Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'knee'

English Word: knee

Key Russian Translations:

• колено /kɐˈlʲenə/ - [Neutral; used in everyday and medical contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in daily conversations, medical discussions, and literature)

Difficulty: A1 (Basic vocabulary for beginners, as it refers to a fundamental body part)

Pronunciation (Russian):

колено: /kɐˈlʲenə/

Note on колено: The stress falls on the second syllable ("le"). Pronounce the "л" softly, as in many Russian words, and ensure the vowel sounds are clear to avoid confusion with similar words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Anatomical joint (The bendable joint connecting the thigh and lower leg)

Translation(s) & Context:

• колено - Typically used in neutral, everyday contexts to describe the body part, such as in health-related discussions or descriptions of injuries.

Usage Examples:

• Моё колено болит после пробежки.

  Translation: My knee hurts after jogging. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting physical discomfort.)

• Он упал и ударился коленом о камень.

  Translation: He fell and hit his knee on a rock. (Demonstrates use in a narrative context, describing an accident.)

• Врачи осмотрели её колено после травмы.

  Translation: The doctors examined her knee after the injury. (Illustrates medical usage with possessive pronouns and verbs.)

• Колено – это важная часть для бегунов.

  Translation: The knee is an important part for runners. (Shows the word in a general statement about anatomy and sports.)

• Она согнула колено, чтобы потянуться.

  Translation: She bent her knee to stretch. (Exhibits the word in an action-oriented sentence involving movement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Колено" is a neuter noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its declensions:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • коленчатый сустав (kolenchatyi sustav) - More technical term for "knee joint," used in medical contexts; implies a more precise anatomical description.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "колено" is a specific body part without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• сломать колено (slomat' koleno) - To break one's knee; used in contexts of injury or accidents.
• болезнь колена (bolezn' kolena) - Knee disease; common in medical discussions.
• укрепить колено (ukrepit' koleno) - To strengthen the knee; often related to fitness or rehabilitation.

Usage Notes:

"Колено" directly corresponds to the English "knee" as a basic anatomical term and is used across various contexts without significant restrictions. It is neutral in tone and can be employed in both formal (e.g., medical reports) and informal (e.g., casual conversations) settings. When choosing between translations, "колено" is the most straightforward and common option. Pay attention to case inflections, as Russian requires agreement with other words in the sentence; for example, use the genitive case in phrases like "боль в колене" (pain in the knee). English learners should note that Russian often pairs this word with verbs of motion or pain to describe actions vividly.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "боль в колено" instead of "боль в колене".
  Correct: "Боль в колене" (Pain in the knee). Explanation: In Russian, the prepositional case is required after prepositions like "в" (in), so learners must adjust for case endings to avoid grammatical errors.
• Mistake: Overgeneralizing to similar words, e.g., confusing "колено" with "нога" (leg) in descriptions.
  Correct: Use "колено" specifically for the joint, not the entire leg. Explanation: This confusion arises from partial overlaps in English, but Russian is more precise, so context is key.

Cultural Notes:

While "колено" itself is a neutral anatomical term, it appears in Russian folklore and proverbs, such as in expressions related to kneeling in traditional customs or religious practices. For instance, in Orthodox Christianity, kneeling is a sign of reverence, which might add a cultural layer to its usage in historical or literary contexts.

Related Concepts:

• нога (noga) - Leg
• бедро (bedro) - Thigh
• сустав (sustav) - Joint