Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tattoo'

English Word: tattoo

Key Russian Translations:

• тату [ˈta.tu] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday conversation]
• татуировка [tə.tu.ɪˈrov.kə] - [Formal, used in professional or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is moderately common in modern Russian, especially in youth culture and media, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to personal appearance, but not overly complex for learners at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тату: [ˈta.tu]

Note on тату: The stress is on the first syllable; pronounce the 'a' as in "father." Be careful with the short 'u' sound, which is similar to the English "oo" in "book."

татуировка: [tə.tu.ɪˈrov.kə]

Note on татуировка: Stress falls on the third syllable; the 'и' is a short 'i' sound, and the word ends with a soft 'a' as in "uh." This word may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A permanent design on the skin made with ink and needles (the most common English usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• тату - Informal contexts, such as casual discussions about personal style or youth culture; often used among friends or in social media.
• татуировка - More formal contexts, like medical, legal, or artistic descriptions; preferred in written Russian or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть тату на плече, которое я сделал в прошлом году.

  I have a tattoo on my shoulder that I got last year.

• Эта татуировка символизирует мою любовь к путешествиям.

  This tattoo symbolizes my love for traveling.

• Многие люди решают сделать тату в студии профессионального мастера.

  Many people decide to get a tattoo at a professional studio.

• Его тату на руке выглядит очень стильно и современно.

  His tattoo on his arm looks very stylish and modern.

• Татуировка может быть не только украшением, но и способом выразить личность.

  A tattoo can be not only a decoration but also a way to express one's personality.

Meaning 2: Less common, referring to a military drumbeat or signal (historical or specialized usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• тату - Rarely used in this sense; more informal and archaic, often in historical contexts.
• сигнал (signal) - Formal military term, used in contexts like parades or historical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• В армии тату подавался барабанщиком для отбоя.

  In the army, the tattoo was sounded by the drummer for lights out.

• Этот сигнал, известный как тату, был частью военной традиции.

  This signal, known as the tattoo, was part of military tradition.

• Солдаты слышали тату и знали, что пора возвращаться в казармы.

  The soldiers heard the tattoo and knew it was time to return to the barracks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"тату" is an informal noun, often treated as indeclinable in modern usage, meaning it doesn't change form in most cases. However, "татуировка" is a feminine noun that follows standard first-declension patterns. Below is a table for its inflections:

For "тату," it remains unchanged: e.g., "в тату" (in the tattoo). If used as a military term, it may not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • наколка - A more slangy term, often implying a prison or rough tattoo.
  • рисунок на коже - Literal phrase, used in formal or descriptive contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "tattoo" is a specific concept. However, concepts like "удаление тату" (tattoo removal) could be considered opposites in context.

Related Phrases:

• сделать тату - To get a tattoo; used when discussing the process of acquiring one.
• тату в стиле минимализм - Minimalist tattoo style; common in modern art contexts.
• профессиональная татуировка - Professional tattoo; emphasizes quality and safety.
• тату как искусство - Tattoo as art; highlights cultural or expressive aspects.

Usage Notes:

Choose "тату" for casual, everyday conversations, as it mirrors the informal English use of "tattoo." "татуировка" is better for formal writing or when precision is needed, similar to how English might use "tattoo design." Be aware of cultural sensitivities in Russia, where tattoos can carry connotations of subcultures; always consider the context to avoid misunderstandings. For the military meaning, "тату" is archaic and rarely used today, so opt for "сигнал" in historical discussions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "тату" in formal contexts where "татуировка" is expected, e.g., saying "Я хочу тату на работу" instead of "Я хочу татуировку на работу" (I want a tattoo for work). Correct: Use "татуировка" for professional settings to sound more polished. Explanation: English speakers might overlook the formality level, leading to mismatched tone.
• Mistake: Incorrectly declining "татуировка," e.g., saying "в татуировкa" instead of "в татуировкe" in prepositional case. Correct: Follow the declension table above. Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, which can confuse learners from non-inflected languages like English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, tattoos have evolved from symbols of criminality or military service in the Soviet era to mainstream expressions of individuality today. However, older generations may still view them with suspicion, associating them with prison culture (e.g., as depicted in literature like Solzhenitsyn's works). This adds a layer of social context when using words like "тату" in conversation.

Related Concepts:

• пирсинг
• боди-арт
• татуаж