Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'towel'

English Word: towel

Key Russian Translations:

• полотенце (/pɐlɐˈtʲentsə/) - [Neutral, Common noun]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to household items, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "water" or "food").

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward for English learners due to its simple form and direct correspondence, with no irregular features).

Pronunciation (Russian):

полотенце: /pɐlɐˈtʲentsə/

Note on полотенце: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tʲentsə"), which is a common feature in Russian neuter nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'tʲ' sound, which can be challenging for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for drying the body or objects after washing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полотенце - Used in everyday contexts for household items, such as in bathrooms or kitchens; neutral and applicable in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял полотенце из ванной. (Ya vzial polotentsye iz vannoy.)

  I took the towel from the bathroom. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, referring to a common household action.)

• После душа нужно вытереться полотенцем. (Posle dusha nuzhno vityeretsya polotentsem.)

  After the shower, you need to dry yourself with a towel. (Here, the word is used with the instrumental case, demonstrating its role in routine personal hygiene.)

• В отеле предоставляют чистые полотенца ежедневно. (V otelye predostavlyayut chistye polotentsa ezhednevno.)

  The hotel provides clean towels daily. (This illustrates the word in a plural form within a service-related context, such as travel or hospitality.)

• Купите новое полотенце для кухни. (Kupite novoye polotentsye dlya kukhni.)

  Buy a new towel for the kitchen. (This example highlights the word in an imperative sentence, specifying a type for a specific purpose.)

• Полотенце на пляже должно быть большим. (Polotentsye na plyazhe dolzhno byt' bol'shim.)

  The towel on the beach should be large. (This shows the word in a descriptive context, often related to leisure activities.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полотенце" is a neuter noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases, with changes primarily in the ending based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. Always adjust the ending based on the sentence's grammatical requirements.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: вафельное полотенце (vafelnoye polotentsye) - A specific type, like a waffle-weave towel; салфетка (salfetka) - In some contexts, for smaller towels or cloths.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a concrete noun without clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• купальное полотенце (kupalnoye polotentsye) - Beach towel; used for swimming or outdoor activities.
• кухонное полотенце (kukhonoye polotentsye) - Kitchen towel; for drying dishes or hands in a domestic setting.
• ванное полотенце (vannoye polotentsye) - Bath towel; specifically for bathroom use, emphasizing hygiene.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "полотенце" directly corresponds to the English "towel" and is used across various contexts without significant restrictions. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal (e.g., in written instructions) and informal (e.g., everyday conversation) settings. Pay attention to case inflections, as Russian requires the noun to change based on its role in the sentence—for example, use the instrumental case (полотенцем) when indicating the means of an action. When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "полотенце" is the most versatile, while subtypes like "купальное полотенце" specify purpose.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative case incorrectly, e.g., saying "Я вытираюсь полотенце" instead of "Я вытираюсь полотенцем." (Correct: The instrumental case is needed here.) Explanation: English learners often forget case changes; always check the preposition or verb to determine the correct form.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "салфетка" (napkin), leading to misuse in contexts like "I need a towel for the kitchen" translated as "Мне нужна салфетка для кухни." (Correct: "Мне нужно кухонное полотенце.") Explanation: "Салфетка" is smaller and for wiping surfaces, not drying, so context is key to avoid this mix-up.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, towels like "полотенце" are practical items often associated with daily routines and hospitality. For instance, in banya (traditional Russian sauna) culture, a specific type of towel is used, emphasizing cleanliness and relaxation, which reflects broader values of health and community in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• простыня (prostynya) - Sheet
• одеяло (odeyalo) - Blanket
• ковер (kover) - Rug