Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'petticoat'

English Word: petticoat

Key Russian Translations:

• нижняя юбка /ˈnʲiʐnʲə jʊbˈka/ - [Formal, used in contexts related to clothing and fashion]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in discussions of fashion, history, or literature.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun forms and vocabulary related to clothing, though cultural nuances may add complexity.

Pronunciation (Russian):

нижняя юбка: /ˈnʲiʐnʲə jʊbˈka/

Note on нижняя юбка: The word features palatalized consonants (e.g., 'нʲ' as in 'ny'), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A woman's undergarment, typically a skirt worn under another skirt for added volume or shape, often in historical or formal contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• нижняя юбка - Used in formal or historical descriptions of clothing, such as in literature or fashion discussions, to refer to undergarments that provide structure.

Usage Examples:

• Она надела нижнюю юбку под своё историческое платье, чтобы придать ему объём.

  She wore a petticoat under her historical dress to give it volume.

• В музее выставлена коллекция нижних юбок из XIX века.

  In the museum, there is a collection of petticoats from the 19th century.

• Дизайнер использовал нижнюю юбку в модном показе для создания ретро-стиля.

  The designer used a petticoat in the fashion show to create a retro style.

• Моя бабушка рассказывала, как раньше носили нижние юбки под длинные платья.

  My grandmother used to talk about how they wore petticoats under long dresses in the past.

• В театральном костюме актрисы была включена нижняя юбка для аутентичности.

  The actress's theatrical costume included a petticoat for authenticity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"нижняя юбка" is a feminine noun phrase in Russian. "Нижняя" is an adjective that agrees with the noun "юбка" (skirt), which is feminine. Russian nouns like "юбка" follow the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining the basic inflections for "юбка" (the core noun), with "нижняя" adjusted accordingly:

Note: The adjective "нижняя" changes to agree with the noun in gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective declension rules. There are no irregular forms for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подкладная юбка (a similar undergarment, often used interchangeably in modern contexts)
  • кринолин (specifically for structured petticoats, with a connotation of historical hoop skirts; slight difference in implying rigidity)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific clothing item. However, opposites might include outer garments like "верхняя одежда" (outerwear).

Related Phrases:

• юбка с кринолином - A skirt with crinoline, often used in historical costumes to enhance shape.
• нижнее бельё - Underwear in general, which may include petticoats in broader fashion discussions.
• исторический костюм - Historical costume, where petticoats are commonly featured.

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation "нижняя юбка" directly corresponds to "petticoat" in English, emphasizing its role as an undergarment for added volume. It is typically used in formal, literary, or historical contexts rather than everyday speech. When choosing this term, ensure it fits the gender and case requirements in a sentence. For example, in informal settings, Russians might opt for more general terms like "юбка" if specificity isn't needed. Be aware of cultural shifts: in modern Russian, this word evokes vintage or theatrical fashion, so it's ideal for discussions of history or design.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "нижняя юбка" with "пеньюар" (a robe or negligee). Incorrect: "Она надела пеньюар под платье." Correct: "Она надела нижнюю юбку под платье." Explanation: "Пеньюар" refers to a lightweight dressing gown, not a structured under-skirt, leading to misuse in fashion contexts.

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., using "нижняя юбка" in the wrong case. Incorrect: "Я видел нижняя юбка в музее." Correct: "Я видел нижнюю юбку в музее." Explanation: Adjectives must agree in case, so in accusative singular, it becomes "нижнюю юбку."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "нижняя юбка" is often associated with historical periods like the 19th century, as seen in literature by authors such as Tolstoy, where it symbolizes women's fashion and social status. It reflects traditional gender roles in clothing, and in modern times, it's revived in folk costumes or theater, highlighting Russia's appreciation for its imperial heritage.

Related Concepts:

• платье (dress)
• юбка (skirt)
• кринолин (crinoline)