Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sumo'

English Word: sumo

Key Russian Translations:

• сумо [suˈmo] - [Proper noun, borrowed from Japanese; used in formal and informal contexts when discussing sports or culture]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in discussions about international sports, media, or cultural topics.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (Equivalent to B1-B2 on the CEFR scale; learners need familiarity with borrowed words and proper nouns, but no complex grammar is involved.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сумо: [suˈmo]

Note on сумо: The pronunciation is straightforward, with stress on the first syllable. It retains a near-Japanese sound, so non-native speakers might confuse the 'u' sound with a more English-like 'oo'. Pay attention to the short vowel in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The sport of sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese form of full-contact wrestling.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сумо - Used in contexts related to sports, cultural events, or media discussions about Japanese traditions; typically neutral in tone and applicable in both formal writing and informal conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Я смотрю сумо по телевизору каждое воскресенье.

  I watch sumo on TV every Sunday. (This example shows the word in a casual, everyday context, describing a leisure activity.)

• Сумо — это древний вид спорта из Японии, где борцы соревнуются в силе.

  Sumo is an ancient sport from Japan where wrestlers compete in strength. (Here, it illustrates a descriptive, educational use in a more formal or explanatory sentence.)

• Во время Олимпиады я узнал больше о сумо и его правилах.

  During the Olympics, I learned more about sumo and its rules. (This demonstrates the word in a context involving global events and personal learning.)

• Мой друг увлекается сумо и даже посетил турнир в Токио.

  My friend is into sumo and even attended a tournament in Tokyo. (This example highlights personal interest and travel-related usage.)

• В музее был раздел, посвященный сумо, с историческими артефактами.

  In the museum, there was a section dedicated to sumo with historical artifacts. (This shows the word in a cultural or historical context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"сумо" is a proper noun borrowed from Japanese and functions as an indeclinable noun in Russian. This means it does not change form based on case, number, or gender. For example:

• It remains "сумо" in all grammatical contexts, such as nominative (сумо), genitive (сумо), dative (сумо), etc.

Due to its status as an uninflected borrowed word, no detailed inflection table is necessary. However, if used in phrases, it integrates into Russian sentence structure without alteration.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: нет прямых синонимов (no direct synonyms; however, it can be loosely associated with other combat sports like "борьба" [wrestling], though this is not exact.)
• Antonyms: нет прямых антонимов (no direct antonyms; as a specific sport, it doesn't have opposites, but contrasting activities might include "бег" [running] for endurance-based sports.)

Related Phrases:

• японское сумо - Japanese sumo (Refers specifically to the traditional form of the sport, often used in cultural discussions.)
• турнир по сумо - Sumo tournament (Common in contexts of events or competitions.)
• борцы сумо - Sumo wrestlers (Describes participants, highlighting physical aspects in sports narratives.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сумо" directly corresponds to the English "sumo" as a proper noun, making it a straightforward borrowing without significant semantic shifts. It is typically used in neutral or positive contexts related to Japanese culture, sports, or media. Be mindful of its indeclinable nature—unlike native Russian nouns, it doesn't change endings, which can simplify usage for English learners. When choosing this term over others, opt for it in discussions of Japanese traditions; for general wrestling, "борьба" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as a singular, neuter noun and fits into sentences without requiring gender agreement.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "сумо" as [ˈsuːmo] with a long 'u' sound, similar to English.
  Correct: [suˈmo] with a short 'u'.
  Explanation: Russian vowels are shorter than in English, so this mistake can make the word sound unnatural. Practice with native audio to internalize the difference.

• Error: Treating "сумо" as a declinable noun, e.g., saying "сумоа" in genitive case.
  Correct: Keep it as "сумо" in all cases, e.g., "Я люблю сумо" (I love sumo).
  Explanation: As a borrowed proper noun, it doesn't follow Russian declension rules, leading to confusion for learners accustomed to inflected languages.

Cultural Notes:

"Сумо" originates from Japanese culture and represents not just a sport but a ritual steeped in Shinto traditions, dating back centuries. In Russia, it's often viewed through the lens of international exchanges, appearing in media or tourism contexts. Understanding this helps English speakers appreciate its cultural weight beyond mere physical competition, emphasizing discipline, respect, and national heritage.

Related Concepts:

• борьба (wrestling)
• самбо (sambo, a Russian martial art)
• японская культура (Japanese culture)