Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nostril'

English Word: nostril

Key Russian Translations:

• ноздря (/ˈnoz.drʲə/) - [Common, used in everyday and medical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears in general conversations, literature, and medical discussions, but not as frequently as basic body parts like "head" or "hand".)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic anatomy, easily learned by new Russian learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ноздря: /ˈnoz.drʲə/

Note on ноздря: The pronunciation involves a soft 'r' sound (/rʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the first syllable. Be mindful of the palatalized 'д' in some regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The opening in the nose through which air passes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ноздря - Used in descriptive contexts, such as anatomy, health, or everyday descriptions (e.g., in formal medical texts or informal conversations about allergies).

Usage Examples:

• У меня чешутся ноздри от пыльцы. (U menja češutsja nozdrí ot pylʹcy.)

  My nostrils are itching from pollen. (This example shows the word in a singular context related to physical sensations.)

• В холодную погоду воздух проходит через ноздри. (V xolodnuju pogodu vozdux proxodit čerez nozdrí.)

  In cold weather, air passes through the nostrils. (Demonstrates use in a general descriptive sentence about physiology.)

• Его ноздри расширились от гнева. (Ego nozdrí rasširilisʹ ot gneva.)

  His nostrils flared with anger. (Illustrates the word in an emotional or expressive context.)

• Доктор осмотрел мои ноздри во время осмотра. (Doktor osmotrel moi nozdrí vo vremja osmotra.)

  The doctor examined my nostrils during the check-up. (Shows usage in a medical setting.)

• Ветер холодный, и мои ноздри замерзли. (Veter xolodnyj, i moi nozdrí zamerzli.)

  The wind is cold, and my nostrils are freezing. (Highlights the word in an environmental context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ноздря" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows regular inflection patterns for nouns, changing based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This is a regular pattern, so no irregularities; however, in plural forms, context determines usage (e.g., "ноздри" for both nostrils).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ноздри (plural form, often used interchangeably in casual speech)
  • носик (informal, diminutive, but less precise; used in child-friendly contexts)
  (Note: "Носик" implies a smaller or endearing version and is not a direct synonym in formal settings.)
• Antonyms:
  • рот (mouth; contrasts as another facial opening)

Related Phrases:

• Заложенная ноздря (Založennaja nozdrja) - A blocked nostril; common in contexts of colds or allergies.
• Расширенные ноздри (Raširennye nozdrí) - Flared nostrils; used to describe emotional expressions like anger or excitement.
• Чистить ноздри (Čistitʹ nozdrí) - To clear the nostrils; often in health or hygiene discussions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "ноздря" directly corresponds to "nostril" in English, referring specifically to the external opening of the nose. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., medical reports) and informal settings (e.g., daily conversations). When choosing between singular and plural forms, opt for plural "ноздри" when referring to both nostrils collectively. Be aware of grammatical agreement: as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with adjectives or verbs (e.g., "большая ноздря" for "big nostril"). If multiple translations exist, "ноздря" is the most precise for anatomical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Confusing singular and plural: Learners might say "У меня чешутся ноздря" instead of "У меня чешутся ноздри" (correct: "My nostrils are itching"). Error: Forgetting that "痒" (itching) applies to plural in this context; Explanation: Russian requires plural agreement for bilateral body parts.

• Using the wrong case: Saying "Я вижу ноздря" instead of "Я вижу ноздрю" in accusative case. Error: Incorrect declension; Explanation: In accusative, feminine nouns like "ноздря" change to "ноздрю" when direct objects.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about body parts like "ноздря" are straightforward and common in everyday health talks, especially in literature or folklore where physical descriptions enhance character emotions (e.g., flared nostrils indicating passion in classic Russian novels). There's no strong cultural taboo, but in polite conversation, indirect references might be preferred in formal settings.

Related Concepts:

• нос (nose)
• гайморовые пазухи (sinuses)
• дыхание (breathing)