Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plait'

English Word: plait

Key Russian Translations:

• коса [ˈkosa] - [Noun, Formal, Singular; used in everyday contexts for hair or weaving]
• плести [ˈplʲestʲi] - [Verb, Informal; used for the action of weaving or braiding]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in casual conversations about hair or crafts, but not in high-frequency everyday language)

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (for "коса" as a noun; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions; for "плести" as a verb, it may reach B2 due to irregular conjugations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коса: [ˈkosa]

Note on коса: The stress is on the first syllable; the "o" sound is like in "core," and it may vary slightly in regional accents, such as in Russian dialects where it softens to [ˈkɐsa].

Audio: []

плести: [ˈplʲestʲi]

Note on плести: The initial "plʲ" involves a palatalized "l" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; pronounce it with a soft, almost "y"-like quality before the "e." The verb form changes with conjugation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun (referring to a braid or woven strand):

Translation(s) & Context:

• коса - Used in contexts like hair styling, crafts, or descriptions of woven objects; common in informal and formal settings, such as fashion or folklore.

Usage Examples:

• Она заплела волосы в красивую косу.

  She braided her hair into a beautiful plait.

• Эта коса из соломы используется в народных ремеслах.

  This plait made of straw is used in folk crafts.

• Дети любят играть с косой из лент.

  Children love playing with a plait made of ribbons.

• В музее выставлена древняя коса из металла.

  In the museum, there's an ancient plait made of metal on display.

• Её коса была украшена цветами для праздника.

  Her plait was decorated with flowers for the celebration.

As a verb (referring to the action of braiding or weaving):

Translation(s) & Context:

• плести - Applied in contexts like hair care, basket weaving, or metaphorical uses in literature; often informal but can be formal in instructional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Мама научила меня плести косы из волос.

  Mom taught me how to plait braids from hair.

• Он умеет плести корзины из ивовых веток.

  He knows how to plait baskets from willow branches.

• В уроке рукоделия мы будем плести браслеты.

  In the handicraft class, we'll plait bracelets.

• Не пытайся плести эту веревку без инструментов.

  Don't try to plait this rope without tools.

• Она любит плести узоры в тканях.

  She enjoys plaiting patterns into fabrics.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "коса" (feminine noun, first declension):

This noun follows standard feminine patterns with regular inflections. It changes based on case and number:

For "плести" (verb, imperfective aspect, first conjugation):

This verb is irregular in some forms and conjugates based on tense, person, and number. Present tense examples:

Note: The perfective counterpart is "сплести," which has its own inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • коса: заплетка (small braid; used for miniature or decorative versions)
  • плести: ткать (to weave; more general for fabrics)
• Antonyms:
  • коса: распущенные волосы (loose hair; implies the opposite of braided)
  • плести: расплетать (to unravel; directly opposes braiding)

Related Phrases:

• Французская коса - A French braid; used in hair styling contexts to describe a specific weaving technique.
• Плести корзину - To plait a basket; a common phrase in crafts or survival skills, implying hands-on creation.
• Коса из травы - A plait made of grass; often appears in poetic or rural descriptions.

Usage Notes:

"Коса" directly corresponds to the English noun "plait" in the context of hair or woven items, but it's more commonly used for hair in Russian culture. "Плести" aligns with the verb form and is versatile, though it can imply a more intricate weaving process than simple braiding. Be mindful of context: use formal language in professional settings (e.g., beauty salons), and note that "плести" is imperfective, requiring a perfective pair like "сплести" for completed actions. When choosing between translations, opt for "коса" for static objects and "плести" for actions; regional variations may exist in dialects.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "коса" with "косой" (meaning "mowed" or "slanted"), leading to misuse in sentences. Incorrect: "Я ношу косой" (meaning "I wear a slanted one"). Correct: "Я ношу косу" (I wear a plait). Explanation: "Коса" is a noun, while "косой" is an adjective; pay attention to context and endings.

• Another error is improper verb conjugation of "плести," such as using "плестит" instead of "плещет" in third person. Incorrect: "Она плестит косы" (grammatically wrong). Correct: "Она плетёт косы" (She plaits braids). Explanation: Follow standard conjugation rules to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "коса" often symbolizes traditional beauty and femininity, as seen in folklore tales like those of Russian fairy tales where long plaits represent youth and purity. Historically, plaiting hair was a common practice among women in rural areas, tied to agricultural and family life, reflecting themes of heritage and craftsmanship.

Related Concepts:

• заплести
• ткать
• косичка (a smaller braid)