Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'karaoke'

English Word: karaoke

Key Russian Translations:

• караоке [kɐˈrakʲe] - [Informal, Borrowed term; commonly used in entertainment contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is frequently encountered in modern Russian media, social events, and youth culture, but not in everyday formal speech.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; as a borrowed word from English/Japanese, it is straightforward for English speakers to learn and use, with minimal grammatical adjustments.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

караоке: [kɐˈrakʲe]

Note on караоке: The stress falls on the second syllable (ra), and the 'кʲ' sound is a palatalized 'k', which may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it like "ka-RAH-kee" with a soft 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The activity of singing along to pre-recorded music, often in a social or entertainment setting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• караоке - Used in casual, informal contexts such as bars, parties, or family gatherings to describe the entertainment form.

Usage Examples:

• Мы пошли в караоке-бар в субботу вечером, чтобы спеть любимые песни.

  We went to a karaoke bar on Saturday evening to sing our favorite songs.

• Дети обожают играть в караоке дома с друзьями.

  Kids love playing karaoke at home with friends.

• На корпоративе было караоке, где все коллеги пели под фонограмму.

  At the corporate event, there was karaoke where all colleagues sang along to backing tracks.

• В Японии караоке стало частью повседневной культуры, но в России оно популярно на вечеринках.

  In Japan, karaoke has become part of everyday culture, but in Russia, it's popular at parties.

• Я записал видео, где пою караоке на телефоне.

  I recorded a video of myself singing karaoke on my phone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Караоке" is a neuter noun borrowed from English/Japanese and does not undergo regular Russian inflections. It remains largely unchanged in most forms due to its status as a foreign loanword. However, it can take standard endings in certain contexts:

Note: As an uninflected loanword, it does not follow typical Russian declension patterns, making it easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: пение под фонограмму (singing with backing tracks) - More descriptive, used in formal or explanatory contexts; караоке-шоу (karaoke show) - Emphasizes the performative aspect.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "karaoke" is a specific activity without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• караоке-бар - A bar where karaoke is performed; commonly used for social entertainment venues.
• петь караоке - To sing karaoke; a straightforward phrase for participating in the activity.
• караоке-партия - A karaoke party; implies a casual gathering focused on singing.
• онлайн-караоке - Online karaoke; refers to digital platforms for virtual singing sessions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "караоке" directly corresponds to the English term and is used interchangeably in informal settings. It is most common in urban, youth-oriented contexts and has no significant grammatical restrictions. When choosing between translations like "пение под фонограмму," opt for "караоке" in casual speech for brevity, but use the longer synonym in educational or descriptive writing. Be aware of cultural adaptations: in Russia, it's often linked to social events rather than solo practice.

• Grammar note: It functions as a neuter noun and can be used with verbs like "петь" (to sing) or in prepositional phrases.
• Context tip: Avoid using it in formal business or academic discussions; reserve it for entertainment-related topics.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "караоке" by stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., saying [ˈkɐrakʲe] instead of [kɐˈrakʲe]). Incorrect: "КА-ra-kee" (with English-like stress). Correct: "ka-RAH-kee" (emphasizing the second syllable). Another error is confusing it with "караоке" as a verb; it's a noun, so don't conjugate it—use phrases like "петь караоке" instead of inventing a verb form.

• Error: Using "караоке" in plural forms unnecessarily (e.g., "караокес"). Correct: Stick to the singular "караоке" as it doesn't pluralize in standard usage.

Cultural Notes:

"Караоке" originated in Japan in the 1970s as a form of entertainment and was later adopted globally, including in Russia during the 1990s post-Soviet era. In Russian culture, it symbolizes fun, social bonding, and sometimes light-hearted competition, often featured in holidays like New Year's Eve parties. It's less tied to professional singing than in its Japanese roots, making it a casual pastime rather than a high-art form.

Related Concepts:

• диско (disco)
• концерт (concert)
• пение (singing)
• фонограмма (backing track)