Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'toenail'

English Word: toenail

Key Russian Translations:

• ноготь [ˈnoɡətʲ] - [Informal; typically used for both fingernails and toenails, but specified in context as "ноготь на пальце ноги"]
• коготь стопы [kɐˈɡotʲ ˈstopɨ] - [Formal; less common, used in medical or precise anatomical descriptions]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not frequently used in everyday conversation, appearing more in health, beauty, or medical contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and their inflections, but the vocabulary itself is straightforward for learners with some exposure to body parts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ноготь: [ˈnoɡətʲ]

коготь стопы: [kɐˈɡotʲ ˈstopɨ]

Note on ноготь: The stress falls on the first syllable [ˈnoɡətʲ], and the final "ь" indicates a soft consonant, which can be tricky for English speakers; it softens the preceding "t" sound. Pronounce it with a clear "g" as in "go".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The hard covering on the end of a toe.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ноготь - Used in casual or everyday contexts when discussing personal hygiene, injuries, or anatomy; often requires additional specification like "на пальце ноги" for clarity.
• коготь стопы - Employed in formal, medical, or scientific settings, such as in dermatology or podiatry discussions.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сломался ноготь на большом пальце ноги.

  I broke my toenail on the big toe. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence about a common injury.)

• Она регулярно красит ногти на ногах перед летом.

  She regularly paints her toenails before summer. (Illustrates the word in a context related to beauty and routine care.)

• Врач осмотрел коготь стопы пациента на наличие инфекции.

  The doctor examined the patient's toenail for infection. (Demonstrates formal usage in a medical scenario.)

• Дети часто грызут ногти на пальцах ног, что вредно для здоровья.

  Children often bite their toenails, which is harmful to health. (Shows the word in a habitual action context with a health advisory.)

• После пробежки он почувствовал боль в ногте стопы.

  After the run, he felt pain in his toenail. (Highlights the word in a sports or physical activity context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ноготь" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. "Коготь стопы" is a phrase where "коготь" is also masculine, but "стопы" (genitive of "стопа") adds complexity. Below is a table for "ноготь" inflections:

For "коготь", it follows a similar pattern as a masculine noun. The phrase "коготь стопы" does not inflect as a single unit; "стопы" changes based on case (e.g., nominative: "коготь стопы", genitive: "когтя стопы"). These are regular inflections, making them predictable for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ноготь пальца ноги (more descriptive synonym, used interchangeably in informal speech; implies the same meaning but adds specificity).
  • пластинка на пальце ноги (less common, emphasizes the flat structure; used in scientific contexts).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "toenail" is a specific body part without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• обрезать ногти - To trim nails; a common phrase for personal hygiene routines.
• ногти на ногах - Toenails in general; used when discussing foot care or pedicures.
• заболел ноготь - Toenail infection or pain; often in health-related conversations.

Usage Notes:

Russian translations like "ноготь" are versatile and can refer to both fingernails and toenails, so always add context (e.g., "на пальце ноги") to specify "toenail" and avoid ambiguity. In formal settings, prefer "коготь стопы" for precision. Note that Russian nouns like "ноготь" must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence, which differs from English's more flexible structure. When choosing between translations, use "ноготь" for everyday talk and "коготь стопы" in professional contexts like medicine.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "ноготь" with "коготь": English learners might use "коготь" (which implies an animal claw) for "toenail," but this is incorrect for humans. Correct usage: Say "ноготь на ноге" instead of "коготь." Example of error: *Я сломал коготь* (wrong, as it sounds like a claw); Correct: Я сломал ноготь на пальце ноги.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., using nominative "ноготь" in a genitive context. Error: *Боль в ноготь* (incorrect); Correct: Боль в ногте (genitive form).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about toenails often tie into broader themes of personal hygiene and beauty, especially in contexts like banya (sauna) traditions or fitness routines. However, "toenail" itself doesn't carry significant cultural connotations, unlike words related to folklore (e.g., mythical creatures with claws). It's a neutral term, but in medical contexts, it might evoke awareness of podiatry, which is growing in popularity in modern Russia due to urbanization.

Related Concepts:

• ногти
• стопа
• педикюр