Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shaggy'

English Word: shaggy

Key Russian Translations:

• лохматый [lɐxˈmatɨj] - [Informal, Descriptive of unkempt hair or fur]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday descriptions of animals or objects, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "big" or "small")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions, but the word itself is straightforward once basic grammar is learned)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лохматый: [lɐxˈmatɨj]

Note on лохматый: The stress falls on the second syllable ("mat"), which is common in Russian adjectives. Be careful with the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects pronunciation but not spelling.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Having long, untidy, or unkempt hair, fur, or a similar texture (e.g., describing animals, hair, or objects like carpets).

Translation(s) & Context:

• лохматый - Used in informal contexts to describe something with messy, long hair or fur, such as a dog or a person's hair; common in casual conversation or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Его собака лохматая и очень игривая. (His dog is shaggy and very playful.)

  His dog is shaggy and very playful. (This example shows the adjective in a simple descriptive sentence, highlighting physical appearance in everyday talk.)

• Лохматый ковёр в гостиной нуждается в чистке. (The shaggy carpet in the living room needs cleaning.)

  The shaggy carpet in the living room needs cleaning. (Here, it describes an object, demonstrating use with inanimate nouns.)

• Ветер сделал её волосы лохматыми. (The wind made her hair shaggy.)

  The wind made her hair shaggy. (This illustrates the adjective in a dynamic context, showing change or state.)

• Лохматый старик сидел на скамейке, рассказывая истории. (The shaggy old man sat on the bench, telling stories.)

  The shaggy old man sat on the bench, telling stories. (Example in a narrative setting, combining with other descriptors for vivid imagery.)

• Дети любят играть с лохматыми игрушками. (Children love playing with shaggy toys.)

  Children love playing with shaggy toys. (This shows plural use and application to manufactured items like stuffed animals.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лохматый" is a standard Russian adjective, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. It follows the regular pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once the basic rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • волосатый (volosatiy) - More general for "hairy," but can imply a similar unkempt quality; often used for humans or animals.
  • заросший (zarossʹhiy) - Implies overgrowth, like weeds or hair, with a slightly more negative connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • гладкий (gladkiy) - Smooth or sleek, opposite in texture.
  • стриженый (strizhenyy) - Trimmed or clipped, implying neatness.

Related Phrases:

• Лохматый ковёр (Lohmatyy kovyor) - Shaggy carpet; a common phrase for describing textured home items.
• Лохматая собака (Lohmataya sobaka) - Shaggy dog; used in everyday language for pets with unkempt fur.
• Лохматые волосы (Lohmatyye volosy) - Shaggy hair; refers to messy hairstyles, often in casual or humorous contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Лохматый" directly corresponds to "shaggy" in English, particularly for describing physical textures like hair or fur. It is most appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations or descriptive writing, and should be avoided in formal contexts where more neutral terms might be preferred. When using this adjective, always decline it according to the noun's gender, number, and case to maintain grammatical accuracy. For learners, choose "лохматый" over synonyms like "заросший" if the emphasis is specifically on a fluffy, untidy appearance rather than overgrowth. In sentences, it often pairs with nouns related to animals or objects, enhancing vivid descriptions.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "лохматый собака" instead of "лохматая собака" for a feminine noun like "собака" (dog, feminine).

  Correct Usage: Лохматая собака. (Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify; this mistake can make the sentence sound ungrammatical to native speakers.)

• Common Error: Using it interchangeably with "волосатый" without considering nuance, e.g., describing a clean but hairy animal as "лохматый."

  Correct Usage: Opt for "волосатый" for simple hairiness; reserve "лохматый" for unkempt or messy textures. (Explanation: This can lead to miscommunication, as "лохматый" implies disorder, not just presence of hair.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "лохматый" often appear in folklore and literature to describe wild or rustic characters, such as in fairy tales where animals or hermits have shaggy appearances. This reflects a broader appreciation for nature's untamed aspects, but it can also carry a humorous or endearing connotation in modern usage, as seen in children's stories or casual slang.

Related Concepts:

• волосатый (volosatiy)
• заросший (zarossʹhiy)
• гладкий (gladkiy)