Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'itch'

English Word: itch

Key Russian Translations:

• зуд [zud] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday and medical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in health-related discussions but not in casual everyday conversation as frequently as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward for new learners of Russian due to its simple phonetic structure and common usage in basic sentences.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зуд: [zud]

Note on зуд: The pronunciation is straightforward with a soft 'z' sound as in "zoo," but ensure the final 'd' is not devoiced. In some regional dialects, it may vary slightly in emphasis.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Itch as a noun: A sensation on the skin causing a desire to scratch.

Translation(s) & Context:

• зуд - Used in informal and medical contexts to describe skin irritation, such as from allergies or insect bites.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сильный зуд на руке после укуса комара.

  I have a strong itch on my arm after a mosquito bite.

• Этот крем помогает от зуда, вызванного аллергией.

  This cream helps with the itch caused by an allergy.

• Зуд не проходит, нужно обратиться к врачу.

  The itch won't go away; I need to see a doctor.

• Летом зуд от жары и пота становится невыносимым.

  In summer, the itch from heat and sweat becomes unbearable.

• Дети часто жалуются на зуд после игры на улице.

  Children often complain about itch after playing outside.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"зуд" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in common usage as it typically refers to a singular sensation. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not change for number as it is typically uncountable in context, but always verify sentence structure for proper case agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • свёрбение [svyorbienie] - Similar to зуд but often implies a more persistent or annoying sensation; used interchangeably in medical contexts.
  • чесотка [chesotka] - Specifically for itch related to scabies, with a connotation of infection.
• Antonyms:
  • спокойствие [spokoystvo] - Meaning calmness or relief, contrasting the discomfort of an itch.

Related Phrases:

• аллергический зуд - Allergic itch; commonly used in discussions about reactions to food or environment.
• зуд от укуса - Itch from a bite; refers to insect-related irritation and is part of everyday health vocabulary.
• нервный зуд - Nervous itch; implies a psychological or stress-induced sensation, often in informal conversations.

Usage Notes:

"зуд" directly corresponds to the English "itch" in most contexts, but it's important to note its informal tone—use it in casual or medical settings rather than formal writing. For example, in Russian, adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case, so pair it correctly (e.g., "сильный зуд" for "strong itch"). If multiple translations exist, choose "зуд" for general purposes and "свёрбение" for more emphatic descriptions. Be mindful of context: in healthcare, it's neutral, but in slang, it might imply annoyance.

• Always use the appropriate case for grammatical accuracy, such as genitive in phrases like "от зуда" (from the itch).
• In spoken Russian, it's common in self-diagnosis, but for formal situations, opt for more precise medical terms.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "зуд" with "чесотка," thinking they are identical. For instance, a common mistake is saying "У меня чесотка" when meaning a simple itch, which actually implies a specific disease. Correct usage: Use "зуд" for general itching and "чесотка" only for scabies. Another error is incorrect case usage, like saying "Я чувствую зуд" (correct) versus "Я чувствую зуда" (incorrect genitive). Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, so always check the preposition or verb governing the noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about "зуд" (itch) are often linked to outdoor activities or seasonal allergies, reflecting the country's vast natural environments. For example, in rural areas, it's commonly associated with insect bites during summer, symbolizing the challenges of living in diverse climates, but it doesn't carry deeper idiomatic meanings beyond its literal sense.

Related Concepts:

• сыпь [sip'] - Rash
• аллергия [allergiya] - Allergy
• укус [ukus] - Bite