Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pajamas'

English Word: pajamas

Key Russian Translations:

• пижама (/pɪˈʒamə/) - [Common, Informal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to clothing and personal care, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "еда" (food).)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; suitable for beginners as it involves basic noun forms and is straightforward in structure.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пижама: /pɪˈʒamə/

Note on пижама: The pronunciation features a soft "ж" sound, similar to the "s" in "measure" in English. Stress falls on the second syllable. Be mindful of the vowel shifts in inflected forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Nightwear or sleepwear (A set of loose-fitting clothes worn for sleeping or lounging at home.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пижама - Used in casual, everyday contexts to refer to sleepwear, often for adults or children. Common in informal settings like family discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю пижаму перед сном.

  I put on my pajamas before bed. (This example shows the noun in a simple daily routine context.)

• Эта пижама очень удобная и мягкая.

  This pajamas is very comfortable and soft. (Demonstrates descriptive use in a positive review or conversation.)

• Дети предпочитают пижамы с яркими рисунками.

  Children prefer pajamas with bright patterns. (Illustrates usage in a familial or shopping context, highlighting preferences.)

• Купи новую пижаму на зиму, она теплее.

  Buy a new pajamas for winter; it's warmer. (Shows imperative form in advice-giving scenarios.)

• Пижама должна быть сделана из натуральных тканей.

  Pajamas should be made from natural fabrics. (Emphasizes general advice or recommendations in discussions about health and comfort.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Пижама is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively easy for learners to master.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ночная одежда (night clothing - more general term, often used interchangeably in formal contexts); пижамный костюм (pajama suit - emphasizes a set or outfit).
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific type of clothing. However, дневная одежда (daytime clothing) could be considered a conceptual opposite in some contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Шелковая пижама - Silk pajamas; a luxurious or high-end variation, often used in contexts discussing fashion or comfort.
• Пижама для сна - Pajamas for sleeping; emphasizes functional use in bedtime routines.
• Детская пижама - Children's pajamas; commonly used when talking about kids' clothing or parenting.

Usage Notes:

Пижама directly corresponds to the English "pajamas" as a borrowed word, making it straightforward for English speakers. It is typically used in informal or domestic settings and is neutral in terms of gender or age. However, be aware of case endings when using it in sentences; for example, in the accusative case (пижаму), it indicates direct objects. If multiple translations exist, choose "пижама" for modern, everyday Russian, as it's the most common and widely understood.

• In formal writing, alternatives like "ночная рубашка" might be preferred for variety.
• Grammar note: Always ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs based on its feminine gender.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as saying "Я имею пижама" instead of the correct "У меня пижама" (I have pajamas). Error: "Я ношу пижама" (incorrect accusative use). Correct: "Я ношу пижаму" – This happens because English doesn't have cases, so remember to adjust for Russian grammar. Another common mistake is overgeneralizing to plural without context, e.g., using "пижамы" when singular is needed.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, пижама is not just functional clothing but often associated with comfort and family time. It's commonly featured in literature and media as a symbol of relaxation, such as in Soviet-era films where characters wear simple pajamas to depict everyday life. However, it doesn't carry strong historical connotations like some traditional garments.

Related Concepts:

• одежда (clothing)
• спать (to sleep)
• ночная рубашка (nightshirt)