Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nephew'

English Word: nephew

Key Russian Translations:

• племянник (/plʲɪˈmʲænʲnʲik/) - [Formal, Masculine noun, Used in general family contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about family, but not as frequent as basic terms like 'mother' or 'father').

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward for beginners once basic noun genders and cases are understood).

Pronunciation (Russian):

племянник: /plʲɪˈmʲænʲnʲik/

Note on племянник: The pronunciation includes palatalized consonants, which can be tricky for English speakers; focus on the soft 'л' (/lʲ/) and 'н' (/nʲ/) sounds. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The son of one's sibling or sibling-in-law (male)

Translation(s) & Context:

• племянник - Used in formal and informal settings to refer to a male nephew in family discussions, narratives, or legal contexts (e.g., inheritance).

Usage Examples:

• Мой племянник учится в университете и очень талантливый. (My nephew is studying at university and is very talented.)

  English Translation: My nephew is studying at university and is very talented.

• Племянник часто приезжает к нам на каникулы. (The nephew often comes to us on holidays.)

  English Translation: The nephew often comes to us on holidays. (Note: This shows the noun in a neutral, descriptive context.)

• У меня есть племянник, который живёт в Москве. (I have a nephew who lives in Moscow.)

  English Translation: I have a nephew who lives in Moscow. (Illustrates possession and location.)

• Племянник моего брата стал инженером. (My brother's nephew became an engineer.)

  English Translation: My brother's nephew became an engineer. (Demonstrates relational use in extended family talks.)

• Я горжусь своим племянником за его достижения. (I am proud of my nephew for his achievements.)

  English Translation: I am proud of my nephew for his achievements. (Shows emotional or possessive context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Племянник" is a masculine noun of the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, changing based on case, number, and gender. As a masculine noun ending in a consonant, it has regular declensions but no plural form in the sense of "nephews" for a single male (use "племянники" for multiple). Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not change for gender within itself, but remember that for a female nephew, use "племянница" with its own inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • родственник (rodstvennik) - A broader term for any relative; less specific than племянник.
  • потомок (potomok) - Means descendant; used in formal or historical contexts, implying lineage.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "nephew" is a specific familial role without a direct opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Мой племянник (My nephew) - A simple possessive phrase used in introductions or family stories; implies a close relationship.
• Племянник по отцу (Nephew on father's side) - Specifies paternal lineage; common in discussions about extended family.
• Любимый племянник (Beloved nephew) - An affectionate term; used in emotional or informal contexts to express endearment.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "племянник" directly corresponds to the English "nephew" for a male relative, but always ensure gender agreement—use "племянница" for females. It's versatile across formal and informal settings, but in polite conversations, pair it with possessives like "мой" (my) for clarity. When choosing between translations, opt for "племянник" in standard contexts; avoid confusion with broader terms like "родственник." Grammatically, it must agree in case with surrounding words, which is a key point for English learners adapting to Russian syntax.

Common Errors:

• Confusing gender: English speakers might mistakenly use "племянник" for a female nephew. Incorrect: "Моя племянник" (wrong gender agreement). Correct: "Моя племянница" for female. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, so always match adjectives and possessives accordingly.

• Case misuse: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я иду к племянник" instead of "Я иду к племяннику" (Dative case). Explanation: In Russian, the noun must change based on its role in the sentence; practice with tables to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, family ties are highly valued, and terms like "племянник" often appear in contexts of multi-generational households or during holidays like New Year's. Historically, extended family played a significant role in Soviet-era communities, where nephews and nieces might live with relatives, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and warmth.

Related Concepts:

• племянница (female nephew)
• дядя (uncle)
• тётя (aunt)
• брат (brother)