Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rugby'

English Word: rugby

Key Russian Translations:

• регби (/ˈrʲeɡbʲi/) - [Informal, Sport Context; Used in everyday discussions about sports]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in sports-related conversations, media, and educational contexts in Russia, but not in everyday non-sports dialogue.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - As a borrowed word from English, it requires familiarity with loanwords and basic Russian pronunciation; no significant grammatical complexity.

Pronunciation (Russian):

регби: /ˈrʲeɡbʲi/ (The stress is on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled, and the "г" is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative.)

Note on регби: This word is a direct transliteration from English, so non-native speakers may struggle with the soft "бʲ" sound. Pay attention to the palatalization in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A contact team sport originating from England, involving carrying, passing, and kicking an oval ball.

Translation(s) & Context:

• регби - Used in general contexts for the sport, such as in sports news, conversations about physical activities, or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Он играет в регби каждые выходные. (He plays rugby every weekend.)

  Translation: He plays rugby every weekend. (This example shows the word in a simple present tense context, highlighting recreational use.)

• Регби - это популярный вид спорта в Великобритании. (Rugby is a popular sport in the United Kingdom.)

  Translation: Rugby is a popular sport in the United Kingdom. (Demonstrates use in descriptive sentences about cultural origins.)

• Команда выиграла чемпионат по регби. (The team won the rugby championship.)

  Translation: The team won the rugby championship. (Illustrates use in competitive or event-related contexts.)

• В регби важны сила и командный дух. (In rugby, strength and team spirit are important.)

  Translation: In rugby, strength and team spirit are important. (Shows the word in discussions about sport attributes.)

• Дети учатся регби в школьном клубе. (Children are learning rugby in the school club.)

  Translation: Children are learning rugby in the school club. (Highlights educational or introductory contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Регби" is a neuter noun (ср. род) borrowed from English, and it generally follows standard Russian noun patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is indeclinable in most cases, meaning it does not change form in different cases, but can be used in plural forms when referring to multiple games or teams.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "регби" remains unchanged in most grammatical contexts, which simplifies its use for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: регбилиг (rugby league, a variant) - Used specifically for the league form of the sport; американский футбол (American football) - Sometimes loosely compared in casual contexts due to similar physicality.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "регби" is a specific sport name. However, in broader contexts, индивидуальные виды спорта (individual sports) could contrast with team-based activities like rugby.

Related Phrases:

• игра в регби (game of rugby) - Refers to a match or session; commonly used in scheduling or event discussions.
• регбийный мяч (rugby ball) - Describes the equipment; highlights physical aspects of the sport.
• чемпионат по регби (rugby championship) - Used for tournaments; implies competitive events.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English "rugby" as a sport. It is typically used in informal or formal sports contexts without significant restrictions, but avoid confusing it with "футбол" (soccer). In Russian, "регби" is a masculine or neuter noun in practice, though it's indeclinable, making it straightforward for English speakers. When choosing between translations, stick with "регби" for accuracy in modern Russian. Grammatically, it pairs well with verbs like "играть" (to play) or "смотреть" (to watch) in various tenses.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Mispronouncing as /ˈrɛɡbi/ without the Russian palatalization (e.g., saying "регби" like the English word). Correct: Use /ˈrʲeɡbʲi/ to reflect proper Russian phonetics. Explanation: English speakers often overlook soft consonants, leading to misunderstandings in pronunciation.
• Mistake: Treating it as a fully declinable noun, e.g., incorrectly saying "регбия" in genitive. Correct: Keep it as "регби" in all cases. Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, forcing changes can make your Russian sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

"Регби" is not as culturally dominant in Russia as in countries like the UK or New Zealand, but it has gained popularity through international events like the Rugby World Cup. It often symbolizes teamwork and physical endurance in Russian media, and is sometimes associated with British cultural influence due to its origins.

Related Concepts:

• футбол (football/soccer)
• баскетбол (basketball)
• спорт (sport)