Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rucksack'

English Word: rucksack

Key Russian Translations:

• рюкзак /rʲʊkˈzak/ - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word appears regularly in casual conversations, literature, and travel-related discussions, but it's not among the most basic vocabulary items.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; suitable for beginners with basic familiarity with Russian nouns and declensions, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рюкзак: /rʲʊkˈzak/

Note on рюкзак: The initial 'р' is a trilled 'r' sound, and the 'ю' is a palatalized vowel, which may be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in regional accents (e.g., in Moscow vs. St. Petersburg) might slightly alter the vowel quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A sturdy backpack or knapsack used for carrying items on the back, often for hiking, traveling, or outdoor activities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• рюкзак - Used in neutral, everyday contexts such as describing outdoor gear or personal belongings; common in both formal and informal settings, like shopping or travel planning.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял рюкзак для похода в горы.

  I took a rucksack for the hike in the mountains. (Demonstrates basic usage in a travel context.)

• Её рюкзак был полон книг и еды.

  Her rucksack was full of books and food. (Shows the noun in a possessive structure with everyday items.)

• В магазине я купил новый рюкзак для путешествий.

  In the store, I bought a new rucksack for travels. (Illustrates usage in a commercial or purchasing scenario.)

• Рюкзак упал на землю во время бега.

  The rucksack fell to the ground during the run. (Highlights the noun in an action-oriented sentence.)

• Дети носят рюкзаки в школу каждый день.

  Children carry rucksacks to school every day. (Depicts plural usage in a routine, daily context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рюкзак is a masculine noun (though it ends in a consonant, it follows second-declension patterns). It undergoes regular declensions based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always adjust based on sentence requirements for case agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: торба (torba - a general bag, but less specific to backpacks; often used for informal or rustic contexts), ранец (ranets - a school backpack, with a connotation of educational use).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a concrete noun; however, in contexts of storage, something like чемодан (chemodan - suitcase) could imply a contrast in portability.

Related Phrases:

• Спортивный рюкзак - A sports rucksack; used for athletic or outdoor activities. (English: Refers to a backpack designed for exercise or hiking.)
• Туристический рюкзак - A tourist rucksack; common in travel contexts. (English: Indicates a backpack for sightseeing or vacations.)
• Рюкзак с водонепроницаемым покрытием - A rucksack with waterproof coating; emphasizes durability. (English: Highlights features for weather-resistant use.)

Usage Notes:

рюкзак directly corresponds to "rucksack" in English, emphasizing a backpack with straps for the back, often implying durability for outdoor use. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal (e.g., product descriptions) and informal (e.g., casual conversations) settings. When choosing among synonyms like ранец, opt for рюкзак if the context involves general or adult use rather than school settings. Grammatically, ensure proper declension based on case (e.g., use рюкзаком in instrumental case for "with a rucksack"). This word is versatile and doesn't carry strong regional variations, making it ideal for learners building everyday vocabulary.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong declension, e.g., saying "Я видел рюкзака" instead of "Я видел рюкзак". Correct: The accusative case for a masculine noun like рюкзак remains the same as nominative in singular. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case systems, leading to agreement errors; always check the sentence structure for proper case.

• Error: Confusing it with сумка (sumka, meaning a general bag), e.g., using сумка when рюкзак is needed. Correct: Use рюкзак for backpacks specifically. Explanation: сумка is broader and doesn't imply back-wearing, so this mix-up can alter the meaning in travel or outdoor contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, рюкзак is a staple item for outdoor activities like hiking in the vast Siberian wilderness or urban explorations in cities like Moscow. It symbolizes practicality and adventure, often featured in literature and films about Soviet-era explorations, reflecting Russia's emphasis on endurance and nature.

Related Concepts:

• сумка (sumka - bag)
• ранец (ranets - school backpack)
• рюкзачок (ryukzachok - small rucksack)