Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'turtleneck'

English Word: turtleneck

Key Russian Translations:

• водолазка (/vədɐˈlazkə/) - [Informal, Everyday]
• гольф (/ɡolʲf/) - [Formal or Historical, sometimes used for high-necked garments, but less common in modern contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about clothing, especially in casual or fashion-related contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers learning Russian due to its simple phonetic structure and common usage in everyday language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

водолазка: /vədɐˈlazkə/ (The stress is on the third syllable; note the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for beginners.)

гольф: /ɡolʲf/ (A simpler pronunciation with a palatalized 'л', similar to the English 'y' in 'yes'.)

Note on водолазка: The 'з' is pronounced as a voiced 'z', and the word ends with a soft 'a' sound. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels further.

Note on гольф: This is often pronounced more like a loanword, with less emphasis on Russian inflection.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The main meaning: A high-necked sweater or shirt that covers the neck, typically worn for warmth or style.

Translation(s) & Context:

• водолазка - Used in informal, everyday contexts like casual clothing descriptions or shopping.
• гольф - Applied in more formal or historical contexts, such as fashion history or specific garment types, but it's less precise for modern turtlenecks.

Usage Examples:

• Я надеваю водолазку, когда холодно на улице.

  I wear a turtleneck when it's cold outside. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing practical use in winter clothing.)

• Её новая водолазка из шерсти очень теплая.

  Her new turtleneck made of wool is very warm. (Illustrates the word with an adjective and possessive structure, common in descriptive contexts.)

• В модном шоу модели демонстрировали водолазки разных цветов.

  At the fashion show, models showcased turtlenecks in various colors. (Demonstrates usage in a plural, fashion-related context.)

• Он предпочитает гольф под пиджак для формальных мероприятий.

  He prefers a turtleneck under a jacket for formal events. (Uses the alternative translation in a more formal setting, highlighting layering in attire.)

• Купи водолазку в магазине, чтобы защитить шею от ветра.

  Buy a turtleneck at the store to protect your neck from the wind. (Shows imperative form and practical advice in everyday conversation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"водолазка" is a feminine noun in the second declension group, which means it follows standard patterns for Russian nouns. It is inflected based on case, number, and gender. "гольф" is also a feminine noun but may behave more like a loanword with less variation.

Note: These forms are regular, but "гольф" may not inflect as fully in casual speech due to its status as a borrowed word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • высокий воротник (vysokiy vorotnik) - Literally "high collar," used interchangeably in descriptive contexts.
  • пуловер с высоким воротом (pulover s vysokim vorotom) - More descriptive, emphasizing the style.
• Antonyms:
  • майка (mayka) - A sleeveless or low-necked top, contrasting in warmth and style.

Note: Synonyms may vary slightly by region; "высокий воротник" is more neutral and widely used.

Related Phrases:

• зимняя водолазка (zimnyaya vodolazka) - Winter turtleneck; a common phrase for seasonal clothing.
• водолазка с длинным рукавом (vodolazka s dlinnym rukavom) - Long-sleeved turtleneck; highlights specific features in fashion discussions.
• спортивная водолазка (sportivnaya vodolazka) - Sporty turtleneck; used in contexts like athletic wear or casual outfits.

Usage Notes:

"водолазка" directly corresponds to "turtleneck" in English and is the most accurate translation for modern usage, while "гольф" is better suited for historical or formal contexts. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences, as "водолазка" is feminine (e.g., always use feminine adjectives like "теплая водолазка"). It's commonly used in informal speech but can appear in formal writing. When choosing between translations, opt for "водолазка" in everyday scenarios and "гольф" if discussing vintage fashion. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; integrate it into proper Russian sentence structures for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "водолазка" interchangeably with "свитер" (sweater), leading to confusion in specific contexts.

  Correct: "Свитер" is a general sweater, while "водолазка" specifies a high-neck design. Example of error: "Я ношу свитер" when meaning a turtleneck. Correct: "Я ношу водолазку." Explanation: This mix-up overlooks the neck feature, so specify based on garment details.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., "Я иду в водолазка" instead of "в водолазке").

  Correct: Use the prepositional case: "Я иду в водолазке." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must practice declensions to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "водолазка" is a practical garment associated with cold weather, reflecting Russia's harsh winters. It's often featured in everyday fashion and literature, symbolizing warmth and modesty, as seen in Soviet-era clothing styles. While not deeply symbolic, it underscores the importance of functional attire in Russian daily life.

Related Concepts:

• свитер (sweater)
• пуловер (pullover)
• куртка (jacket)