Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jacket'

English Word: jacket

Key Russian Translations:

• куртка /ˈkʊrtkə/ - [Informal, Common for casual outerwear]
• пиджак /ˈpʲidʐək/ - [Formal, Typically for suits or blazers]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly used in everyday conversations about clothing, especially in contexts like weather or fashion.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate; Basic vocabulary for clothing items, but requires understanding of Russian noun declensions for accurate usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

куртка: /ˈkʊrtkə/ (The stress is on the first syllable; note the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

пиджак: /ˈpʲidʐək/ (The 'пь' is a palatalized 'p' sound; practice the soft 'j' like in 'measure'.)

Note on куртка: In some dialects, the vowel in the second syllable may vary slightly, but standard pronunciation is consistent.

Note on пиджак: This word is influenced by French loanwords, so the 'ж' sound is softer than in English 'zh'.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, often for warmth or as part of a suit.

Translation(s) & Context:

• куртка - Used in informal, everyday contexts like casual wear or outdoor activities.
• пиджак - Applied in formal settings, such as business attire or professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю куртку, когда иду на прогулку в парк. (Ya nadevaiu kurtku, kogda idu na progulku v park.)

  I put on a jacket when I go for a walk in the park. (This example shows the word in a casual, daily routine context.)

• Его новый пиджак идеально подходит к костюму. (Yego novyi pidzhak idealno podkhodit k kostyumy.)

  His new jacket fits perfectly with the suit. (Illustrates formal usage in fashion or professional settings.)

• В холодную погоду всегда берите с собой куртку. (V kholodnuyu pogodu vsegda berite s soboi kurtku.)

  In cold weather, always take a jacket with you. (Demonstrates practical advice in weather-related conversations.)

• Она купила кожаный пиджак для вечеринки. (Ona kupila kozhanyi pidzhak dlya vecherinki.)

  She bought a leather jacket for the party. (Shows variation in material and social contexts.)

• Моя куртка застегивается на молнию, а не на пуговицы. (Moya kurtka zastyezhivaetsya na molniyu, a ne na pugovitsy.)

  My jacket fastens with a zipper, not buttons. (Highlights descriptive usage in comparisons.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "куртка" and "пиджак" are feminine nouns in Russian, following the first declension pattern. They change based on case and number, which is common for Russian nouns. "куртка" is more straightforward, while "пиджак" has similar rules.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively easy to learn once the basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • жакет (/ʐaˈkʲɛt/ - Similar to "jacket" but often for lighter, more stylish versions; used in fashion contexts.)
  • ветровка (/vʲɪˈtrovkə/ - Windbreaker or light jacket; more specific to weather-resistant clothing.)
• Antonyms:
  • футболка (/ˈfutbolkə/ - T-shirt; opposite in terms of coverage and formality.)
  • свитер (/ˈsvʲitʲɛr/ - Sweater; an alternative upper-body garment but without the outer layer function.)

Related Phrases:

• Зимняя куртка (Zimnyaya kurtka) - Winter jacket; refers to insulated clothing for cold seasons.
• Кожаный пиджак (Kozhanyi pidzhak) - Leather jacket; a common fashion item with a stylish connotation.
• Дождевая куртка (Dozhdhevaya kurtka) - Rain jacket; used for protection against rain, emphasizing practicality.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "куртка" is the most direct translation for "jacket" in casual contexts, while "пиджак" is reserved for more formal or tailored items. English speakers should note the gender of these nouns (feminine) and always decline them according to the sentence's grammatical case. For example, use the genitive form when indicating possession. Choose between translations based on context: opt for "куртка" in everyday scenarios and "пиджак" in professional ones to ensure natural usage.

• Grammar tip: Always pair with appropriate adjectives, e.g., "тёплая куртка" for "warm jacket."
• Regional variation: In some areas, "куртка" might imply a sporty style, so context matters for precise communication.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "куртка" in formal contexts, e.g., saying "Я ношу куртку на работу" instead of "Я ношу пиджак на работу."
  Correct: "Я ношу пиджак на работу" (I wear a jacket to work).
  Explanation: This confuses informal and formal attire, making the sentence sound unnatural; always match the word to the setting.
• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "Купить куртка" instead of "Купить куртку."
  Correct: "Купить куртку" (To buy a jacket).
  Explanation: Russian requires accusative case for direct objects, so learners must adjust endings based on case rules to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, jackets like "куртка" are essential for the harsh winters, symbolizing practicality and resilience. "Пиджак" often appears in literature and media as a marker of social status, such as in classic works by Chekhov, where it represents urban sophistication versus rural simplicity.

Related Concepts:

• свитер (Sweater)
• пальто (Coat)
• шарф (Scarf)