Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'housecoat'

English Word: housecoat

Key Russian Translations:

• халат [xɐˈlat] - [Informal, Common; Refers to a loose robe worn at home]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations about clothing and home life, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "одежда".)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; Suitable for elementary learners, as it involves simple noun forms and common contexts, based on CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

халат: [xɐˈlat]

Note on халат: The initial 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'. Stress falls on the second syllable, which may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A loose robe worn at home for comfort

Translation(s) & Context:

• халат - Typically used in informal, domestic settings, such as relaxing at home or after a bath; avoids formal or outdoor contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю халат, когда возвращаюсь домой после работы.

  I put on my housecoat when I get home from work. (This example shows the word in a daily routine context, emphasizing relaxation.)

• Её любимый халат всегда лежит на стуле в спальне.

  Her favorite housecoat is always on the chair in the bedroom. (Illustrates possession and habitual placement in a home environment.)

• В холодные зимние вечера халат помогает согреться.

  On cold winter evenings, the housecoat helps to keep warm. (Demonstrates usage in seasonal or weather-related contexts.)

• Дети часто бегают по дому в халатах после ванны.

  Children often run around the house in housecoats after a bath. (Highlights plural or familial usage in everyday family life.)

• Я купил новый халат для жены в подарок.

  I bought a new housecoat for my wife as a gift. (Shows the word in a transactional or gifting context, with possessive implications.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Халат" is a masculine noun in Russian (despite its ending, it follows masculine patterns). It undergoes regular declension for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This follows standard second-declension patterns for masculine nouns. There are no irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пеньюар (more feminine, often lace-trimmed, used for elegant home wear)
  • домашняя одежда (a broader term for casual home attire, less specific)
• Antonyms:
  • уличная одежда (street clothes, implying outdoor or formal wear)
  • деловой костюм (business suit, contrasting with casual home wear)

Related Phrases:

• надеть халат - To put on the housecoat (Used for describing the action of changing into comfortable clothing after arriving home.)
• халат для ванны - Bathrobe (A specific type, often implying post-bath use in a hygienic context.)
• уютный халат - Cozy housecoat (Emphasizes comfort, commonly in descriptions of relaxation.)

Usage Notes:

"Халат" directly corresponds to "housecoat" in English, focusing on informal, indoor clothing. It is most appropriate in casual conversations about daily life and should be avoided in formal writing. When choosing between synonyms like "пеньюар", opt for "халат" if the context is practical rather than elegant. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires masculine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "мой халат" for "my housecoat"). In spoken Russian, it's versatile across regions but may vary in formality based on social settings.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "халат" with "пальто" (coat): English learners might mistakenly use "халат" for outdoor coats. Incorrect: "Я ношу халат на улицу" (I wear a housecoat outside). Correct: "Я ношу пальто на улицу" (I wear a coat outside). Explanation: "Халат" is strictly for indoor use, while "пальто" is for outerwear.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in cases, e.g., saying "в халат" instead of "в халате" for "in the housecoat". Correct form: "Я сижу в халате" (I am sitting in the housecoat). Explanation: Proper case usage is essential for grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "халат" symbolizes comfort and domestic life, often associated with family evenings or relaxation after work. It reflects the value placed on home coziness ("уют") in Slavic traditions, where such garments are common gifts during holidays like New Year's, emphasizing warmth and simplicity in everyday routines.

Related Concepts:

• пижама (pajamas)
• халатик (a diminutive form, implying a smaller or cuter version)
• домашний наряд (home outfit)