Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'purse'

English Word: purse

Key Russian Translations:

• сумка [ˈsumkə] - [Informal, commonly used for a handbag or bag]
• кошелек [kɐˈʂɛlʲɪk] - [Formal, specifically for a wallet or purse holding money]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in everyday conversations, especially in shopping or daily life contexts.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; basic vocabulary that is straightforward for English speakers learning Russian, though inflections may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сумка: [ˈsumkə]

кошелек: [kɐˈʂɛlʲɪk]

Note on сумка: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'k' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Note on кошелек: Pronounce the 'ш' as a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to 'sh' in 'shoe', but ensure the 'л' is soft.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small bag used for carrying money and personal items (e.g., a wallet or coin purse).

Translation(s) & Context:

• кошелек - Used in formal or everyday contexts when referring specifically to a money-holding pouch, such as in financial or shopping scenarios.
• сумка - More general, informal context for a small bag, often implying a woman's handbag.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда ношу свой кошелек в кармане. (Ya vsegda noshu svoy koshyelek v karmane.)

  I always carry my purse in my pocket.

• Она купила новую сумку для монет. (Ona kupila novuyu sumku dlya monet.)

  She bought a new purse for coins.

• В кошельке не хватает мелочи. (V koshelelke ne khvataet melochi.)

  The purse doesn't have enough change.

• Моя сумка полна документов и ключей. (Moya sumka polna dokumentov i klyuchey.)

  My purse is full of documents and keys.

• Он забыл кошелек дома и не смог купить билет. (On zabyt koshyelek doma i ne smog kupit' bilet.)

  He forgot his purse at home and couldn't buy a ticket.

Meaning 2: A sum of money (less common, more archaic or literary usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• сумма - Used in contexts involving amounts of money, such as in formal or financial discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта сумма в кошельке предназначена для подарка. (Eta summa v koshelelke prednaznachena dlya podarka.)

  This purse (sum of money) is intended for a gift.

• Он выиграл большую сумму в лотерее. (On vyigral bol'shuyu summu v loteree.)

  He won a large purse in the lottery.

• Сумма в сумке оказалась меньше, чем ожидалось. (Summa v sumke okazalas' men'she, chem ozhidalos'.)

  The amount in the purse was less than expected.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard feminine declension patterns. "Сумка" and "кошелек" are regular and inflect based on case, number, and gender.

Plural forms exist but are less common for these words in the context of a 'purse'. For example, сумки (nominative plural). These are regular inflections without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сумочка (sumochka) - A diminutive form, implying a smaller or more feminine bag; often used in casual, affectionate contexts.
  • рюкзак (ryukzak) - For a backpack style, but less direct; used when the purse is more like a bag.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as 'purse' is a concrete noun without clear opposites. However, in a broader sense, concepts like 'empty' might contrast, e.g., пустой кошелек (empty wallet).

Related Phrases:

• Взять сумку (Vzyat' sumku) - To take a bag; used in everyday situations like going out.
• Потерять кошелек (Poteryat' koshyelek) - To lose a wallet; common in narratives about misfortune.
• Наполнить сумку (Naplnit' sumku) - To fill a bag; metaphorically for preparing or loading items.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сумка" is more versatile and often equates to an English 'bag' or 'handbag', while "кошелек" specifically aligns with a 'purse' as a money holder. Choose based on context: use "кошелек" for financial items to match the precise English meaning. Be mindful of gender agreements in sentences, as both are feminine nouns (e.g., моя сумка). In informal speech, diminutives like "сумочка" add endearment.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "сумка" and "кошелек": English learners might use "сумка" for a money purse, but it's better for general bags. Error: "Я ношу деньги в сумке" (incorrect if implying a wallet). Correct: "Я ношу деньги в кошельке". Explanation: "Сумка" implies a larger item, so specify context to avoid ambiguity.
• Incorrect inflections: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "в сумка" instead of "в сумке". Error: "Я кладу ключи в сумка". Correct: "Я кладу ключи в сумке". Explanation: Russian requires prepositional case for locations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "кошелек" is often associated with practicality and daily life, reflecting the importance of carrying cash in many transactions, especially in smaller towns where card payments are less common. Historically, purses like "сумка" have been part of traditional attire, symbolizing modesty and utility in folklore.

Related Concepts:

• рюкзак (backpack)
• сумка через плечо (shoulder bag)
• портмоне (wallet, more formal variant)