Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sock'

English Word: sock

Key Russian Translations:

• носок [ˈnosək] - [Informal, Common noun for everyday clothing item]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations related to clothing and daily life, but not as frequent as basic words like 'дом'.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a simple, concrete noun that appears early in language learning, according to CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

носок: [ˈnosək]

Note on носок: The stress is on the first syllable ('no-'), and the 'o' sounds like a short 'o' in English 'not'. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects pronunciation but doesn't change the vowel sound significantly. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The item of clothing worn on the foot (e.g., to cover and protect the foot inside shoes).

Translation(s) & Context:

• носок - Used in casual, everyday contexts when referring to a sock as a piece of clothing; common in informal speech or writing about daily routines.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю носки каждое утро перед выходом на улицу.

  I put on socks every morning before going outside. (This example shows the noun in a simple daily routine context, with the accusative case for 'noski' implying action.)

• У меня нет чистых носков; мне нужно постирать их.

  I don't have any clean socks; I need to wash them. (Illustrates the genitive plural form in a practical, everyday scenario.)

• Эти носки сделаны из хлопка и очень удобные.

  These socks are made of cotton and very comfortable. (Demonstrates the nominative plural in a descriptive context, highlighting material and quality.)

• В холодную погоду всегда берите с собой запасные носки.

  In cold weather, always take spare socks with you. (Shows the accusative plural in an advisory context, emphasizing preparation.)

• Мой носок порвался, так что я выбросил его.

  My sock tore, so I threw it away. (Uses the singular nominative in a narrative about damage, common in casual storytelling.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Носок" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for case and number changes. It is inflected based on grammatical case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a regular noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. For example, in plural forms, the ending changes to '-и' or '-ов' depending on the case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: чулок (chulok) - Often used for longer socks or stockings, with a slight connotation of formal or dress wear; гетры (getry) - For athletic or specialized socks, implying protection for the lower leg.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "носок" is a specific item; however, related opposites might include "босиком" (bosikom, meaning barefoot), which is an adverb rather than a noun.

Related Phrases:

• пара носков - A pair of socks; commonly used when buying or referring to sets of clothing.
• тёплые носки - Warm socks; often in contexts discussing winter clothing or comfort.
• спортивные носки - Sports socks; used in athletic or fitness-related discussions, implying functionality.
• сменные носки - Spare socks; refers to extra pairs for travel or daily use, with an emphasis on practicality.

Usage Notes:

"Носок" directly corresponds to the English "sock" as a basic item of clothing, but it's important to note that Russian speakers might specify types (e.g., for sports or winter) to match context. Use it in informal settings, as it's neutral and everyday; in formal writing, pair it with adjectives for precision. When choosing between translations like "чулок", opt for "носок" for shorter, ankle-length socks. Grammatically, always consider case agreement, as Russian nouns change based on sentence role—e.g., use genitive for possession.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "носок" with "чулок": English learners often mix these, thinking they are identical. Error: Saying "Я ношу чулки" to mean "I wear socks." Correct: "Я ношу носки." Explanation: "Чулок" implies longer stockings, so use "носок" for standard socks to avoid implying formality or a different item.
• Incorrect case usage: Forgetting to change the ending in sentences. Error: "Я купил носок" when meaning "I bought socks" (should be plural). Correct: "Я купил носки." Explanation: Russian requires plural forms to match the intended quantity, unlike English where "sock" can imply plural contextually.
• Over-literal translation: Assuming "sock" always means clothing. In English slang, "sock" can mean to hit, but in Russian, use "удар" or "хук" instead. Error: Translating slang as "носок." Correct: Avoid direct translation and use appropriate Russian equivalents based on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, socks like "noski" are practical items often associated with everyday life and family routines, such as in folk tales or proverbs about warmth and preparation for winter. There's no deep historical connotation, but they symbolize simplicity and necessity in cold climates, where wearing multiple layers is common.

Related Concepts:

• чулок (stocking)
• обувь (footwear)
• гетры (leggings or gaiters)
• шарф (scarf, as another cold-weather accessory)