Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'teddy'

English Word: teddy

Key Russian Translations:

• мишка [ˈmʲiʂkə] - [Informal, typically used for a stuffed toy bear]
• плюшевый мишка [ˈpluʂəvɨj ˈmʲiʂkə] - [Formal or descriptive, emphasizing the plush material]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation, especially among children and in children's literature, but not as ubiquitous as basic nouns like "дом").

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic learners, though pronunciation of 'ш' sound may pose initial challenges for English speakers).

Pronunciation (Russian):

мишка: [ˈmʲiʂkə]

плюшевый мишка: [ˈpluʂəvɨj ˈmʲiʂkə]

Note on мишка: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "she", but ensure the preceding 'и' is palatalized for a more authentic Russian accent. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A stuffed toy bear, often used as a child's plaything or comfort object.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мишка - Used in informal, everyday contexts, such as talking about children's toys or childhood memories.
• плюшевый мишка - Used in more descriptive or formal contexts, like in shopping or educational settings, to specify the material.

Usage Examples:

• Мой ребёнок любит играть со своим мишкой каждый вечер. (My child loves playing with his teddy every evening.)

  Translation: This example shows the word in a simple, familial context, highlighting possession and routine activities.

• В магазине я купила плюшевого мишку для подарка. (In the store, I bought a plush teddy bear as a gift.)

  Translation: Here, it demonstrates use in a commercial or gifting scenario, with an adjective for added detail.

• Когда я была маленькой, мой мишка был моим лучшим другом. (When I was little, my teddy was my best friend.)

  Translation: This illustrates emotional attachment, common in nostalgic or storytelling contexts.

• Дети в садике обнимают своих плюшевых мишек во время сна. (Children in kindergarten hug their plush teddy bears during naps.)

  Translation: Shows plural usage and a group setting, emphasizing comfort objects.

• На Рождество мы всегда вешаем мишку на ёлку. (At Christmas, we always hang a teddy on the Christmas tree.)

  Translation: This example integrates the word into a cultural holiday context, demonstrating decorative use.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"мишка" is a feminine noun in Russian (from "медведь", meaning bear), and it follows the standard first-declension pattern for nouns ending in -a. "плюшевый мишка" includes an adjective that agrees with the noun. Below is a table outlining the key inflections for "мишка".

For "плюшевый", the adjective changes to agree: e.g., Genitive Singular: плюшевого мишки. This follows regular adjective declension rules, which are predictable for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • плюшевый медвежонок (plush little bear) - More descriptive, often used in formal or commercial contexts.
  • игрушечный медведь (toy bear) - Emphasizes the toy aspect, with subtle differences in connotation for larger or less cuddly versions.
• Antonyms:
  • настоящий медведь (real bear) - Contrasts with the toy version, highlighting the difference between playthings and actual animals.

Related Phrases:

• Мой любимый мишка (My favorite teddy) - A common phrase for expressing attachment to a personal toy.
• Плюшевый мишка для младенца (Plush teddy for a baby) - Used in contexts related to baby gifts or nursery items.
• Мишка из детства (Teddy from childhood) - Refers to nostalgic memories, often in storytelling.

Usage Notes:

"Teddy" in English typically refers to a stuffed bear, and its Russian equivalents like "мишка" are direct and versatile. However, "мишка" is more informal and affectionate, making it ideal for casual conversations about children. Use "плюшевый мишка" for precision when describing materials. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as "мишка" is feminine. For learners, choose "мишка" in everyday contexts and "плюшевый мишка" in descriptive ones to match the English word's nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мишка" as masculine (e.g., treating it like "медведь"). Correct: Remember it's feminine, so phrases like "мой мишка" (my teddy) are correct, but avoid masculine adjectives. Example of error: "Этот большой мишка" (incorrect if implying masculine); Correct: "Эта большая мишка".
• Error: Confusing with "медведь" (a real bear). Correct: Use "мишка" only for toys to avoid implying danger. Example of error: "Я видел мишку в лесу" (implies a real bear, which is wrong); Correct: "Я видел настоящего медведя в лесу".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "мишка" often symbolizes childhood innocence and comfort, similar to the English teddy bear. It appears in folklore and children's stories, like in tales by Russian authors, where bears represent warmth and protection. During holidays like New Year's, plush teddies are common gifts, reflecting a cultural emphasis on family and nostalgia.

Related Concepts:

• медвежонок (little bear)
• игрушка (toy)
• плюшевый зверь (plush animal)