка: /ʊˈkladka/ (The initial "у" is pronounced like the "oo" in "book".)

Note on укладка: This word has a clear stress on the second syllable; it's straightforward but can be confused with similar-sounding verbs.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A style in which hair is arranged, often for aesthetic purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• прическа - Used in casual or informal settings when discussing personal grooming and fashion.
• укладка - Applied in contexts involving professional hair styling, such as salons or beauty routines.

Usage Examples:

• У неё очень модная прическа с локонами.

  She has a very fashionable hairdo with curls. (This example shows the word in a descriptive, everyday context.)

• Я сделала новую укладку перед вечеринкой.

  I got a new hairdo before the party. (Illustrates use in a personal action or preparation scenario.)

• Эта прическа требует ежедневного ухода.

  This hairdo requires daily maintenance. (Demonstrates the word in a practical, maintenance-related context.)

• Стилист предложил укладку с использованием геля.

  The stylist suggested a hairdo using gel. (Shows professional or product-related usage.)

• Дети любят экспериментировать с разными прическами.

  Kids love experimenting with different hairdos. (Highlights plural and playful contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Прическа" is a feminine noun in the first declension, which follows regular patterns in Russian grammar. It changes based on case and number. "Укладка" is also feminine and follows similar rules.

Both words are invariant in terms of gender and follow standard feminine noun inflections. No irregular forms are present.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стрижка (/ˈstrʲiʐka/) - More focused on cutting hair; used interchangeably in some contexts but implies a shorter style.
  • фризура (/frʲɪˈzura/) - A less common synonym, borrowed from French, often for elaborate styles.
• Antonyms:
  • непричёсанные волосы (/nʲɪprʲɪˈt͡ɕosannɨje ˈvolosɨ/) - Not directly an antonym, but means "unkempt hair" as a conceptual opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Делать прическу - To style or do a hairdo; used when referring to the act of arranging hair.
• Изменить укладку - To change a hairdo; common in discussions about altering appearance.
• Прическа на праздник - A festive hairdo; implies a special occasion style, often with cultural connotations.

Usage Notes:

"Прическа" is the most direct and versatile translation for "hairdo" in everyday English-Russian contexts, while "укладка" is better for scenarios involving professional styling. Choose based on formality: "прическа" suits informal chats, whereas "укладка" fits beauty or fashion discussions. Grammatically, both are feminine nouns, so they must agree with adjectives and verbs accordingly (e.g., "красивая прическа" for "beautiful hairdo"). Be mindful of regional variations; in some dialects, these words might overlap with related terms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "прическа" with "стрижка" and using it to mean a haircut specifically. Correct: "Прическа" refers to the overall style, not just cutting. Example of error: "Я сделала стрижку" when meaning "I got a hairdo" (implies cutting only). Correct usage: "Я сделала прическу" with curls or styling.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "красивый прическа" instead of "красивая прическа". Explanation: In Russian, adjectives must match the noun's gender, so always use feminine forms with these words.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "прическа" or "укладка" often ties into traditions like preparing for holidays or events, such as New Year's Eve or weddings, where elaborate hairdos symbolize beauty and festivity. Historically, during the Soviet era, simple and practical styles were emphasized, contrasting with modern influences from Western fashion.

Related Concepts:

• макияж (makeup)
• одежда (clothing)
• уход за волосами (hair care)