Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trim'

English Word: trim

Key Russian Translations:

• обрезать /ɐˈbrʲezətʲ/ - [Informal, Common in everyday contexts]
• подстричь /pɐˈdstrʲitɕ/ - [Formal, Often used for hair or plants]
• аккуратный /ɐkʊˈratnɨj/ - [Adjective form, for describing neatness]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly used in daily conversations, literature, and technical contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of basic verb conjugations and adjective agreements, with some irregular forms in related words.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

обрезать: /ɐˈbrʲezətʲ/

подстричь: /pɐˈdstrʲitɕ/

аккуратный: /ɐkʊˈratnɨj/

Note on обрезать: The stress falls on the second syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pay attention to the soft 'т' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To cut or shorten something, e.g., trimming hair or edges.

Translation(s) & Context:

• обрезать - Used in informal settings for quick cuts, like trimming fabric or branches.
• подстричь - Preferred in formal or professional contexts, such as hairdressing.

Usage Examples:

• Я обрезаю кусты в саду каждую весну.

  I trim the bushes in the garden every spring.

• Подстриги волосы, они слишком длинные.

  Trim your hair; it's too long.

• Он обрезает края фотографии для рамки.

  He is trimming the edges of the photo for the frame.

• Мастер подстригает газон аккуратно каждую неделю.

  The expert trims the lawn neatly every week.

Meaning 2: To make something neat or tidy, as an adjective.

Translation(s) & Context:

• аккуратный - Used to describe something well-organized or precise, in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Её комната всегда аккуратная и чистая.

  Her room is always trim and clean.

• Аккуратный сад выглядит очень привлекательно.

  A trim garden looks very appealing.

• Он ведёт аккуратный образ жизни, без лишнего.

  He leads a trim lifestyle, without excess.

• Аккуратный костюм делает его выглядеть профессионально.

  A trim suit makes him look professional.

• В этом аккуратном доме всё на своих местах.

  In this trim house, everything is in its place.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "обрезать" (verb, first conjugation): This is a regular verb but follows imperfective aspect rules. It changes based on tense, person, and number.

For "подстричь" (perfective verb): This is irregular in some aspects and often used in completed actions. It doesn't have a full present tense form but conjugates in past and future.

For "аккуратный" (adjective): This adjective declines by case, number, and gender. It is invariant in some contexts but typically agrees with the noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • укорачивать (slightly more formal, used for shortening lengths)
  • стричь (specific to cutting hair)
  • ровнять (for making even or neat)
• Antonyms:
  • удлинять (to lengthen or extend)
  • разрастать (to grow wildly, opposite of neatening)

Related Phrases:

• Обрезать по размеру - To trim to size (used in tailoring or crafting contexts).
• Подстричь под ноль - To trim to zero (e.g., shaving hair completely, common in military or personal grooming).
• Аккуратный вид - A trim appearance (refers to looking neat and orderly in daily life).

Usage Notes:

The English word "trim" often corresponds to "обрезать" for actions involving cutting, but choose "подстричь" for completed or precise actions to match the perfective aspect in Russian. "Аккуратный" is ideal for adjective uses, emphasizing neatness over mere cutting. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, opt for more precise verbs, and always ensure adjective agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case. For learners, start with simple sentences before tackling inflections.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "обрезать" with "подстричь": Learners might use "обрезать" for hair cutting, but "подстричь" is more appropriate for perfective actions. Error: "Я обрезаю волосы" (implies ongoing action). Correct: "Я подстриг волосы" (for a completed trim).
• Forgetting adjective agreement: Saying "аккуратный домa" instead of "аккуратный дом" (wrong case). Correct usage: Ensure the adjective matches the noun's case, e.g., "в аккуратном доме".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, maintaining a "trim" appearance, as with "аккуратный", is highly valued in professional and social settings, reflecting discipline and order. This ties into historical influences from Soviet-era emphasis on neatness in public life, where unkempt appearances could be seen as disrespectful.

Related Concepts:

• укорачивать
• стричь
• ровнять