Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'socks'

English Word: socks

Key Russian Translations:

• носки /ˈnoskʲi/ - [Plural, Informal]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations related to clothing and daily life.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward vocabulary but involves simple plural forms in Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

носки: /ˈnoskʲi/

Note on носки: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'к' sound is palatalized, which is common in Russian nouns. Pronounce it with a soft 'k' as in 'key'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A garment for the feet, typically knitted, worn inside shoes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• носки - Used in general, everyday contexts for referring to multiple pairs of socks in informal or neutral settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новые носки в магазине. (Ya kupil novyye noski v magazine.)

  I bought new socks at the store. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting basic possession and shopping contexts.)

• Его носки были дырявые, так что он выбросил их. (Yego noski byli dыryavyye, tak chto on vybrosil ikh.)

  His socks were holey, so he threw them away. (This demonstrates the word in a descriptive sentence with adjectives, focusing on condition and daily life scenarios.)

• В холодную погоду надевай тёплые носки. (V kholodnuyu pogodu nadevai tyoplyye noski.)

  In cold weather, wear warm socks. (This usage example illustrates the word in imperative sentences and weather-related contexts.)

• Носки из шерсти лучше, чем из синтетики. (Noski iz shersti luchshe, chem iz sintetiki.)

  Wool socks are better than synthetic ones. (Here, the word is used in a comparative structure, showing material preferences in clothing discussions.)

• Она вяжет носки для всей семьи. (Ona vyalet noski dlya vsyey semyi.)

  She knits socks for the whole family. (This example features the word in a creative or domestic activity context, with verb conjugation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Носки" is a plural noun in Russian, derived from the singular "носок" (nosok). It belongs to the first declension group for masculine nouns. The word changes based on grammatical case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its inflections for the plural form:

Note: The singular form "носок" follows similar declension patterns but is less commonly used for "socks" in plural contexts. This noun does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: чулки (chulki) - Refers to stockings, which can be similar in some contexts but typically longer; гольфы (golfy) - For knee-high socks, used in sports or formal wear.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "socks" is a specific item of clothing without a clear opposite.

Related Phrases:

• вязать носки (vyazat' noski) - To knit socks; a common phrase in crafting or homemade clothing contexts.
• сменные носки (smennыye noski) - Spare socks; often used in travel or sports scenarios.
• тёплые носки (tyoplyye noski) - Warm socks; refers to socks for cold weather, emphasizing material and utility.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "носки" is the standard plural translation for "socks" and is used in both informal and formal settings. It directly corresponds to the English plural form, but remember that Russian nouns must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence. For example, use the genitive case when indicating possession, as in "пару носков" (a pair of socks). If you're referring to a single sock, use "носок" instead. Choose "носки" over synonyms like "чулки" based on the specific type of footwear—opt for "носки" for ankle-length items.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse the case endings, such as using "носки" in the accusative case incorrectly. Error: "Я ем носки" (instead of "Я ем яблоко" for something else). Correct: "Я ношу носки" (Ya noshu noski) - I wear socks. Explanation: "Носки" should be in the correct case; here, it's nominative or accusative based on context, but misuse can lead to nonsensical sentences.
• Another common mistake is treating it as singular: Error: "Этот носки" (instead of "Этот носок" for singular). Correct: "Эти носки" (Eti noski) for plural. Explanation: Always match the number with adjectives and articles for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, socks like "носки" are often associated with practicality and homemade traditions, such as knitting them during long winters. They symbolize warmth and family care, especially in rural areas, but lack deep historical connotations compared to other clothing items.

Related Concepts:

• штаны (shtany) - Pants
• свитер (sviter) - Sweater
• обувь (obuv') - Footwear