Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'headrest'

English Word: headrest

Key Russian Translations:

• подголовник [pɐdɡəlɐvˈnʲik] - [Formal, Commonly used in technical or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in contexts like automotive, furniture, or daily life, but not in casual conversation as frequently as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should understand and use it in simple sentences, but mastering inflections may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

подголовник: [pɐdɡəlɐvˈnʲik]

Note on подголовник: The stress is on the third syllable ('nʲik'). Be mindful of the soft 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A cushion or support for the head, typically in vehicles or furniture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• подголовник - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing car parts or ergonomic furniture; common in written instructions or spoken descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• В автомобиле есть удобный подголовник, который предотвращает усталость во время длительных поездок.

  In the car, there is a comfortable headrest that prevents fatigue during long trips.

• Я регулирую подголовник стула, чтобы он лучше поддерживал мою шею.

  I adjust the headrest of the chair so that it better supports my neck.

• Подголовник в самолете часто регулируется для пассажиров разного роста.

  The headrest in an airplane is often adjustable for passengers of different heights.

• Без подголовника в кресле невозможно комфортно смотреть фильм.

  Without a headrest on the chair, it's impossible to comfortably watch a movie.

• Механик заменил поврежденный подголовник в моей машине на новый.

  The mechanic replaced the damaged headrest in my car with a new one.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Подголовник" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • головной подпор (head support; used interchangeably in furniture contexts, but less common)
  • спинка для головы (backrest for the head; more descriptive and informal)
• Antonyms:
  • нет прямого антонима (No direct antonym, as this is a specific object term)

Related Phrases:

• регулируемый подголовник - Adjustable headrest; commonly used in product descriptions for cars or chairs.
• подголовник с подогревом - Heated headrest; refers to advanced features in luxury vehicles.
• автомобильный подголовник - Car headrest; specifies the context in automotive settings.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "подголовник" directly corresponds to the English "headrest" in most practical contexts, such as automotive or furniture. It is primarily used in formal or technical language, so avoid it in casual conversations unless specifying an object. When choosing between synonyms like "спинка для головы," opt for "подголовник" in written or professional settings for precision. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreement (e.g., удобный подголовник for "comfortable headrest"). Learners should practice inflections to handle sentences involving possession or location.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing the gender and using feminine inflections, e.g., saying "подголовника" as if it were feminine. Correct: Use masculine forms like "подголовник" in nominative. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and "подголовник" is masculine, so errors here can lead to agreement issues in sentences.

• Error: Overusing in casual speech, e.g., saying "подголовник" when "подушка" (pillow) might suffice. Correct: Reserve it for specific contexts. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly formal or unnatural; English learners often translate directly without considering register.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, headrests like "подголовник" are often emphasized in discussions of comfort and safety, especially in automobiles due to strict traffic regulations. For instance, in urban areas like Moscow, where long commutes are common, ergonomic features in cars are highly valued, reflecting a broader cultural focus on practicality in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• сиденье (seat)
• спинка (backrest)
• эргономика (ergonomics)