Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'seam'

English Word: seam

Key Russian Translations:

• шов /ʃov/ - [Formal, commonly used in technical or everyday contexts]
• шовный шов /ˈʃovnɨj ʃov/ - [Informal, specific to sewing or fabric-related discussions]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in everyday conversations about clothing, manufacturing, or construction, but not as common as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and pronunciation, though variations can make it challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шов: /ʃov/

шовный шов: /ˈʃovnɨj ʃov/

Note on шов: The initial 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English 'shoe'. Be careful with stress on the first syllable, as misplacing it can alter perceived meaning in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A line where two pieces of fabric or material are joined (e.g., in sewing or construction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шов - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing clothing repairs or engineering seams.
• шовный шов - Informal variant, often in casual sewing discussions or DIY scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• В шве соединяются две части ткани для прочности.

  In the seam, two pieces of fabric are joined for strength. (This example shows the word in a basic descriptive context.)

• Этот шов на рубашке начал распускаться после стирки.

  This seam on the shirt started to unravel after washing. (Illustrates usage in everyday clothing maintenance.)

• В строительстве шовный шов обеспечивает герметичность конструкции.

  In construction, the seam ensures the airtightness of the structure. (Demonstrates application in a technical field.)

• Она аккуратно зашила шов на платье перед вечеринкой.

  She neatly sewed the seam on the dress before the party. (Shows the word in a personal, informal scenario.)

• Шов в ткани может быть скрытым или декоративным, в зависимости от дизайна.

  The seam in the fabric can be hidden or decorative, depending on the design. (Highlights variations in context and grammar.)

A geological or mining seam (e.g., a layer of coal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шов - Used in scientific or industrial contexts, such as mining or geology.

Usage Examples:

• Геологи обнаружили богатый шов угля в этой шахте.

  Geologists discovered a rich seam of coal in this mine. (This example applies to geological contexts.)

• Шов полезных ископаемых простирается на несколько километров.

  The seam of minerals extends for several kilometers. (Shows extension in descriptive narratives.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шов" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in some contexts (e.g., when referring to a single seam). Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

For "шовный шов", it is a compound phrase where "шовный" is an adjective that agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case. It inflects regularly as a short-form adjective.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стык (styk) - Often used interchangeably for joins in construction, but more mechanical.
  • соединение (soedineniye) - A broader term for any connection, with a more abstract connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • разрыв (razryv) - Implies a break or tear, contrasting with the idea of joining.
  • отделение (otdeleniye) - Suggests separation, used in contexts like disassembly.

Related Phrases:

• Закрытый шов (zakrytyy shov) - A hidden seam; used in sewing to describe invisible joins for aesthetic purposes.
• Декоративный шов (dekorativnyy shov) - A decorative seam; common in fashion design for visible, ornamental stitching.
• Шов в шахте (shov v shakhte) - A seam in a mine; refers to mineral layers in geological contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Шов" directly corresponds to the English "seam" in most contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the type of seam (e.g., via adjectives like "шовный"). It is neutral in register but leans formal in technical fields. When using in sentences, ensure proper case agreement with accompanying words. For multiple translations, choose "шов" for general purposes and "шовный шов" for sewing-specific discussions to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking the case: English learners often use the nominative "шов" in all contexts, e.g., saying "Я видел шов" instead of the correct genitive in phrases like "Я видел шва в ткани" (I saw the seam in the fabric). Correct usage: Use genitive "шва" after prepositions like "в".
• Overgeneralizing: Confusing "шов" with "стык", leading to incorrect translations in construction contexts. Error example: Using "стык" for a fabric seam; correct: "шов". Explanation: "Шов" implies a sewn or fabric join, while "стык" is for rigid connections.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "шов" are prevalent in traditional crafts such as embroidery and folk clothing, reflecting historical sewing practices in rural communities. For instance, intricate seams in matryoshka dolls or traditional garments symbolize craftsmanship and heritage, often highlighted in festivals or museums.

Related Concepts:

• ткань (tkany)
• шахта (shakhta)
• соединение (soedineniye)