Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'valise'

English Word: valise

Key Russian Translations:

• саквояж [sɐkˈvoəʐ] - [Formal, often used in literary or historical contexts for a small, elegant traveling bag]
• чемода́н [ʧɪmɐˈdan] - [Neutral, more common for a general suitcase, but can apply to smaller versions]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday modern Russian conversation; more prevalent in literature or formal descriptions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary, though basic forms are straightforward for learners at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

саквояж: [sɐkˈvoəʐ]

чемода́н: [ʧɪmɐˈdan]

Note on саквояж: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'ж' sound (like the 's' in 'measure') can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small suitcase or traveling bag, often implying elegance or portability.

Translation(s) & Context:

• саквояж - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as describing antique or high-end travel gear in historical novels.
• чемода́н - Applied in everyday situations for any small to medium-sized bag, especially in travel or packing scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял свой саквояж и отправился в поездку. (Ya vzial svoy sakvoyazh i otpravilsya v poezdku.)

  I took my valise and went on the trip. (This example shows the word in a narrative context, emphasizing preparation for travel.)

• Её чемода́н был слишком тяжёлым для короткой поездки. (Yeyo chemodan byl slishkom tyazhelym dlya korotkoy poezdki.)

  Her valise was too heavy for a short trip. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a practical, everyday complaint about luggage.)

• В музее выставлен старинный саквояж известного путешественника. (V muzeye vystavlen starinnyy sakvoyazh izvestnogo puteshestvennika.)

  In the museum, there is an antique valise belonging to a famous traveler. (This illustrates formal or historical usage in descriptive language.)

• Он упаковал документы в маленький чемода́н. (On upakovala dokumenty v malen'kiy chemodan.)

  He packed the documents into a small valise. (Shows the word in a utilitarian context, like organizing items.)

• Саквояж моей бабушки хранит семейные реликвии. (Sakvoyazh moyey babushki khranit semeynye relikvii.)

  My grandmother's valise holds family heirlooms. (This example highlights sentimental or possessive use in storytelling.)

Secondary Meaning: Figurative use, implying a collection of items or ideas (less common in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• саквояж - Rarely used metaphorically, e.g., for a bundle of thoughts or tools in creative writing.

Usage Examples:

• Его саквояж идей всегда полон свежих мыслей. (Yego sakvoyazh idey vsegda polon svezhikh mysley.)

  His valise of ideas is always full of fresh thoughts. (This figurative example shows extension to abstract concepts in literary contexts.)

• В чемода́не инструментов мастера собрано всё необходимое. (V chemodane instrumentov mastera sobrana vsyo neobkhodimoye.)

  In the master's valise of tools, everything necessary is collected. (Demonstrates a metaphorical use for a toolkit or set of resources.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are masculine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns. саквояж is less common and may not vary as frequently in modern usage, while чемода́н has regular inflections.

Note: саквояж is invariant in some contexts due to its foreign origin, but standard Russian rules apply as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сумка [sumka] - a general bag; рюкзак [ryukzak] - backpack, often for casual travel; портфель [portfel'] - briefcase, for professional use. Note: сумка is more everyday and less formal than саквояж.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a physical object; however, for contrast, большой багаж [bol'shoy bagazh] could imply "large luggage."

Related Phrases:

• Путевой саквояж - Travel valise; a phrase used for specialized travel gear, often in adventure contexts.
• Маленький чемода́н - Small valise; common for describing compact luggage in packing scenarios.
• Саквояж с секретом - Valise with a secret; an idiomatic phrase implying hidden compartments or mysteries, as in detective stories.

Usage Notes:

Valise corresponds most closely to саквояж in formal or historical English-Russian contexts, but чемода́н is a safer everyday choice. Be mindful of gender (both are masculine), and always consider the context: use саквояж for elegance or antiquity, and чемода́н for practicality. In Russian, nouns must agree in case with accompanying words, which can be tricky for English speakers. When choosing between translations, opt for саквояж in literary writing and чемода́н in spoken language to match the appropriate register.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using саквояж in casual conversation as a direct synonym for "bag," which sounds overly formal or archaic. Correct: Stick to чемода́н for everyday use. Example of error: "Я взял саквояж в магазин" (incorrect for a simple shopping bag). Correct: "Я взял сумку в магазин."
• Mistake: Forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "в саквояж" instead of "в саквояже" in prepositional case. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; always check the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

Саквояж evokes images of 19th-century Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy, where it symbolizes the mobility of travelers or exiles. In modern Russian culture, it's less common but appears in historical films or museums, reflecting the era's fashion and social status.

Related Concepts:

• рюкзак (backpack)
• сумка (bag)
• багаж (luggage)