Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thin'

English Word: thin

Key Russian Translations:

• тонкий [ˈtonkʲɪj] - [Formal, used for objects or materials indicating lack of thickness]
• худой [ˈxudoj] - [Informal, used primarily for people or living things indicating slimness or lack of fat]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in descriptions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like colors or sizes.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective inflections and context-based word choice, as per CEFR standards. For 'тонкий', it's B1; for 'худой', it may vary to A2 in simple contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тонкий: [ˈtonkʲɪj]

худой: [ˈxudoj]

Note on тонкий: The soft sign (ь) in 'тонкий' affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant, making it palatalized; pay attention to the stressed vowel for accurate intonation in formal speech.

Note on худой: The 'x' sound is guttural, similar to the Scottish 'ch' in "loch"; this can be a challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Having little thickness or depth (e.g., not wide or substantial in physical form)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тонкий - Used in contexts describing objects, materials, or abstract concepts, such as a thin layer or wire; common in formal or technical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Тонкий слой краски покрывал стену.

  A thin layer of paint covered the wall.

• Эта ткань очень тонкая, она легко рвётся.

  This fabric is very thin; it tears easily.

• В тонкой книге было всего несколько страниц.

  The thin book had only a few pages.

• Тонкий провод использовался в электрической схеме.

  The thin wire was used in the electrical circuit.

Meaning 2: Having little flesh on the body; slim or skinny (e.g., not fat or robust)

Translation(s) & Context:

• худой - Typically used for people or animals, often implying a negative connotation like undernourishment; informal in everyday conversation.

Usage Examples:

• Этот худой мужчина выглядит как будто не ест досыта.

  This thin man looks as if he doesn't eat enough.

• После болезни она стала ещё худее.

  After the illness, she became even thinner.

• Худой кот бродил по улице в поисках еды.

  The thin cat wandered the street in search of food.

• В молодости он был худым, но теперь поправился.

  In his youth, he was thin, but now he's gained weight.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'тонкий' and 'худой' are Russian adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for hard-stem adjectives.

For 'тонкий' (a hard-stem adjective):

For 'худой' (similar pattern):

These adjectives do not have irregular inflections but must agree with the noun in all aspects.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for тонкий: узкий (narrow, with a connotation of width rather than thickness), хрупкий (fragile, implying delicacy)
• Synonyms for худой: тощий (skinny, often more negative), стройный (slim, but positive, implying attractiveness)
• Antonyms: толстый (thick or fat, for both meanings)

Related Phrases:

• Тонкий лёд - A thin layer of ice; used metaphorically for dangerous situations.
• Худой как щепка - As thin as a splinter; an idiomatic expression for extreme slimness, often with a humorous or critical tone.
• Тонкий намек - A thin hint; refers to a subtle suggestion in conversation.

Usage Notes:

Choose 'тонкий' for inanimate objects or abstract descriptions (e.g., thin paper), as it aligns more directly with the English 'thin' in physical dimensions. 'Худой' is better for human or animal subjects, emphasizing body composition, but it can carry a negative connotation in Russian culture, implying poor health. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, use 'тонкий' with proper inflections; in informal speech, 'худой' is common but avoid it in polite descriptions. Grammar note: Always inflect the adjective to match the noun's gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'тонкий' and 'худой': English learners often use 'худой' for objects, e.g., saying "худой бумага" instead of "тонкая бумага". Correct: Use 'тонкий' for non-living things. Error example: "Худой провод" (incorrect); Correct: "Тонкий провод".
• Forgetting inflections: Saying "тонкий женщина" instead of "тонкая женщина". Error: Omits feminine ending; Explanation: Adjectives must agree with nouns, so always adjust based on the table above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'худой' can sometimes evoke sensitivities around body image, as slimness is idealized in media but 'худой' implies unhealthiness. This contrasts with English, where 'thin' is neutral; use cautiously in social contexts to avoid offense.

Related Concepts:

• толстый
• узкий
• стройный