Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sneaker'

English Word: sneaker

Key Russian Translations:

• кроссовки [krosˈsovkʲi] - [Plural, Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations about clothing and sports, especially among younger demographics in urban areas).

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner/Elementary level in CEFR; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities, but requires understanding of Russian plural forms).

Pronunciation (Russian):

кроссовки: [krosˈsovkʲi]

Note on кроссовки: The stress is on the second syllable ("sov"), and the "кʲ" sound is a palatalized 'k', which may be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, quick ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A type of casual or athletic footwear with a flexible sole, often used for sports or everyday wear.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кроссовки - Used in informal contexts for sneakers, especially in casual conversation or when referring to sports gear. Common in modern Russian urban slang.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю кроссовки для пробежки по утрам.

  I put on sneakers for my morning runs. (This example shows the word in a daily routine context, highlighting its use with physical activities.)

• Его новые кроссовки выглядят очень стильно.

  His new sneakers look very stylish. (Demonstrates the word in a descriptive, fashion-related sentence, emphasizing plural form.)

• В кроссовках удобно ходить по городу.

  Sneakers are comfortable for walking around the city. (Illustrates the word in a general statement about comfort and practicality.)

• Она забыла свои кроссовки в спортзале.

  She forgot her sneakers in the gym. (Shows the word in a narrative context involving possession and location.)

• Купить кроссовки онлайн стало проще благодаря приложениям.

  Buying sneakers online has become easier thanks to apps. (This example places the word in a modern, technology-related context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"кроссовки" is a plural noun in Russian, derived from the English loanword, and belongs to the second declension. It is typically used in its plural form and does not have a common singular counterpart in everyday language. The word follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for plural forms.

Note: As a loanword, it is invariant in some informal contexts, but the above shows standard inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: спортивные кеды (sportivnye kedy) - More specific to athletic styles; кеды (kedy) - General term for canvas sneakers, often interchangeable in casual speech.
• Antonyms: туфли (tufli) - Formal shoes; сапоги (sapogi) - Boots. (These are opposites in terms of style and formality.)

Related Phrases:

• надеть кроссовки - To put on sneakers (Used when preparing for physical activity or casual outings).
• купить новые кроссовки - To buy new sneakers (Common in shopping contexts, especially online).
• кроссовки на шнуровках - Laced sneakers (Refers to a specific type, emphasizing design features).

Usage Notes:

"кроссовки" directly corresponds to the English "sneakers" as a plural noun and is the most common translation in modern Russian. It is informal and widely used in everyday speech, but avoid it in very formal writing where "спортивная обувь" (sportivnaya obuv') might be preferred. Note the plural form; English speakers often err by treating it as singular. When choosing between synonyms like "кеды," opt for "кроссовки" in contexts involving modern athletic wear.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кроссовка" as a singular form when referring to one sneaker. Correct: In Russian, it's almost always plural; say "пара кроссовок" for a pair. Example of error: "Я купил кроссовка" (incorrect). Correct: "Я купил кроссовки" or "Я купил пару кроссовок." Explanation: Russian nouns like this don't have a direct singular equivalent, so learners must adjust for grammatical number.

• Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized sounds, e.g., saying [krosovki] without the soft 'k'. Correct: Emphasize [kʲ] as in [krosˈsovkʲi]. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"кроссовки" reflects the influence of Western fashion on Russian culture, especially post-Soviet era. Sneakers are a staple in Russian youth culture, symbolizing casualness and modernity, often seen in streetwear trends influenced by global brands like Adidas or Nike. However, in rural or traditional settings, they might be less common compared to more practical footwear.

Related Concepts:

• спортивная обувь
• кеды
• ботинки