Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pocket'

English Word: pocket

Key Russian Translations:

• карман [ˈkarmən] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts; Informal to Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level, per CEFR; Involves basic noun declensions, which may require practice for English speakers unfamiliar with Slavic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

карман: [ˈkarmən]

Note on карман: The stress is on the first syllable, which is common in Russian nouns. The "р" sound is a rolled 'r', which can be challenging for non-native speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small pouch or compartment in clothing for carrying items.

Translation(s) & Context:

• карман - Used for the literal sense of a pocket in clothes, bags, or other items; Common in everyday descriptions of clothing or personal items.

Usage Examples:

• Я положил ключи в карман. (Ya polozhil klyuchi v karman.)

  I put the keys in the pocket. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, demonstrating basic possession and location.)

• Его карман был полон мелочи. (Yego karman byl polon melochi.)

  His pocket was full of change. (Illustrates the word with a possessive pronoun and in the context of containing items, highlighting everyday utility.)

• В кармане куртки я нашел записку. (V karmane kurtki ya nayol zapis-ku.)

  In the pocket of the jacket, I found a note. (Demonstrates the word in a prepositional phrase, showing its use with specific articles of clothing.)

• Она всегда носит телефон в кармане. (Ona vsegda nosit telefon v karmane.)

  She always carries her phone in her pocket. (This shows habitual action and the word in a more dynamic, routine context.)

• Карман джинсов порвался. (Karman dzhinsov porvalsya.)

  The pocket of the jeans tore. (Exemplifies the word with clothing specifics and in a descriptive narrative about damage.)

Secondary Meaning: Figurative use, such as a small enclosed area or a reserve (e.g., in sports or finance).

Translation(s) & Context:

• карман - In figurative contexts, like in billiards or economics; Less common but applicable in specialized scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Мяч упал в карман стола. (Myach upal v karman stola.)

  The ball fell into the pocket of the table. (Refers to a billiards table pocket, showing metaphorical extension.)

• У него есть карман денег на непредвиденные расходы. (U nego est' karman deneg na nepredvidennye rashody.)

  He has a pocket of money for unexpected expenses. (Illustrates figurative use in financial contexts, emphasizing reserves.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Карман" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сумочка (sumochka) - A smaller, more feminine pouch, often used for handbags; кишенка (kishenka) - A diminutive or child-like pocket, with a connotation of cuteness or small size.
• Antonyms: внешний карман (vneshniy karman) doesn't directly apply, but conceptually, открытое пространство (otkrytoe prostranstvo) - An open space, implying the opposite of an enclosed pocket.

Related Phrases:

• в кармане (v karmane) - In the pocket; Used to indicate location within a pocket.
• положить в карман (polozhit' v karman) - To put in the pocket; A common action phrase for storing items.
• карманные деньги (karmannye den'gi) - Pocket money; Refers to small amounts of money for personal use, often for children.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "карман" directly corresponds to the English "pocket" in most literal contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian requires declension based on case, which affects the ending (e.g., "в кармане" for locative use). It's versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in everyday speech. When choosing between synonyms like "сумочка", opt for "карман" for general clothing pockets. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as "карман" is masculine.

• In formal writing, pair it with precise prepositions like "в" (in) for location.
• For figurative uses, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse declensions, such as saying "в карман" instead of "в кармане" when indicating location (correct: "в кармане" means "in the pocket"). Another error is confusing it with "сумка" (bag), leading to incorrect word choice. Example of error: "Я нашел в карман" (incorrect) vs. Correct: "Я нашел в кармане" – The prepositional case is essential for proper sentence structure, as it indicates the object of the preposition.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "карман" can evoke everyday practicality, as seen in literature like Chekhov's stories where characters rummage through pockets for symbolic items. Historically, pockets in traditional Russian clothing like the sarafan were less common, symbolizing modesty, which contrasts with modern urban life where pockets are ubiquitous in Western-influenced apparel.

Related Concepts:

• сумка (sumka) - Bag
• рюкзак (ryukzak) - Backpack
• кошелек (koshelek) - Wallet