Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hem'

English Word: hem

Key Russian Translations:

• подол [pɐˈdol] - [Formal; Refers specifically to the lower edge of a skirt or dress]
• край [kraɪ] - [Informal; More general term for an edge or border, often used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in daily conversation but appears in contexts related to clothing or sewing.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and their inflections. For 'подол', it's straightforward; for 'край', it may vary slightly in usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

подол: [pɐˈdol]

Note on подол: The stress falls on the second syllable. Pronounce the 'o' as a short, open vowel, similar to the 'o' in "pot" in English.

край: [kraɪ]

Note on край: The 'ay' sound is a diphthong, akin to the English "eye," but ensure the 'r' is rolled for a more authentic Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The edge of a piece of cloth or clothing (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подол - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as fashion or tailoring, to refer specifically to the hem of skirts and dresses.
• край - Applied in informal or general settings, like describing the border of fabric in casual sewing or everyday objects.

Usage Examples:

• Она аккуратно подшила подол своего платья перед вечеринкой.

  She carefully hemmed the edge of her dress before the party.

• В старых русских сказках часто упоминается край одежды как символ защиты.

  In old Russian folktales, the hem of clothing is often mentioned as a symbol of protection.

• Швея укрепила край рубашки, чтобы он не осыпался.

  The seamstress reinforced the hem of the shirt so it wouldn't fray.

• Подол длинной юбки заделался в грязи во время прогулки.

  The hem of the long skirt got caught in the mud during the walk.

• Он заметил, что край ткани нуждается в подгонке.

  He noticed that the hem of the fabric needed adjusting.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Подол' is a masculine noun of the first declension, which follows regular patterns in Russian. It changes based on case and number. 'Край' is also masculine but can be more variable depending on context.

Note: 'Подол' is relatively straightforward and doesn't have irregular forms, making it easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: обшивка (edge lining; more technical), бортик (small border; for minor edges)
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as this is a physical feature, but conceptually, it could contrast with 'центр' (center) in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Подшить подол - To hem the edge; Used in sewing contexts to mean stitching the bottom of a garment.
• Край ткани - Edge of the fabric; A common phrase in crafting or tailoring for describing borders.
• Обрезать край - To trim the hem; Refers to cutting and adjusting fabric edges.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'подол' is the most precise translation for 'hem' when referring to clothing, especially skirts or dresses, and is preferred in formal or literary contexts. 'Край' is more versatile and can be used for any edge, but it might not convey the same specificity as 'hem' in English. Be mindful of gender agreement when using these nouns in sentences—'подол' is masculine and requires adjectives to agree accordingly. When choosing between translations, opt for 'подол' in fashion-related discussions and 'край' for general descriptions to ensure natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing 'подол' with 'пол' (which means 'floor'). English learners might misuse it in sentences like "Я упал на подол" (incorrectly meaning "I fell on the floor"), when it should be "Я упал на пол". Correct usage: "Я задел подол юбки" (I caught the hem of the skirt). This error stems from similar sounds but different meanings.

• Common Error: Forgetting inflections, such as using 'подол' in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я увидел подол" instead of "Я увидел подолом" in instrumental contexts. Always check the sentence structure for proper case agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the 'подол' of traditional garments like sarafans or folk dresses often holds symbolic value in folklore, representing modesty or protection. For instance, in fairy tales, touching or altering the hem might signify a magical or ritualistic act, reflecting historical beliefs in the protective power of clothing edges.

Related Concepts:

• шить (to sew)
• одежда (clothing)
• ткань (fabric)