Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hobby'

English Word: hobby

Key Russian Translations:

• хобби /xɐˈbʲi/ - [Informal, Borrowed from English, Used in everyday contexts for leisure activities]

Frequency: Medium (Common in modern Russian conversations, especially among younger speakers and in urban settings, but not as frequent as core vocabulary like "работа").

Difficulty: A2 (Basic user level per CEFR; straightforward as a loanword with minimal inflection, suitable for beginners learning everyday terms).

Pronunciation (Russian):

хобби: /xɐˈbʲi/ (The "x" sound is a guttural "kh" as in Scottish "loch"; stress on the second syllable. The palatalized "bʲ" may be challenging for non-Slavic speakers.)

Note on хобби: Be cautious with the initial "х" sound, which is voiceless and aspirated; variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

An activity done regularly for pleasure in one's free time

Translation(s) & Context:

• хобби - Typically used in informal settings to describe personal interests or pastimes, such as collecting or crafting; common in casual conversations or social media.

Usage Examples:

• Мое хобби — это собирание старых монет, которое помогает мне расслабиться после работы.

  My hobby is collecting old coins, which helps me relax after work.

• У неё несколько хобби, включая йогу и чтение фантастики.

  She has several hobbies, including yoga and reading science fiction.

• В выходные я посвящаю время своему хобби — фотографии природы.

  On weekends, I dedicate time to my hobby—photography of nature.

• Хобби может стать настоящей страстью, если развивать его регулярно.

  A hobby can become a real passion if you develop it regularly.

• Многие люди находят хобби в путешествиях, чтобы познать новые культуры.

  Many people find hobbies in traveling to explore new cultures.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"хобби" is a neuter noun (often treated as indeclinable due to its borrowed status). It does not change in most cases, which simplifies its use for learners. However, in plural forms or when emphasizing, it may follow basic patterns.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, it remains unchanged across cases, which is common for modern loanwords in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • увлечение (uvlechenie) - More general term for an interest or fascination; often used interchangeably but can imply deeper emotional involvement.
  • занятие (zanyatie) - Refers to an activity or pursuit, with a slight connotation of something more structured or educational.
• Antonyms:
  • обязанность (obyazannost') - Duty or obligation, contrasting with the voluntary nature of a hobby.
  • работа (rabota) - Work, highlighting the difference between leisure and professional activities.

Related Phrases:

• Любительское хобби - (Amateur hobby) - Refers to a non-professional pursuit, often used in contexts like arts or sports.
• Хобби на свежем воздухе - (Outdoor hobby) - Describes activities like hiking, emphasizing health benefits.
• Развивающее хобби - (Developmental hobby) - Implies hobbies that build skills, such as learning a language.

Usage Notes:

"Хобби" directly corresponds to the English "hobby" as a borrowed word, making it easy for English speakers to adopt. It is primarily used in informal contexts, such as personal conversations or online forums, and is neutral in terms of register. When choosing between synonyms like "увлечение," opt for "хобби" if the activity is light-hearted and recreational. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun and doesn't require gender agreement, but always ensure it fits the sentence's flow in Russian word order.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "хобби" as a fully inflected noun and changing it in cases (e.g., saying "хоббия" in genitive). Correct: Use "хобби" unchanged. Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, altering it can sound unnatural; stick to the base form to maintain authenticity.

• Error: Confusing it with "хобот" (which means "trunk" as in an elephant's trunk). Correct: Use "хобби" for leisure activities. Explanation: These are homophones in some accents, so context is key to avoid mix-ups in spoken Russian.

• Error: Overusing it in formal writing. Correct: In formal contexts, prefer "увлечение" or describe the activity explicitly. Explanation: "Хобби" is casual and may undermine a professional tone.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, hobbies like "дача" (dacha gardening) or "рыбалка" (fishing) often reflect traditional pastimes tied to nature and family bonding. "Хобби" as a term highlights the influence of Western culture, especially post-Soviet era, where individualistic pursuits gained popularity, contrasting with collective activities from the Soviet period.

Related Concepts:

• увлечение
• спорт
• творчество
• развлечения