Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pair'

English Word: pair

Key Russian Translations:

• пара /ˈparə/ - [Formal, Singular; Used for pairs of objects like shoes or items]
• двойка /ˈdvojka/ - [Informal; Often used in colloquial contexts for a pair in games or sets]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in shopping or descriptions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Straightforward for new learners, but requires basic noun declension knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пара: /ˈparə/ (Stress on the first syllable; the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'father')

двойка: /ˈdvojka/ (Stress on the first syllable; 'dv' is pronounced like 'dv' in 'dvd')

Note on пара: Be careful with the soft 'r' sound, which can vary by regional accent; it's a feminine noun and doesn't have major pronunciation variants.

Note on двойка: The 'oy' diphthong is pronounced as a single smooth sound, similar to 'oy' in 'boy'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A set of two similar things (e.g., objects, items, or entities).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пара - Used in formal or everyday contexts for physical pairs, such as clothing or tools; common in descriptive language.
• двойка - Informal, often for pairs in abstract or playful contexts, like card games or pairs of people.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть пара туфель, которые идеально подходят для вечера. (I have a pair of shoes that are perfect for the evening.)

  I have a pair of shoes that are perfect for the evening.

• Эта двойка карт выиграла игру. (This pair of cards won the game.)

  This pair of cards won the game.

• Купите пару яблок на рынке. (Buy a pair of apples at the market.)

  Buy a pair of apples at the market.

• В паре с другом мы решили проблему быстро. (In a pair with a friend, we solved the problem quickly.)

  In a pair with a friend, we solved the problem quickly.

• Эта пара перчаток защищает от холода. (This pair of gloves protects from the cold.)

  This pair of gloves protects from the cold.

A pair as a unit in abstract or mathematical contexts (e.g., a couple or duo).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пара - Used for units in mathematics or relationships; neutral and versatile.
• двойка - More casual, often for teams or pairs in sports or social settings.

Usage Examples:

• В математике пара чисел может обозначать координаты. (In mathematics, a pair of numbers can denote coordinates.)

  In mathematics, a pair of numbers can denote coordinates.

• Они выступают как двойка в танцевальном конкурсе. (They perform as a pair in the dance competition.)

  They perform as a pair in the dance competition.

• Пара друзей поехала в путешествие. (A pair of friends went on a trip.)

  A pair of friends went on a trip.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'пара' and 'двойка' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard feminine declension patterns. 'Пара' is invariable in number when referring to a pair but can decline by case. 'Двойка' has regular declensions.

Note: These are regular patterns; no irregular forms for these words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дуэт (duet) - For pairs in performance or music; more specific to collaborative contexts.
  • пара (already primary, but can overlap with комплект for sets).
• Antonyms:
  • одиночка (single item or individual) - Emphasizes solitude or individuality.
  • тройка (a trio or three items) - For groups larger than a pair.

Related Phrases:

• пара обуви - A pair of shoes; Used in shopping or daily life contexts.
• пара рук - A pair of hands; Often in idiomatic expressions about capability.
• сделать пару шагов - To take a few steps; Implies a short distance or action.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'pair' translates most accurately as 'пара' for neutral, everyday uses, while 'двойка' is better for informal or game-related contexts. Always consider the gender of the noun (feminine) when forming sentences. For example, use with adjectives like 'новая пара' (new pair). English speakers should note that Russian requires declension based on case, which can affect word endings. When choosing between translations, opt for 'пара' in formal writing and 'двойка' in spoken language for a more natural feel.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: Using 'пара' without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел пара" instead of "Я видел пару" (I saw a pair). Correct: "Я видел пару" – Error occurs because learners forget accusative case; always decline based on sentence role.

• Incorrect: Confusing 'двойка' with numbers, e.g., treating it as only a grade (like in school). Correct: In pair contexts, use as "эта двойка друзей" (this pair of friends). Explanation: 'Двойка' can mean 'two' in scores, so context clarifies; specify with additional words to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'пара' often appears in contexts like traditional folk dances or pairs in literature, symbolizing unity or partnership, as seen in stories by authors like Chekhov. It reflects a cultural emphasis on collectivism, where pairs represent balance or relationships, unlike more individualistic Western views.

Related Concepts:

• группа (group)
• команда (team)
• двойственность (duality)