Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'overcoat'

English Word: overcoat

Key Russian Translations:

• пальто [ˈpalʲtə] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts]
• верхнее пальто [vɛrʲxʲnʲɛjɛ ˈpalʲtə] - [Formal, used in more precise or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about clothing, especially in seasonal contexts, but not as frequent as basic daily wear items like "shirt").

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for learners familiar with basic nouns, but requires understanding of Russian noun genders and declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

пальто: [ˈpalʲtə]

верхнее пальто: [vɛrʲxʲnʲɛjɛ ˈpalʲtə]

Note on пальто: The stress is on the first syllable [ˈpalʲtə], with a soft 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pay attention to the palatalized consonants in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A long coat worn over other clothing, typically for warmth or formal occasions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пальто - Used in general, everyday contexts for an overcoat, especially in informal or neutral settings like daily wear.
• верхнее пальто - Applied in more formal or descriptive contexts, such as fashion discussions or when distinguishing from lighter coats.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю пальто, когда иду на улицу зимой.

  I put on my overcoat when I go out in the winter.

• Его новое верхнее пальто выглядит очень элегантно на вечеринке.

  His new overcoat looks very elegant at the party.

• В магазине много вариантов пальто разных цветов и стилей.

  In the store, there are many options for overcoats in different colors and styles.

• Она забыла пальто в кафе, и теперь ей холодно.

  She forgot her overcoat in the cafe, and now she's cold.

• Для осенней погоды идеально подойдет легкое верхнее пальто.

  For autumn weather, a light overcoat is ideal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation "пальто" is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -о. "верхнее пальто" is a phrase where "верхнее" is an adjective that agrees with the noun.

For "пальто", here is a declension table:

Note: "Пальто" is an indeclinable noun in most cases, meaning it doesn't change form in the singular across cases, which is a common feature for loanwords in Russian. In plural, it remains unchanged.

For "верхнее пальто", the adjective "верхнее" declines as follows in singular neuter: Nominative - верхнее, Genitive - верхнего, etc., but "пальто" remains indeclinable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шинель (shinél) - More military or heavy style, often implying a specific type of overcoat.
  • тrenchкот (trenchkot) - For a trench coat variant, with a more formal or historical connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • нижняя одежда (nishnyaya odezhda) - Lower clothing, like underwear, contrasting with outerwear.
  • летняя одежда (letnyaya odezhda) - Summer clothing, implying lighter, non-winter wear.

Related Phrases:

• Зимнее пальто (zimneye pal'to) - Winter overcoat; used for heavy, cold-weather garments.
• Длинное верхнее пальто (dlinnoye verkhneye pal'to) - Long overcoat; refers to extended length for formal or protective purposes.
• Пальто с капюшоном (pal'to s kapyushonom) - Overcoat with a hood; common in rainy or windy conditions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "пальто" directly corresponds to "overcoat" in English but is more versatile, often used for any long coat. It's neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When choosing between "пальто" and "верхнее пальто", opt for the latter in descriptive or written language to emphasize it's an outer layer. Be mindful of noun agreement: adjectives must match in gender, number, and case. For example, say "мое пальто" (my overcoat) in possessive structures.

• Grammar tip: As an indeclinable noun, "пальто" simplifies usage but requires correct preposition placement, e.g., "в пальто" (in the overcoat).
• Context guidance: In urban or fashion contexts, it's common; in rural settings, more specific terms might be used.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistakenly decline "пальто" as if it were a regular Russian noun, e.g., using "пальта" in genitive instead of "пальто". Correct usage: Say "у меня нет пальто" (I don't have an overcoat) instead of the erroneous "у меня нет пальта". Another error is confusing it with "куртка" (jacket), which is shorter; remember, "пальто" implies longer length. Explanation: Russian indeclinable nouns like this one retain their base form, so always check for loanwords from other languages.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, overcoats like "пальто" have historical significance, often associated with Soviet-era fashion where practical, warm clothing was essential for harsh winters. They symbolize resilience and are frequently depicted in literature, such as in works by Chekhov, where characters' overcoats reflect social status or economic conditions.

Related Concepts:

• куртка (jacket)
• плащ (raincoat)
• жакет (blazer)