Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hammock'

English Word: hammock

Key Russian Translations:

• гамак [ɡɐˈmak] - [Neutral; commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears regularly in contexts involving outdoor activities, leisure, and travel, but it's not among the most frequent everyday words in Russian.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; suitable for beginners as it involves basic vocabulary related to objects, with straightforward pronunciation and usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гамак: [ɡɐˈmak]

Note on гамак: The stress falls on the second syllable ("mak"). Be mindful of the soft "a" sound, which is common in Russian and can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The hanging bed or couch (a suspended bed made from fabric, rope, or netting, used for relaxation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гамак - Used in casual or outdoor settings, such as camping, beaches, or gardens; it directly corresponds to the English "hammock" and is neutral in formality.

Usage Examples:

• Я отдыхаю в гамаке после долгого дня на работе.

  I rest in a hammock after a long day at work.

• Мы повесили гамак между двумя деревьями в саду.

  We hung the hammock between two trees in the garden.

• В жаркие летние дни гамак — идеальное место для сна.

  On hot summer days, a hammock is the perfect place for a nap.

• Дети любят качаться в гамаке во время пикника.

  Children love swinging in a hammock during a picnic.

• Гамак на балконе помогает расслабиться после ужина.

  A hammock on the balcony helps relax after dinner.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гамак" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, which means it changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: качалка (kachal'ka) - A rocking chair or swing, often used interchangeably in informal contexts for relaxation, but less specific to a hanging bed.
• Antonyms: кровать (krovat') - A standard bed, implying a fixed, non-swinging sleeping surface.

Related Phrases:

• Повесить гамак (Povesit' gamak) - To hang a hammock; used when setting up for outdoor relaxation.
• Отдых в гамаке (Otdykh v gamake) - Resting in a hammock; a common phrase for leisure activities.
• Гамак на природе (Gamak na prirode) - Hammock in nature; refers to using it in outdoor or wilderness settings.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "гамак" directly corresponds to the English "hammock" and is used in similar contexts, such as outdoor recreation or home relaxation. It is neutral in terms of formality, making it suitable for both casual conversations and written descriptions. When choosing this translation, note that Russian speakers might emphasize the cultural aspect of using hammocks in rural or vacation settings, like at a dacha (country house). Grammatically, always ensure the noun agrees with its modifiers in case, number, and gender. For example, use the instrumental case for actions involving the hammock, as in "отдыхать в гамаке" (resting in a hammock).

Common Errors:

• English learners often mispronounce "гамак" by stressing the first syllable instead of the second, saying [ˈɡɐmak] instead of [ɡɐˈmak]. Correct usage: Focus on the vowel in "mak" for proper emphasis.

• Confusing it with "гамбургер" (hamburger), leading to incorrect word choice in sentences. Incorrect: "Я ем гамак" (I eat hammock). Correct: "Я ем гамбургер" for food, or "Я отдыхаю в гамаке" for the hammock.

• Forgetting case agreement, e.g., saying "отдых в гамак" (incorrect accusative without preposition) instead of "отдых в гамаке" (prepositional case). Explanation: Prepositions like "в" require the prepositional case in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, hammocks are often associated with summer vacations, dacha life, and relaxation in nature. They evoke a sense of leisurely escape from urban stress, reflecting traditions of outdoor recreation in rural areas. Historically, hammocks were influenced by indigenous designs and became popular in Russia through global trade, symbolizing simple, affordable comfort.

Related Concepts:

• кровать (krovat') - Bed
• качалка (kachal'ka) - Rocking chair or swing
• палатка (palatka) - Tent (often used in camping contexts alongside hammocks)