Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'homey'

English Word: homey

Key Russian Translations:

• уютный [uˈjʊtnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Used in everyday descriptions of comfort]

Frequency: Medium (Common in casual conversations about home and comfort, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "good").

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, as it involves basic adjective forms; learners should understand simple inflections early on).

Pronunciation (Russian):

уютный: [uˈjʊtnɨj]

Note on уютный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("jʊt"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'y' sound; it softens to a palatalized 't'. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Comfortable, cozy, or evoking a sense of home (Adjective describing a warm, inviting atmosphere).

Translation(s) & Context:

• уютный - Used in informal settings to describe physical spaces or emotional warmth, such as a living room or a family gathering.

Usage Examples:

• Эта комната очень уютная, с мягкими подушками и теплым освещением.

  This room is very homey, with soft pillows and warm lighting.

• В загородном доме всегда так уютно, особенно зимой.

  In the country house, it's always so homey, especially in winter.

• Её улыбка делает любое место уютным.

  Her smile makes any place homey.

• Уютный уголок в кафе стал нашим любимым местом для встреч.

  The homey corner in the cafe became our favorite spot for meetings.

• После ремонта квартира стала гораздо уютнее, чем раньше.

  After the renovation, the apartment became much homeyer than before.

Meaning 2: Informal or folksy in style (Less common, referring to something simple or unpretentious, e.g., in fashion or decor).

Translation(s) & Context:

• уютный - Applied in contexts like interior design or personal style, emphasizing a rustic or approachable feel.

Usage Examples:

• Его стиль одежды всегда уютный и непринужденный.

  His clothing style is always homey and relaxed.

• Уютные декорации в фильме передают атмосферу маленького городка.

  The homey decorations in the film convey the atmosphere of a small town.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Уютный" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular, so it follows standard rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • комфортный (komfortnyy) - More neutral, often used for physical comfort; differs from уютный by emphasizing practicality over emotional warmth.
  • теплый (teplyy) - Focuses on warmth; suitable in emotional contexts like relationships.
• Antonyms:
  • неуютный (neyutnyy) - Directly opposite, implying discomfort or unwelcomeness.
  • холодный (kholodnyy) - Used for emotional or physical coldness, contrasting with the warmth of уютный.

Related Phrases:

• уютная атмосфера (uyutnaya atmosfera) - A cozy atmosphere; often used to describe inviting environments like homes or cafes.
• уютный дом (uyutnyy dom) - A homey house; refers to a comfortable living space with a familial feel.
• создать уют (sozdat' uyut) - To create a homey feel; commonly used in interior design or event planning contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Уютный" directly corresponds to the English "homey" in its emphasis on emotional comfort and familiarity, but it's more versatile in Russian for describing both physical and abstract settings. Use it in informal contexts; in formal writing, opt for "комфортный" if precision is needed. Be mindful of gender and case agreements in sentences, as Russian adjectives must match the noun they modify. When choosing between translations, select "уютный" for a warmer, more personal connotation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to inflect the adjective, e.g., saying "Эта комната уютный" instead of "Эта комната уютная" (feminine noun).

  Correct: "Эта комната уютная" – Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun; always check the noun's form first.

• Error: Overusing in formal contexts, e.g., translating a business description as "уютный офис" when "комфортный офис" is more appropriate.

  Correct: Use "комфортный" for professional settings – Explanation: "Уютный" implies a casual, emotional warmth that may not fit formal environments.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "уютный" often evokes the ideal of "domashniy uyut" (home comfort), which is deeply tied to traditions like gathering around the samovar or decorating for holidays. This reflects a cultural emphasis on family and warmth in contrast to urban life's hustle, helping foreigners understand the value placed on personal spaces in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• домашний (domashniy)
• тепло (teplo)
• комфорт (komfort)