Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tuxedo'

English Word: tuxedo

Key Russian Translations:

• смокинг (/ˈsmokɪŋ/) - [Formal, used in contexts involving elegant or ceremonial attire]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of formal wear, events, or fashion, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with clothing vocabulary and formal Russian, as it involves specific cultural and stylistic nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

смокинг: /ˈsmokɪŋ/

Note on смокинг: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "о" is pronounced as a short "o" sound. Be cautious with the hard "к" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A formal evening suit, typically for men, consisting of a jacket, trousers, and sometimes a bow tie.

Translation(s) & Context:

• смокинг - Used in formal contexts such as weddings, galas, or operas; implies elegance and tradition in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Он надел смокинг на вечерний приём. (He put on his tuxedo for the evening reception.)

  Translation: He put on his tuxedo for the evening reception. (This example shows the word in a straightforward formal context.)

• В России смокинг часто надевают на официальные мероприятия, такие как бал или оперный вечер. (In Russia, a tuxedo is often worn to official events like a ball or opera evening.)

  Translation: In Russia, a tuxedo is often worn to official events like a ball or opera evening. (Illustrates cultural usage in social gatherings.)

• Дизайнер создал современный смокинг с необычными аксессуарами. (The designer created a modern tuxedo with unusual accessories.)

  Translation: The designer created a modern tuxedo with unusual accessories. (Demonstrates the word in a fashion or creative context.)

• Смокинг должен быть идеально подогнанным, чтобы подчеркнуть фигуру. (The tuxedo should be perfectly tailored to accentuate the figure.)

  Translation: The tuxedo should be perfectly tailored to accentuate the figure. (Highlights grammatical usage with adjectives.)

• На свадьбе жених был в классическом чёрном смокинге. (At the wedding, the groom was in a classic black tuxedo.)

  Translation: At the wedding, the groom was in a classic black tuxedo. (Shows the word in a personal, ceremonial setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Смокинг" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The plural forms are less common, as "tuxedo" typically refers to a single item, but they can be used when discussing multiple pieces in fashion contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: фрак (frack - a tailcoat, similar but more formal and historical); пиджак (jacket - less formal, but can be used in extended contexts)
• Antonyms: повседневная одежда (casual wear - implies informality, e.g., джинсы - jeans)

Note: "Фрак" is a close synonym but often implies a more outdated style, while "пиджак" is less precise and used for everyday jackets.

Related Phrases:

• Чёрный смокинг (Black tuxedo) - Refers to the classic version worn for formal events.
• Нарядный смокинг (Dressy tuxedo) - Indicates a tuxedo with decorative elements, often for weddings or parties.
• Смокинг с бабочкой (Tuxedo with a bow tie) - A common formal combination, emphasizing accessories.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "смокинг" directly corresponds to the English "tuxedo" and is reserved for formal occasions, unlike more general terms like "костюм" (suit). It carries a connotation of elegance and is typically used in written or spoken Russian in cultural, social, or fashion contexts. When choosing between translations, opt for "смокинг" in formal settings; avoid it in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly stiff. Grammatically, it agrees with adjectives and verbs as a masculine noun.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "смокинг" with "костюм": English learners might overuse "костюм" (suit) for "tuxedo," but "костюм" is broader and less formal. Incorrect: "Я ношу костюм на бал" (I wear a suit to the ball). Correct: "Я ношу смокинг на бал" (I wear a tuxedo to the ball). Explanation: "Костюм" implies business attire, while "смокинг" specifies evening wear.

• Misinflecting the noun: Forgetting case endings, e.g., saying "в смокинг" instead of "в смокинге" in prepositional case. Incorrect: "Я думаю о смокинг" (I think about tuxedo). Correct: "Я думаю о смокинге". Explanation: Always match the case to the sentence structure for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "смокинг" is associated with high-society events, such as theater performances, formal dinners, or state banquets, reflecting influences from Western European traditions. It symbolizes sophistication and is often linked to historical figures in literature, like those in 19th-century Russian novels, where formal attire denoted social status.

Related Concepts:

• галстук (tie)
• пиджак (jacket)
• костюм (suit)
• фрач (tailcoat)