Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shin'

English Word: shin

Key Russian Translations:

• голень [ɡɐˈlʲenʲ] - [Formal, Anatomical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in medical, sports, and everyday conversations about injuries, but not as frequent as basic body parts like "hand" or "foot").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize it in context, but mastering its inflections requires understanding Russian noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

голень: [ɡɐˈlʲenʲ]

Note on голень: The stress is on the second syllable (lʲenʲ). Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers used to harder 'l' sounds. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The lower part of the leg, between the knee and the ankle (anatomical term).

Translation(s) & Context:

• голень - Used in formal or medical contexts, such as describing injuries or in anatomy lessons. It is the standard translation for "shin" in precise scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Он сломал голень во время футбольного матча.

  He broke his shin during a football match. (This example shows the word in a sports injury context, highlighting its use in narrative descriptions.)

• Врачи наложили гипс на её голень после падения.

  The doctors put a cast on her shin after the fall. (Demonstrates usage in a medical setting, with the noun in the accusative case.)

• Боль в голени может указывать на переутомление.

  Pain in the shin can indicate overexertion. (Illustrates the word in a health advisory context, showing prepositional phrases.)

• Атлет регулярно тренирует мышцы голени для бега.

  The athlete regularly trains the shin muscles for running. (This shows the word in a fitness or training context, emphasizing possessive structures.)

• Её голень была покрыта синяками от аварии.

  Her shin was covered in bruises from the accident. (Provides a example in a descriptive, everyday injury scenario.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Голень" is a feminine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ь, with regular inflections based on case and number. It is invariable in plural forms in most contexts but changes in singular cases.

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "shin" is typically discussed in singular contexts. If the word is used in compound terms, like "берцовая кость" (shinbone), inflections may vary based on the full phrase.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • берцовая кость (more specific, referring to the shinbone; used in medical contexts for precision).
  • нижняя часть ноги (less formal, descriptive phrase for everyday use).
• Antonyms:
  • Not directly applicable, as "shin" is a specific body part without a clear opposite. However, related concepts might include "верхняя часть ноги" (upper part of the leg).

Related Phrases:

• Болит голень - (Means "The shin hurts"; Used to describe pain or injury in casual health conversations.)
• Перелом голени - (Means "Shin fracture"; A common medical phrase for injuries.)
• Тренировка мышц голени - (Means "Shin muscle training"; Often used in fitness routines to prevent injuries.)

Usage Notes:

"Голень" directly corresponds to the English "shin" in anatomical contexts and is the most accurate translation. It is typically used in formal or technical settings, such as medicine or sports, rather than casual conversation where more general terms like "нога" (leg) might suffice. English learners should note that Russian nouns require case agreement, so "голень" changes form based on its role in the sentence (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "берцовая кость," opt for it in highly technical discussions for greater specificity. Avoid using it in idiomatic expressions unless the context demands anatomical precision.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "голень" with "нога" (leg): Learners might overuse "нога" for "shin," leading to vagueness. Incorrect: "Болит нога" when specifically meaning shin. Correct: "Болит голень." Explanation: "Нога" refers to the entire leg, so specify "голень" for accuracy in injury descriptions.

• Incorrect inflection: For example, using nominative "голень" in all cases. Incorrect: "Боль в голень" (should be genitive). Correct: "Боль в голени." Explanation: Russian requires proper case endings; ignoring them can make sentences grammatically incorrect.

• Over-literal translation: Assuming "shin" always translates to "голень" in metaphors, which it doesn't. For instance, in English idioms like "kick in the shin," use a more contextual Russian equivalent rather than direct translation.

Cultural Notes:

"Голень" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, but in Russian culture, discussions of body parts like this often arise in contexts of physical endurance or health, reflecting the importance of sports and outdoor activities in Russian daily life. For example, in literature or folklore, injuries to the "голень" might symbolize resilience, as seen in stories of soldiers or athletes overcoming hardships.

Related Concepts:

• нога (leg)
• колено (knee)
• лодыжка (ankle)
• мышцы (muscles)