Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hockey'

English Word: hockey

Key Russian Translations:

• хоккей [xɐˈkɛj] - [Formal, Sports-related]

Frequency: Medium (Common in sports discussions, media, and casual conversations among enthusiasts, but not everyday vocabulary for non-sports contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; As a borrowed word, it's straightforward for English speakers to learn and pronounce, with minimal grammatical complexity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хоккей: xɐˈkɛj

Note on хоккей: The stress is on the second syllable (ˈkɛj). The initial 'x' sound is a guttural fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch." Be cautious with vowel reductions in fast speech, where unstressed vowels may soften.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A team sport played on ice with a puck and sticks, often referring to ice hockey specifically.

Translation(s) & Context:

• хоккей - Used in formal and informal contexts related to sports, media, or daily conversations about recreation. It directly corresponds to "hockey" in English, especially ice hockey, which is popular in Russia.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю смотреть хоккей по телевизору по вечерам.

  I love watching hockey on TV in the evenings. (This example shows the word in a casual, leisure context, highlighting personal interest.)

• В России хоккей — это национальный вид спорта, и команды часто соревнуются на международном уровне.

  In Russia, hockey is a national sport, and teams often compete at an international level. (Demonstrates usage in a cultural or descriptive context, emphasizing its significance.)

• Мой сын учится играть в хоккей в местном клубе.

  My son is learning to play hockey at the local club. (Illustrates the word in an educational or familial setting, showing verb integration.)

• Хоккей требует силы, скорости и командной работы.

  Hockey requires strength, speed, and teamwork. (Used in a general descriptive sentence, focusing on attributes of the sport.)

• Во время зимних Олимпийских игр хоккей всегда приковывает внимание миллионов зрителей.

  During the Winter Olympics, hockey always captivates millions of viewers. (Shows the word in a global event context, with emphasis on popularity.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"хоккей" is a masculine noun (masc. singular) borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is a third-declension noun with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "хоккей" often refers to the sport in general. It does not change in adjectives or verbs directly but can be modified by other words (e.g., "профессиональный хоккей" for professional hockey).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ледовый хоккей (ice hockey) - More specific, emphasizing the ice aspect; used in formal contexts like sports broadcasting.
  • хоккей на льду (hockey on ice) - Slightly more descriptive, often in explanatory texts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "хоккей" is a specific sport. However, contrasting sports might include "футбол" (football/soccer), which is a summer or non-ice sport.

Related Phrases:

• Игра в хоккей - Playing hockey; used in contexts discussing participation or training.
• Хоккейная команда - Hockey team; refers to a group of players, common in sports news.
• Матч по хоккею - Hockey match; for events or competitions, with a formal tone.
• Зимний хоккей - Winter hockey; highlights seasonal aspects, often in cultural discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "хоккей" directly translates to the English "hockey" and is most commonly associated with ice hockey due to its popularity in cold climates like Russia. It is a neutral, everyday term but is more formal in written contexts like articles or announcements. When choosing between translations, stick with "хоккей" for general use; avoid variations unless specifying subtypes. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "интересный хоккей" for "interesting hockey"). Be mindful of cultural emphasis: in Russia, it's often linked to national pride, so use it in contexts that reflect enthusiasm or competition.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "хоккей на траве" (field hockey): English learners might assume "hockey" always means ice hockey, but in Russian, specify if it's not ice-based. Error: Saying "хоккей" when meaning field hockey. Correct: Use "хоккей на траве." Explanation: This distinction prevents misunderstandings in international contexts.
• Mispronouncing the stress: Learners often stress the first syllable. Error: Pronouncing as "ˈxɐkɛj." Correct: "xɐˈkɛj." Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or confused with similar terms.
• Overusing in non-sports contexts: Error: Using "хоккей" metaphorically without basis, e.g., "Это хоккей в бизнесе" (This is hockey in business). Correct: Avoid unless in idiomatic expressions; instead, use precise metaphors. Explanation: Russian prefers literal usage for sports terms to maintain clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "хоккей" (hockey) holds significant cultural importance, often symbolizing national identity and resilience. The country has a storied history in the sport, with teams like CSKA Moscow dominating international competitions during the Soviet era. It's more than a game—it's tied to winter traditions and communal pride, as seen in events like the annual KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) finals, which draw massive audiences and foster a sense of unity.

Related Concepts:

• футбол (football/soccer)
• баскетбол (basketball)
• спорт (sports)
• олимпиада (Olympics)