Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pillowcase'

English Word: pillowcase

Key Russian Translations:

• наволочка [na.vɐˈɫoʧ.kə] - [Common household item, typically used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in casual conversation but appears in contexts related to home furnishings or daily chores.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary) - Suitable for beginners as it involves basic vocabulary, but understanding its noun inflections requires familiarity with Russian case systems.

Pronunciation (Russian):

наволочка: [na.vɐˈɫoʧ.kə]

Note on наволочка: The stress falls on the third syllable ('lo'), and the 'л' sound is a soft 'l' which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear rolling 'r' if speaking with a native accent.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The cover for a pillow, typically used in bedding.

Translation(s) & Context:

• наволочка - Used in everyday domestic settings, such as describing household items or laundry routines. It is a neutral, standard term in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Я стираю наволочку, чтобы она была чистой для гостей.

  I am washing the pillowcase to make it clean for the guests.

• Новая наволочка из хлопка делает сон комфортнее.

  The new cotton pillowcase makes sleep more comfortable.

• В магазине я купил комплект постельного белья с наволочкой.

  In the store, I bought a set of bed linens with a pillowcase.

• Наволочка порвалась, и мне нужно её починить.

  The pillowcase tore, and I need to fix it.

• Для аллергиков лучше выбирать наволочки из гипоаллергенных материалов.

  For people with allergies, it's better to choose pillowcases made from hypoallergenic materials.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Наволочка" is a feminine noun in the second declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: подушечная наволочка (a more descriptive variant, emphasizing it's for a pillow) - Used when specifying type, but less common in everyday speech.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a concrete noun without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• сменная наволочка - A spare or replacement pillowcase; used in contexts of household maintenance or travel.
• наволочка для подушки - Pillowcase for a pillow; a redundant but clarifying phrase in formal descriptions, such as product listings.
• гипоаллергенная наволочка - Hypoallergenic pillowcase; common in health-related discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Наволочка" directly corresponds to the English "pillowcase" as a protective cover for pillows. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as shopping or home discussions. Be mindful of its feminine gender when using adjectives or verbs, e.g., "новая наволочка" (new pillowcase). If multiple translations exist, "наволочка" is the most precise and widely accepted; avoid using synonyms unless emphasizing specifics. In Russian, it's often part of phrases related to bedding, so learners should practice its inflections to handle sentences like "Я ищу наволочку в магазине."

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing "наволочка" with "подушка" (pillow), leading to incorrect usage like saying "Я стираю подушку" instead of "Я стираю наволочку."

  Correct Usage: Use "наволочка" for the cover only. Example: Incorrect - "Подушка грязная" (if meaning the cover); Correct - "Наволочка грязная." This distinction prevents miscommunication in daily contexts.

• Common Error: Forgetting to inflect properly, e.g., using nominative "наволочка" in all cases.

  Correct Usage: In genitive contexts, say "цвет наволочки" (the color of the pillowcase) instead of "цвет наволочка." Practice declension tables to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "наволочка" is a staple in household items, often associated with traditional bedding in homes or dormitories. While not deeply symbolic, it reflects the emphasis on practicality and comfort in everyday life, especially in colder climates where bedding quality is important for warmth.

Related Concepts:

• подушка (pillow)
• постельное белье (bed linens)
• матрац (mattress)