Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stripe'

English Word: stripe

Key Russian Translations:

• полоса [pɐˈɫosə] - [Formal, used for broader or more general stripes]
• полоска [pɐˈɫoskə] - [Informal, used for smaller or narrower stripes]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday descriptions, such as clothing, flags, or patterns, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "color").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and gender, which can vary by context. For 'полоса', it's moderately challenging due to its feminine form; for 'полоска', similar but slightly easier as it's diminutive.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полоса: [pɐˈɫosə]

Note on полоса: The stress falls on the second syllable ("lo"), and the "ɫ" sound is a dark L, which may be tricky for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, rolling quality.

Audio: []

полоска: [pɐˈɫoskə]

Note on полоска: Similar to 'полоса', but with a diminutive suffix (-ка), which softens the pronunciation and implies something smaller or endearing.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A long, narrow band of color or texture (e.g., on fabric, flags, or patterns).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полоса - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing stripes on a flag or road markings; common in written or official language.
• полоска - Applied in informal, everyday contexts, like clothing patterns or decorative elements; often conveys a sense of cuteness or smallness.

Usage Examples:

• На рубашке есть синяя полоса.

  On the shirt, there is a blue stripe.

• Полосы на флаге символизируют свободу.

  The stripes on the flag symbolize freedom.

• Эта полоска на ткани добавляет узор.

  This little stripe on the fabric adds a pattern.

• Дорога имеет белые полосы для безопасности.

  The road has white stripes for safety.

• В детской одежде часто бывают цветные полоски.

  Children's clothing often has colorful little stripes.

2. Metaphorical or extended meaning (e.g., a stripe as in a rank or award, like in military contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полоса - In formal or institutional settings, such as military stripes; less common but precise for rank indicators.

Usage Examples:

• У него на форме три полосы, обозначающие звание.

  He has three stripes on his uniform, denoting his rank.

• Полосы на медали указывают на заслуги.

  The stripes on the medal indicate achievements.

• В армии полосы носят с гордостью.

  In the army, stripes are worn with pride.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'полоса' and 'полоска' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard feminine declension patterns. 'Полоса' is a first-declension noun and can change based on case and number, while 'полоска' is a diminutive form and behaves similarly but often implies informality.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, but always check the context for correct case usage. For example, in plural forms, 'полосы' might refer to multiple stripes in a pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • линия (linia) - More general, for a straight line; often used interchangeably in abstract contexts but less specific for colored bands.
  • штрих (shtrikh) - Implies a stroke or line, often in artistic or technical settings; subtle difference in connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • сплошной (sploshnoy) - Meaning "solid" or "uniform," as in without stripes; used to describe a surface without patterns.

Related Phrases:

• зебра полосы (zebra polosy) - Zebra stripes; refers to the black and white patterns on a zebra, often used metaphorically for road crossings.
• цветные полосы (tsvetnye polosy) - Colored stripes; common in descriptions of flags or clothing, with the meaning: patterns that add visual interest.
• полосатый узор (polosatyi uzor) - Striped pattern; a fixed phrase for designs in fabric, meaning: a design featuring parallel lines.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'полоса' directly corresponds to the English 'stripe' in formal contexts, such as geography (e.g., a strip of land) or symbols, while 'полоска' is better for diminutive or everyday uses. Be mindful of gender (feminine) and case changes, which affect sentence structure—e.g., use genitive for possession. Choose 'полоска' for informal speech to convey affection or smallness. English learners should note that Russian often pairs these words with adjectives for precision, like 'широкая полоса' (wide stripe).

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'полоса' with 'полоска': English speakers might overuse 'полоска' in formal contexts, e.g., saying "полоска на флаге" instead of "полоса на флаге." Error: Полоска на флаге (incorrect for formal flags). Correct: Полоса на флаге. Explanation: 'Полоска' implies something small or cute, which doesn't fit official symbols.

• Forgetting declension: Omitting case changes, e.g., using nominative 'полоса' in all positions. Error: Я вижу полоса (incorrect). Correct: Я вижу полосy (genitive in some contexts). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust based on the sentence role.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, stripes often appear on national symbols like the Russian flag, which features white, blue, and red stripes representing historical and spiritual values. Additionally, striped patterns in folk art or clothing can symbolize protection or unity, reflecting Slavic traditions where patterns carry deeper meanings beyond mere decoration.

Related Concepts:

• цвет (tsvet) - Color
• узор (uzor) - Pattern
• линия (linia) - Line