Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'moustache'

English Word: moustache

Key Russian Translations:

• усы /ˈusɨ/ - [Informal, Plural; Commonly used in everyday conversation]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears regularly in casual and descriptive contexts but is not among the most common everyday terms.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; Suitable for beginners as it involves simple plural nouns and basic vocabulary, but pronunciation may pose initial challenges.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

усы: /ˈusɨ/ (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'ы' sound is a distinctive Russian vowel, similar to a mid-back unrounded vowel.)

Note on усы: Be cautious with the 'ы' sound, which doesn't have a direct English equivalent; it's softer than 'i' in "bit". Practice with native speakers to master the subtle palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Facial hair above the upper lip

Translation(s) & Context:

• усы - Used in informal and formal contexts to describe a man's moustache, often in descriptions of appearance or in literature.

Usage Examples:

• У него густые усы, которые придают ему солидный вид.

  He has thick moustache, which gives him a solid appearance.

• В старых фильмах актеры часто носили усы для образа.

  In old movies, actors often wore moustaches for the character.

• Она пошутила, что усы делают его похожим на исторического деятеля.

  She joked that the moustache makes him look like a historical figure.

• Мой дед всегда гордился своими усами, ухаживая за ними ежедневно.

  My grandfather always took pride in his moustache, grooming it daily.

• В моде сейчас короткие усы, но классические остаются популярными.

  Short moustaches are in fashion now, but classic ones remain popular.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Усы" is a plural noun in Russian and does not have a singular form in common usage for facial hair. It belongs to the third declension and remains unchanged in the nominative plural form. However, it inflects in other cases as follows:

Note: As a pluralia tantum noun, it does not inflect for singular forms in standard usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: щетина (shchetina - used for stubble or bristles, with a more rugged connotation)
• Antonyms: гладкое лицо ( gladkoye litso - smooth face, implying the absence of facial hair)

Related Phrases:

• Носить усы (Nosit' usy) - To wear a moustache; Often used in contexts of personal style or fashion.
• Сбрить усы (Sbrit's usy) - To shave off the moustache; Common in discussions about changing appearance.
• Усатый мужчина (Usatyi muzhchina) - A moustached man; A descriptive phrase for characterizing someone.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "усы" directly corresponds to the English "moustache" but is inherently plural, so it's used to describe the feature as a whole rather than individual hairs. This word is more common in informal settings, and in formal writing, you might see it in descriptions or literature. When choosing between translations, "усы" is the standard term; avoid using "волосы на верхней губе" (hairs on the upper lip) as it's overly literal and awkward. Pay attention to gender agreement in sentences, as adjectives must agree with the noun.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the singular form "ус" incorrectly, as in "У меня ус" (thinking it means "I have a moustache").
  Correct: "У меня усы" (I have a moustache). Explanation: "Усы" is a plural noun, so always use it in plural form for facial hair.
• Mistake: Pronouncing it as /ˈu-si/ instead of /ˈusɨ/.
  Correct Pronunciation: /ˈusɨ/. Explanation: The 'ы' sound is unique to Russian and requires practice to avoid sounding like "usi" as in English words.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, moustaches have historically symbolized masculinity and wisdom, often associated with figures like Cossacks or Soviet-era leaders. For instance, in folklore and literature, a prominent moustache might denote a character's strength or experience, reflecting traditional values of stoicism and heritage.

Related Concepts:

• борода (boroda - beard)
• бакенбарды (bakenbardy - sideburns)
• волосы (volosy - hair in general)