Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sheepskin'

English Word: sheepskin

Key Russian Translations:

• овчина [ɐvˈtɕinə] - [Formal, used in general or technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in everyday language related to clothing, materials, or traditional contexts, but not as common as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to materials and daily life.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

овчина: [ɐvˈtɕinə]

Note on овчина: The stress is on the second syllable ('tɕinə'). Be mindful of the palatalized 'tɕ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers as it combines 't' and 'ch' sounds. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The skin of a sheep, often used for clothing, books, or other materials

Translation(s) & Context:

• овчина - Used in formal, technical, or everyday contexts when referring to sheepskin as a material, such as in clothing or crafts.

Usage Examples:

• Он купил овчину для изготовления зимней куртки.

  He bought sheepskin to make a winter jacket.

• В традиционных русских домах овчина часто используется для утепления.

  In traditional Russian homes, sheepskin is often used for insulation.

• Эта книга переплетена в овчину, что придает ей особый вид.

  This book is bound in sheepskin, giving it a distinctive appearance.

• Овчина популярна в регионах с холодным климатом из-за своей теплоты.

  Sheepskin is popular in regions with cold climates due to its warmth.

• Мастера поработали с овчиной, чтобы создать уникальные аксессуары.

  Craftsmen worked with sheepskin to create unique accessories.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"овчина" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шкурка (shkurka) - A more general term for animal skin, often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • кожа овцы (koža ovcy) - A descriptive phrase, less formal and more literal.
• Antonyms:
  • синтетика (sintetika) - Refers to synthetic materials, highlighting the contrast with natural ones.
  • ткань (tkán') - General term for fabric, implying non-animal materials.

Related Phrases:

• овчинный тулуп (ovchínnyy tulúp) - A traditional Russian sheepskin coat; used in cold weather for warmth and cultural attire.
• из овчины (iz ovchíny) - Made of sheepskin; a common phrase in descriptions of clothing or accessories.
• овчинная шуба (ovchínnaya shubá) - Sheepskin fur coat; often associated with rural or historical Russian fashion.

Usage Notes:

"овчина" directly corresponds to "sheepskin" in English, emphasizing the material's natural origin. It is typically used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as discussions about clothing, crafts, or traditional items. Be aware of its feminine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "теплая овчина" for "warm sheepskin"). When choosing between translations, opt for "овчина" in material-specific contexts rather than more general terms like "шкурка." In spoken Russian, it's common in rural or cultural discussions, but less so in urban slang.

Common Errors:

• Confusing gender and declension: Learners might incorrectly decline "овчина" as a masculine noun, e.g., saying "овчина был" instead of "овчина была" (correct: "the sheepskin was"). Correct usage: Always treat it as feminine, so use "была" for past tense agreements.

• Overgeneralizing the term: English speakers might use "овчина" for any animal skin, leading to errors like "овчина волка" (incorrect for wolf skin). Correct: Use "шкурка" for general skins and reserve "овчина" specifically for sheep. Explanation: This maintains precision in Russian vocabulary.

• Ignoring context: Mistakenly using "овчина" in non-material contexts, e.g., "овчина человека" (nonsensical). Correct: Stick to contexts involving animal products; explain with phrases like "из овчины" for clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "овчина" holds historical significance as a symbol of warmth and practicality in harsh winters. It is often featured in traditional clothing like the "тулуп" or "шуба," reflecting rural heritage and folklore. This material embodies resourcefulness in cold climates, appearing in literature and folk tales as a staple of everyday life, which can deepen appreciation for Russian customs among English learners.

Related Concepts:

• шкурка (shkurka)
• кожа (koža)
• шерсть (sherst')