Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mitten'

English Word: mitten

Key Russian Translations:

• варежка [ʋɐˈrʲeʐkə] - [Informal, Common for everyday winter wear]

Frequency: Medium (Used seasonally in cold climates but not in everyday general conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; Involves basic noun inflections, which can be challenging for beginners due to Russian case system)

Pronunciation (Russian):

варежка: [ʋɐˈrʲeʐkə]

Note on варежка: The 'ж' sound is a soft, voiced fricative similar to the 'zh' in 'measure' in English; stress falls on the second syllable, which is common in Russian nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A type of glove that covers the hand with separate thumb but encloses the other fingers together

Translation(s) & Context:

• варежка - Typically used in informal, everyday contexts for warm winter gloves; common in casual or family settings in cold regions.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю варежки, чтобы руки не замёрзли зимой.

  I put on mittens so my hands don't freeze in winter.

• Дети любят играть в снегу в варежках.

  Children love playing in the snow with mittens.

• Купите тёплые варежки для поездки в Сибирь.

  Buy warm mittens for your trip to Siberia.

• Варежка слетела с руки во время прогулки.

  The mitten flew off my hand during the walk.

• В этой варежке есть специальный слой для тепла.

  This mitten has a special layer for warmth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Варежка" is a feminine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: перчатка (more formal, for gloves with individual fingers; used in contexts like formal attire)
• перчатки (general term for gloves, but less specific to mittens)

Related Phrases:

• тёплые варежки - Warm mittens (Used for emphasizing insulation in cold weather; common in winter clothing discussions)
• детские варежки - Children's mittens (Refers to smaller sizes for kids; often in parenting or shopping contexts)
• вязаные варежки - Knitted mittens (Implies handmade or traditional style; culturally significant in Russian crafts)

Usage Notes:

"Варежка" directly corresponds to "mitten" in English, emphasizing a glove design without separate finger slots. It is most commonly used in informal or everyday contexts, especially in regions with harsh winters like Russia. Be mindful of the feminine gender when using adjectives or verbs with it, e.g., "тёплая варежка" (warm mitten). If the context involves formal gloves, "перчатка" might be a better choice. Learners should practice declensions to avoid errors in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "варежка" interchangeably with "перчатка" without considering finger design. For example, an English speaker might say "перчатка" for a mitten, thinking it means any glove.

  Correct: варежка (for mittens); Explanation: "Перчатка" implies individual fingers, so use варежка for accuracy in winter wear contexts.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "в варежка" instead of "в варежке" (in the mitten).

  Correct: в варежке; Explanation: Russian requires prepositional case for locations, so always adjust the ending based on the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, варежки are essential for surviving long, cold winters, often evoking images of traditional folk attire or childhood snow play. They are commonly handmade from wool and appear in folklore and festivals, symbolizing warmth and community in harsh climates.

Related Concepts:

• шарф (scarf)
• шапка (hat)
• куртка (jacket)