Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shoulder'

English Word: shoulder

Key Russian Translations:

• плечо /ˈpʲet͡ɕə/ - [Formal, Anatomical]
• плечи /ˈpʲet͡ɕɪ/ - [Plural, Informal, Used in descriptions of posture or burdens]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about anatomy, health, or metaphors, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "to be").

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner for anatomical meaning; B1 for metaphorical uses, as it involves basic noun inflections and context).

Pronunciation (Russian):

плечо: /ˈpʲet͡ɕə/ (The "пʲ" sound is a palatalized 'p', and the "ч" is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'church'. Stress on the first syllable.)

Note on плечо: Be cautious with the palatalization; non-native speakers often soften it incorrectly. In fast speech, it may sound like /ˈpʲeɕə/.

Audio: []

плечи: /ˈpʲet͡ɕɪ/ (Plural form; stress remains on the first syllable, with a softer ending vowel.)

Note on плечи: The plural form ends in a neutral vowel, which can vary slightly by dialect; in Southern Russian, it might be more open.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Anatomical Meaning: The part of the body connecting the arm to the torso.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плечо - Used in medical, everyday, or descriptive contexts, such as discussing injuries or anatomy.
• плечи - Plural form for referring to both shoulders, often in contexts like fashion, exercise, or emotional burdens.

Usage Examples:

• У него болит плечо после тренировки.

  His shoulder hurts after the workout. (This example shows the singular form in a health-related context.)

• Она несла тяжёлый рюкзак на плечах.

  She was carrying a heavy backpack on her shoulders. (Illustrates the plural form in a literal, physical scenario.)

• Врачи осмотрели его плечо в больнице.

  The doctors examined his shoulder at the hospital. (Demonstrates use in a formal medical setting.)

• Его плечи были напряжены от стресса.

  His shoulders were tense from stress. (Shows metaphorical use related to emotion or posture.)

• Дети висели на его плече, смеясь.

  The children were hanging on his shoulder, laughing. (Highlights the word in an informal, playful context.)

Metaphorical Meaning: To bear responsibility or support something emotionally.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плечи (as in "to shoulder a burden") - Used in idiomatic expressions for emotional or figurative weight.

Usage Examples:

• Он взвалил на свои плечи заботы всей семьи.

  He shouldered the worries of the entire family. (This example conveys taking on responsibility in a family context.)

• Её плечи сгибаются под грузом работы.

  Her shoulders are bending under the weight of work. (Illustrates metaphorical strain in a professional setting.)

• Плечи нации должны выдержать кризис.

  The shoulders of the nation must withstand the crisis. (Shows use in a broader, societal or patriotic context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плечо" is a neuter noun in the second declension, which means it undergoes regular inflection for cases and numbers. "Плечи" is its plural form. Below is a table outlining the key inflections:

Note: These inflections are regular for most neuter nouns, but always check for exceptions in compounds or poetic uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • лопатка (specifically for the shoulder blade; more anatomical precision)
  • сустав (joint; used when emphasizing the connection point)
• Antonyms:
  • нога (leg; opposite body part)
  • голова (head; contrasting upper body features)

Related Phrases:

• Плечо к плечу - Shoulder to shoulder (Meaning: Working together closely, often in unity or solidarity; used in motivational or team contexts).
• Взвалить на плечи - To shoulder a burden (Meaning: To take on a heavy responsibility; common in discussions of leadership or challenges).
• Плечи опущены - Shoulders drooped (Meaning: Sign of defeat or tiredness; used in emotional or descriptive narratives).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "плечо" directly corresponds to the anatomical "shoulder" in English, but for metaphorical uses like "to shoulder responsibility," phrases like "взвалить на плечи" are more idiomatic. Always consider the context: formal settings prefer precise anatomical terms, while informal speech might use it metaphorically. Grammatically, remember that as a neuter noun, it agrees with adjectives in the neuter form (e.g., "больное плечо" for "sick shoulder"). When choosing between translations, use "плечи" for plural or collective references to avoid confusion.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "плечо" in plural contexts without inflecting properly, e.g., saying "плечо" when meaning "shoulders."
  Correct: Use "плечи" and inflect as needed (e.g., "на плечах"). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so beginners often forget to change the ending.
• Mistake: Pronouncing "плечо" as /ˈplecho/ without palatalization.
  Correct: Emphasize the palatalized "пʲ" sound. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural or confused with similar terms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "плечо к плечу" evoke historical solidarity, such as in wartime or revolutionary contexts (e.g., during World War II). It symbolizes communal strength and is often used in literature or speeches to inspire unity, reflecting Russia's emphasis on collective endurance over individual heroism.

Related Concepts:

• рука (arm)
• спина (back)
• суставы (joints)