throat
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'throat'
English Word: throat
Key Russian Translations:
- горло /ˈɡorlə/ - [Formal, commonly used in everyday and medical contexts]
Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, medical discussions, and literature, but not as ubiquitous as basic body parts like "голова" for head.)
Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English learners due to its concrete meaning and regular noun patterns, per CEFR standards.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
горло: /ˈɡorlə/
Note on горло: The initial 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, pronounced like a softer 'g' in English "go," and the stress falls on the first syllable. Be mindful of the unstressed 'о' which reduces to a schwa sound in fast speech.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
The anatomical throat (referring to the front part of the neck, including the pharynx)
Translation(s) & Context:
- горло - Used in everyday, medical, or informal contexts to describe the throat as a body part, such as in health-related discussions or descriptions of discomfort.
Usage Examples:
-
У меня болит горло после простуды.
My throat hurts after a cold. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, common in health conversations.)
-
Он не мог говорить, потому что в горле застрял кусок пищи.
He couldn't speak because a piece of food was stuck in his throat. (Illustrates the word in a narrative context with a cause-effect structure.)
-
Врач осмотрел горло пациента под лампой.
The doctor examined the patient's throat under a light. (Demonstrates usage in a professional, medical setting.)
-
Горло у неё было пересушено от долгого пения.
Her throat was dry from singing for a long time. (Shows the word in a context involving physical sensations and activities.)
-
После операции на горле он должен был соблюдать диету.
After the throat surgery, he had to follow a diet. (Highlights usage in discussions of medical procedures and recovery.)
Russian Forms/Inflections:
"горло" is a neuter noun in Russian, and it follows the standard third-declension pattern for nouns ending in -o. It inflects for case and number, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | горло | горла |
Genitive | горла | горл |
Dative | горлу | горлам |
Accusative | горло | горла |
Instrumental | горлом | горлами |
Prepositional | горле | горлах |
Note: This noun does not change in the plural for all cases, which is typical for some neuter nouns in Russian.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms: гортанка (more technical, referring specifically to the larynx), фаринкс (medical term for pharynx) - Note: "гортанка" is less common in everyday speech and is preferred in scientific contexts.
- Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "горло" is a body part; however, related opposites might include рот (mouth) in the context of facial anatomy.
Related Phrases:
- Болит горло - Sore throat; commonly used to describe discomfort, especially during illnesses like colds.
- Застряло в горле - Got stuck in the throat; refers to choking or obstruction incidents.
- Промыть горло - To gargle or rinse the throat; a phrase for hygiene or medical routines.
Usage Notes:
"Горло" directly corresponds to the English "throat" in most anatomical and everyday contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires the correct case based on sentence structure (e.g., genitive for possession). It is neutral in formality but can sound more formal in written or medical texts. When choosing between synonyms like "фаринкс," opt for "горло" in casual conversations to avoid sounding overly technical. Also, be aware of prepositional phrases, such as "в горле" (in the throat), which are common in descriptive language.
Common Errors:
Error: Using "горло" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Болит мой горло" instead of "Болит моё горло" (correct: "Болит моё горло" – with the possessive pronoun agreeing in gender and case).
Explanation: Russian requires adjective and pronoun agreement; "горло" is neuter, so possessives must match. Correct usage: "У меня болит горло" to avoid errors.
Error: Confusing "горло" with "голос" (voice), leading to sentences like "Мне больно в голос" instead of "Мне больно в горле."
Explanation: "Голос" means "voice," not "throat." Always double-check the context; for physical pain, use "горло." Example of correct: "Болит горло, и голос охрип."
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, discussions about "горло" often arise in contexts like traditional remedies for sore throats (e.g., herbal teas or gargling with salt water), which are part of folk medicine. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on home-based health care, especially in rural areas, where such phrases are commonly passed down through generations.
Related Concepts:
- голос (voice)
- шея (neck)
- глотка (pharynx, in a more specific anatomical sense)