Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'piercing'

English Word: piercing

Key Russian Translations:

• пирсинг [ˈpʲirsʲɪŋ] - [Informal, Commonly used in modern contexts]
• прокол [prɐˈkol] - [Formal, Often refers to the act or result of piercing]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its variants appear regularly in everyday conversations, especially in youth culture and fashion discussions, but not as common as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can understand and use it in context, but mastering nuances may require exposure to modern Russian media.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пирсинг: [ˈpʲirsʲɪŋ]

прокол: [prɐˈkol]

Note on пирсинг: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'с' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of jewelry or adornment inserted into a pierced body part (e.g., earrings, nose rings).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пирсинг - Used in casual, contemporary settings like fashion or personal style discussions.
• прокол - Applied in more formal or medical contexts, such as describing the procedure itself.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть пирсинг в ухе, который я сделал в тату-салоне.

  I have a piercing in my ear that I got at a tattoo parlor.

• Этот прокол на носу выглядит стильно, но требует тщательного ухода.

  This nose piercing looks stylish but requires careful maintenance.

• Молодёжь часто выбирает пирсинг как способ самовыражения в повседневной жизни.

  Youth often choose piercing as a way of self-expression in everyday life.

• После прокола уха нужно избегать воды в течение нескольких дней.

  After getting an ear piercing, you should avoid water for a few days.

• Её пирсинг в брови дополняет её альтернативный стиль одежды.

  Her eyebrow piercing complements her alternative clothing style.

2. Something sharp or penetrating, metaphorically (e.g., a piercing gaze or sound).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пронизывающий [prɐnʲɪˈzɨvajuʂʲij] - Used for abstract or sensory descriptions, like a piercing wind or stare.

Usage Examples:

• Его пронизывающий взгляд заставил меня почувствовать себя неуютно.

  His piercing gaze made me feel uncomfortable.

• Пронизывающий ветер пронизывал нас на улице зимой.

  The piercing wind cut through us on the street in winter.

• Её пронизывающий крик эхом разнёсся по дому.

  Her piercing scream echoed through the house.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most key translations like "пирсинг" are nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns. "Пирсинг" is a masculine noun and can inflect based on case and number. "Прокол" is also a masculine noun with regular inflections.

For adjectives like "пронизывающий," it follows standard adjectival inflections, which vary by gender, number, and case (e.g., пронизывающая for feminine singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прокол (similar to piercing as an act)
  • пронизывающий (for the metaphorical sense, with a connotation of intensity)
  • туннель (for specific types of ear piercings, often used in body modification contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • непроницаемый (impermeable, opposite in the metaphorical sense of not piercing)

Related Phrases:

• Сделать пирсинг (To get a piercing) - Refers to the process of body modification for jewelry.
• Пронизывающий холод (Piercing cold) - Describes an intensely cold sensation.
• Прокол уха (Ear piercing) - A common phrase for a specific type of body piercing.

Usage Notes:

"Пирсинг" directly borrows from English and is used in informal Russian to describe body jewelry, making it accessible for learners. However, in formal or medical contexts, "прокол" is preferred to emphasize the procedure. Be cautious with gender agreements in sentences, as these nouns are masculine. When choosing between translations, opt for "пирсинг" in youth-oriented or pop culture discussions, and "пронизывающий" for abstract meanings to match the piercing quality in English.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "пирсинг" in a formal medical report instead of "прокол".
  Correct: Врачи используют "прокол" для описания процедуры (Doctors use "прокол" to describe the procedure).
  Explanation: "Пирсинг" sounds too casual and may confuse the context.
• Mistake: Incorrectly inflecting "пирсинг" in sentences, e.g., saying "в пирсинг" instead of "в пирсинге".
  Correct: Я ношу пирсинг в ухе (I wear a piercing in my ear, using prepositional case).
  Explanation: Russian requires proper case endings, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, piercings like "пирсинг" have become popular among younger generations as a form of self-expression, influenced by Western trends. However, in more traditional or conservative settings, they might be viewed as rebellious or unprofessional, reflecting historical Soviet-era norms that discouraged body modifications.

Related Concepts:

• татуировка (tattoo)
• украшение (ornament or jewelry)
• проникающий (penetrating)