Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'headphones'

English Word: headphones

Key Russian Translations:

• наушники [IPA: nɐˈuʂnʲikʲi] - [Plural, Common noun, Used in everyday contexts for audio devices]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in modern Russian, especially in discussions about technology and daily life.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a straightforward noun with basic vocabulary relevance in CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

наушники: nɐˈuʂnʲikʲi

Note on наушники: The stress is on the third syllable (uʂ). The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like 'sh' in 'shoe' but softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A device consisting of a pair of earpieces joined by a band, used for listening to audio privately.

Translation(s) & Context:

• наушники - Typically used in casual, everyday situations involving personal audio consumption, such as listening to music or taking calls.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю наушники, чтобы слушать музыку в метро.

  I put on headphones to listen to music on the subway.

• Эти наушники идеальны для работы в шумной обстановке.

  These headphones are perfect for working in a noisy environment.

• Дети часто используют наушники для просмотра мультфильмов.

  Children often use headphones to watch cartoons.

• Купите беспроводные наушники для большего комфорта.

  Buy wireless headphones for more comfort.

• Наушники помогают сосредоточиться во время онлайн-уроков.

  Headphones help focus during online classes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Наушники" is a plural noun in Russian, derived from the word for "ear" (ухо). It typically remains in plural form and follows standard second-declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -и. There is no singular form in common usage, as it refers to a pair or set.

Note: This noun does not change in number beyond its inherent plural form, making it straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гарнитура (headset) - Often used for headphones with a microphone, implying a more integrated device for calls.
  • беспроводные уши (wireless ears, informal) - A casual synonym emphasizing wireless technology.
• Antonyms:
  • динамики (speakers) - Refers to devices that produce sound outwardly, contrasting with private listening.

Related Phrases:

• Беспроводные наушники - Wireless headphones; commonly used in tech contexts for modern devices without cables.
• Шумоподавляющие наушники - Noise-cancelling headphones; refers to headphones that block external sounds for focused listening.
• Наушники с микрофоном - Headphones with a microphone; often used in professional or gaming scenarios.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "наушники" directly corresponds to the English "headphones" and is the most accurate translation for everyday use. It is a neutral, informal term suitable for all contexts, from casual conversations to technical descriptions. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it is a plural neuter noun. When choosing between synonyms like "гарнитура," opt for it if the context involves communication devices. This word is versatile and appears in various grammatical structures, such as prepositional phrases (e.g., в наушниках - in headphones).

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "наушники" as a singular noun and using it without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "наушник" incorrectly as if it were singular.

  Correct Usage: Use the full plural form and apply cases properly, e.g., "Я купил наушники" (I bought headphones) instead of "Я купил наушник."

  Explanation: Russian nouns like this don't have a common singular equivalent, so learners often err by borrowing from English singular forms, leading to grammatical inconsistencies.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by softening the 'ш' sound or placing stress incorrectly.

  Correct Usage: Pronounce as [nɐˈuʂnʲikʲi] with stress on the third syllable.

  Explanation: English speakers might confuse it with similar words, affecting comprehension in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "наушники" are increasingly popular due to the rise of personal audio devices, especially in urban settings like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where public transport is common. They symbolize privacy and escapism in a bustling society, often featured in media as tools for individual entertainment amid collective environments.

Related Concepts:

• динамики (speakers)
• гарнитура (headset)
• микрофон (microphone)