Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'skirt'

English Word: skirt

Key Russian Translations:

• юбка /ˈjubkə/ - [Neutral, commonly used for everyday clothing]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered regularly in everyday conversations about clothing and fashion in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward vocabulary and minimal grammatical complexity for English learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

юбка: /ˈjubkə/

Note on юбка: The stress is on the first syllable (/ˈjub-/). The 'ю' sound is similar to the 'yu' in "yule," and the final 'a' is a soft, unstressed vowel. Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A garment worn by women or girls, typically around the waist and hanging down, covering the legs.

Translation(s) & Context:

• юбка - Used in general contexts for women's clothing, such as fashion, shopping, or daily wear. This is the most direct and common translation for "skirt" in neutral or informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я купила новую юбку в магазине. (Ya kupila novuyu yubku v magazine.)

  I bought a new skirt at the store. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, demonstrating basic possession and action.)

• Её юбка была ярко-красного цвета. (Yeyo yubka byla yarko-krasnogo cveta.)

  Her skirt was bright red. (Here, the word is used with an adjective to describe appearance, highlighting attributive usage in descriptive contexts.)

• В лето я ношу короткие юбки. (V leto ya noshu korotkiye yubki.)

  In summer, I wear short skirts. (This illustrates plural form and seasonal context, showing how the word adapts to everyday routines.)

• Юбка из шёлка выглядит элегантно. (Yubka iz sholka vyglyadit eleganto.)

  The silk skirt looks elegant. (This example pairs the word with a material noun, emphasizing material descriptions in fashion discussions.)

• Она примерила юбку перед зеркалом. (Ona primierila yubku pered zerkaom.)

  She tried on the skirt in front of the mirror. (This demonstrates the word in an action-oriented sentence, common in narratives or shopping scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"юбка" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. There are no irregularities.

Note: This table shows how the word changes based on grammatical case, which is essential for correct sentence structure in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: юбочка (a diminutive form, implying a smaller or cuter skirt; often used in informal or affectionate contexts)
• юпка (a less common variant, sometimes used in dialects for a specific style of skirt)
• Antonyms: брюки (pants; implies a contrasting type of lower-body clothing, often more formal or unisex)

Related Phrases:

• мини-юбка - A short skirt; often used in fashion contexts to describe modern, youthful styles.
• длинная юбка - A long skirt; refers to fuller-length garments, commonly in traditional or modest attire.
• летняя юбка - A summer skirt; indicates seasonal clothing, highlighting lightweight fabrics.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "юбка" directly corresponds to the English "skirt" as a feminine noun, making it straightforward for beginners. It is versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in everyday speech. Be mindful of declensions when using it in sentences; for example, always adjust for case as per the table above. If multiple translations exist, choose "юбка" for general purposes, but opt for diminutives like "юбочка" in casual or endearing contexts to convey nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "юбка" in all cases, e.g., saying "Я думаю о юбка" instead of "Я думаю о юбке" (genitive case). Correct: "Я думаю о юбке" – Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must identify the required case based on prepositions or sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.
• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "юбилей" (anniversary), leading to misuse in clothing contexts. Correct: Stick to "юбка" for clothing; – Explanation: These are homophones in writing but not in speech, so context and pronunciation practice are key.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "юбка" is a staple in women's fashion and is often associated with traditional attire like those worn during folk festivals or everyday wear. However, it doesn't carry strong historical connotations unless specified (e.g., in contexts of Soviet-era fashion). It's a neutral term, but in modern Russia, shorter skirts might reflect Western influences, symbolizing youth and modernity.

Related Concepts:

• платье (dress)
• брюки (pants)
• сарафан (sundress or traditional Russian garment)