Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sleave'

English Word: sleave

Key Russian Translations:

• рукав [ˈrukəf] - [Common, used in everyday contexts for clothing]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about clothing and fashion, but not in everyday casual speech outside specific contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary with basic inflections, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рукав: [ˈrukəf]

Note on рукав: The stress is on the first syllable ("RU-kəf"). The "у" is pronounced as a short "u" sound, similar to "oo" in "book." Be mindful of the soft sign "в" at the end, which doesn't affect pronunciation but indicates grammatical features.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The part of a garment that covers the arm

Translation(s) & Context:

• рукав - Used in contexts related to clothing, fashion, or descriptions of apparel; common in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• У меня новый свитер с длинными рукавами.

  I have a new sweater with long sleeves. (This example shows the word in a simple possessive context, describing clothing attributes.)

• Она засучила рукава, чтобы помыть посуду.

  She rolled up her sleeves to wash the dishes. (Illustrates the word in an action-oriented, informal scenario involving physical activity.)

• В этой куртке короткие рукава, идеально для лета.

  This jacket has short sleeves, perfect for summer. (Demonstrates usage in comparative descriptions, highlighting seasonal contexts.)

• Дизайнер добавил кружева на рукава платья.

  The designer added lace to the sleeves of the dress. (Shows the word in a creative or fashion-related context with adjectives.)

• Рукава его рубашки были слишком узкими.

  The sleeves of his shirt were too narrow. (Exemplifies usage with possessive pronouns and adjectives in everyday complaints.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"рукав" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always pay attention to the ending based on the sentence's grammatical requirements.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: манжета (manzheta) - Refers specifically to the cuff of a sleeve; used in more formal or detailed clothing descriptions. рукавица (rukavitsa) - Sometimes used metaphorically for gloves or protective sleeves.
• Antonyms: штанина (shtanina) - Refers to the leg part of pants, contrasting with arm coverings in clothing contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Закатать рукава - To roll up one's sleeves; used figuratively to mean getting down to serious work. (Common in motivational or work-related contexts.)
• Длинный рукав - Long sleeve; a basic phrase for describing clothing styles. (Often used in shopping or fashion discussions.)
• Короткий рукав - Short sleeve; contrasts with long sleeves for seasonal wear. (Helpful in everyday conversations about weather-appropriate attire.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "рукав" directly corresponds to the English "sleeve" in most contexts, especially for clothing. It is a neutral term without strong formal or informal restrictions, but it's more common in descriptive or narrative speech. When translating from English, ensure the context matches—e.g., use it for garments rather than metaphorical uses like "up your sleeve" (which might require idioms like "в рукаве"). Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence case to avoid errors. If multiple translations exist, choose "рукав" for standard clothing references.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "Я ношу рукав" instead of "Я ношу рукав" (correct for accusative, but often misplaced in other cases).

  Correct Usage: "Я ношу рубашку с рукавом" (I wear a shirt with a sleeve) – Ensure the genitive "с рукавом" is used after prepositions.

  Explanation: Russian nouns change endings based on case, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

• Common Error: Using "рукав" metaphorically without adaptation, e.g., translating "ace up my sleeve" directly as "туз в рукав" (which is incorrect; the proper idiom is "в рукаве").

  Correct Usage: Use established idioms like "держать в рукаве" for hidden advantages.

  Explanation: Direct word-for-word translation doesn't work for idiomatic expressions, so learners should learn common phrases separately.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "закатать рукава" (roll up sleeves) often symbolize hard work or determination, reflecting a historical emphasis on labor in literature and proverbs. This ties into broader themes of resilience in Russian folklore, where clothing elements like sleeves might appear in stories as symbols of practicality in harsh climates.

Related Concepts:

• манжета (cuff)
• воротник (collar)
• пиджак (jacket)