Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'trousers'

English Word: trousers

Key Russian Translations:

• брюки (/ˈbrʲukʲi/) - [Plural, Formal and Informal, Commonly used in everyday clothing contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered regularly in conversations about clothing but is not among the most basic vocabulary items.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; suitable for beginners with some basic familiarity with Russian nouns and plurals.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

брюки: /ˈbrʲukʲi/

Note on брюки: The initial "бр" sound is a voiced bilabial stop followed by a palatalized "р", which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A garment covering the lower body from the waist down, typically with legs.

Translation(s) & Context:

• брюки - Used in general contexts for pants or trousers, especially in formal or professional settings; can be interchangeable with "штаны" in informal speech but implies a neater style.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю брюки каждый день для работы. (Ya naddevayu bryuki kazhdyy den' dlya raboty.)

  English: I wear trousers every day for work. (This example shows the word in a daily routine context, demonstrating its use with verbs like "надевать" for putting on clothes.)

• Эти брюки слишком тесные; мне нужны большего размера. (Eti bryuki slishkom tesnye; mne nuzhny bol'shego razmera.)

  English: These trousers are too tight; I need a larger size. (Illustrates the word in a shopping or descriptive context, highlighting its plural form.)

• В офисе принято носить брюки с рубашкой. (V ofise prinято nosit' bryuki s rubashkoy.)

  English: In the office, it's customary to wear trousers with a shirt. (This demonstrates formal attire norms, showing "брюки" in a cultural or professional setting.)

• Летние брюки из легкой ткани идеальны для жаркой погоды. (Letnie bryuki iz legkoy tkani ideal'ny dlya zharoy pogody.)

  English: Summer trousers made of light fabric are ideal for hot weather. (Examples variation in adjectives and contexts, such as seasonal clothing.)

• Он купил новые брюки для свадьбы. (On kupil novyye bryuki dlya svad'by.)

  English: He bought new trousers for the wedding. (Shows the word in a special occasion context, emphasizing its role in formal events.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Брюки" is a plural noun in Russian and does not have a singular form in common usage. It belongs to the first declension group for plural nouns. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: As an inanimate plural noun, "брюки" follows standard patterns without irregularities. If referring to a single item, speakers might use "пара брюк" (a pair of trousers).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • штаны (/ˈʂtanɨ/) - More informal, often used for casual pants; implies a looser fit.
  • панталоны (/panˈtalənɨ/) - Less common, archaic term for trousers, typically in historical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • юбка (/ˈjukə/) - Skirt; contrasts as a non-trouser lower-body garment.

Related Phrases:

• Носить брюки (Nosit' bryuki) - To wear trousers; common in daily routines.
• Купить брюки (Kupit' bryuki) - To buy trousers; used in shopping contexts.
• Стирать брюки (Stirat' bryuki) - To wash trousers; relates to clothing maintenance.
• Брюки в полоску (Bryuki v polosku) - Striped trousers; describes a specific style.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "брюки" directly corresponds to the English "trousers" as a plural noun, emphasizing that it refers to a pair or set of pants. It is more formal than "штаны" and is preferred in professional or written contexts. Always use it in plural form; attempting to use a singular equivalent may lead to confusion. When discussing clothing, pair it with verbs like "надевать" (to put on) or "носить" (to wear). For English learners, note that Russian nouns require agreement in case, number, and gender with accompanying words, so pay attention to adjectives and prepositions.

• Context tip: In informal speech, "штаны" might be substituted, but "брюки" is safer for standard or polite interactions.
• Grammar note: As a plural noun, it always takes plural verbs and adjectives (e.g., "брюки новые" – new trousers).

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English speakers is treating "брюки" as singular, saying something like "Это брюка" instead of "Это брюки" for "This is trousers." Correct usage: "Это брюки" (This is trousers). Error: Using "брюк" (genitive) incorrectly in nominative sentences, e.g., "Я имею брюк" instead of "У меня брюки" (I have trousers). Explanation: Russian requires proper case agreement; "брюк" is for genitive contexts like possession.

• Error: Confusing with "юбка" and saying "брюки" for skirts. Correct: Use "юбка" for skirts to avoid mix-ups in gender-specific clothing descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "брюки" often symbolize formality and professionalism, especially in urban settings. Historically, trousers became popular in Russia during the 19th century as Western influences grew, reflecting modernization. In contemporary contexts, wearing брюки is standard in business attire, but in rural or traditional areas, more casual clothing might prevail, highlighting social and regional variations.

Related Concepts:

• рубашка (shirt)
• куртка (jacket)
• обувь (footwear)