Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stilt'

English Word: stilt

Key Russian Translations:

• ходуля [IPA: xɐˈdulʲə] - [Informal; Used in everyday or recreational contexts, such as describing play or performances]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literature, children's activities, or discussions about circus arts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to tools or recreational items, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ходуля: [IPA: xɐˈdulʲə] (The "x" sound is a guttural fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch". Stress is on the second syllable.)

Note on ходуля: Be cautious with the soft "лʲ" sound, which is palatalized and common in Russian; variations may occur in regional dialects, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A long pole with a footrest, used for walking at a height, often in play or performances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• "ходуля" - Used in informal or descriptive contexts, such as describing children's games or circus acts; common in spoken Russian for literal references.

Usage Examples:

• Дети весело бегают на ходулях по парку.

  Children are joyfully running on stilts in the park. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case, in a playful, outdoor context.)

• В цирке артист мастерски балансирует на ходулях.

  In the circus, the performer skillfully balances on stilts. (Illustrates use in a performance setting, with the noun in the prepositional case.)

• Эти ходули сделаны из дерева и используются для уличных представлений.

  These stilts are made of wood and are used for street performances. (Demonstrates plural form in a descriptive, explanatory context.)

• На ходулях трудно ходить по неровной поверхности.

  It's difficult to walk on stilts on uneven surfaces. (Shows the noun with verbs in a challenging scenario, highlighting practical usage.)

• Мой друг научился ходить на ходулях за одну неделю.

  My friend learned to walk on stilts in just one week. (Exemplifies the noun in a personal anecdote, with an instrumental case implication.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"ходуля" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns, which are regular but require attention to case and number changes. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • палка для ходьбы (pal'ka dlya khod'by) - More descriptive, used when emphasizing the tool aspect; differs from "ходуля" by being a compound phrase.
  • высокий шест (vysokiy shest) - Informal alternative, often in poetic or exaggerated contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "ходуля" describes a specific object rather than a quality or state.

Related Phrases:

• ходить на ходулях (khodit' na khodulyakh) - To walk on stilts; Commonly used in contexts of learning or performing, implying balance and fun.
• цирковые ходули (tsirkovye khoduly) - Circus stilts; Refers to professional or themed versions, often in entertainment discussions.
• детские ходули (detskie khoduly) - Children's stilts; Indicates toys or beginner versions, with a focus on safety and play.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "ходуля" directly corresponds to the English "stilt" in its literal sense but is less formal and more vivid in Russian contexts, often evoking images of folklore or circus traditions.
• It is typically used in informal or narrative settings; avoid in highly formal writing where a more descriptive phrase like "палка для ходьбы" might be preferred.
• Grammatically, always decline according to case (e.g., use genitive for possession: "ходули ребенка" for "the child's stilt"). When choosing between translations, opt for "ходуля" for brevity in spoken language.
• Special note: In Russian, this word can carry a playful connotation, so it's ideal for stories or descriptions involving children or adventure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "на ходуля" instead of "на ходулях" in instrumental contexts.
  Correct: Use "на ходулях" for "on stilts." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; this mistake can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.
• Error: Using it in formal contexts without adaptation, e.g., in technical writing.
  Correct: Replace with a phrase like "подпорка для высоты" (podpor'ka dlya vysoty). Explanation: "ходуля" sounds too casual for professional or scientific discussions, leading to a mismatch in tone.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ходуля" is often associated with traditional folk festivals, circuses, and children's games, reflecting a historical emphasis on physical prowess and entertainment. For instance, in events like Maslenitsa (a pre-Lenten festival), stilts might symbolize agility and joy, adding a layer of cultural depth beyond the literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• акробат (akrobat) - Acrobat
• цирк (tsirk) - Circus
• спортивные игры (sportivnye igry) - Sports games