Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vest'

English Word: vest

Key Russian Translations:

• жилет [ʐɨˈlʲɛt] - [Formal, Commonly used for clothing items]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in everyday conversations about clothing, but not as common as basic vocabulary like "shirt" or "pants").

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, per CEFR standards; straightforward for beginners to learn and use, but requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

жилет: [ʐɨˈlʲɛt]

Note on жилет: The initial sound [ʐ] is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the 'zh' in English 'measure'. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable, which is common in Russian words ending in -ет. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard pronunciation is as above.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A sleeveless garment worn over the upper body, often for warmth or as part of a uniform.

Translation(s) & Context:

• жилет - Used in formal or everyday contexts for clothing, such as fashion, work uniforms, or casual wear. Common in descriptions of outerwear.

Usage Examples:

• Я ношу жилет зимой, чтобы было теплее.

  I wear a vest in winter to stay warmer. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing practical use in cold weather.)

• Его новый жилет из шерсти выглядит стильно.

  His new wool vest looks stylish. (Here, the word is used in a descriptive context, highlighting material and appearance in fashion discussions.)

• В офисе все носят жилеты с логотипом компании.

  In the office, everyone wears vests with the company logo. (This demonstrates plural usage in a professional setting, showing how 'vest' integrates into work attire.)

• Она купила спортивный жилет для пробежек.

  She bought a sports vest for jogging. (This example illustrates the word in a recreational context, combined with adjectives for specificity.)

• Жилет в его гардеробе — это классический элемент.

  The vest in his wardrobe is a classic element. (This shows the word in a possessive structure, emphasizing its role in personal style.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Жилет" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has some variations based on number and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively easy for learners. Always adjust for gender agreement in sentences, e.g., adjectives must agree with the masculine form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • безрукавка (bezrukavka) [ʙʲɪzˈru.kəf.kə] - Often used interchangeably for a sleeveless top, with a slight emphasis on casual or sporty styles.
  • пиджачный жилет (pidzhaichnyy zhylet) - Specifically for a vest as part of a suit, highlighting formal contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • рубашка (rubashka) [ruˈbaʂ.kə] - A full-sleeved shirt, contrasting with the sleeveless nature of a vest.

Related Phrases:

• Спортивный жилет (Sportivnyy zhylet) - A sports vest; used in athletic contexts, e.g., for running or gym wear.
• Зимний жилет (Zimniy zhylet) - A winter vest; refers to insulated outerwear for cold weather.
• Жилет с капюшоном (Zhylet s kapyushonom) - A vest with a hood; a modern variation, often seen in casual or outdoor clothing.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "жилет" directly corresponds to the English 'vest' in the context of clothing, but be aware that it typically implies a more formal or protective garment rather than casual undergarments. It's a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "новый жилет" for "new vest"). Use it in everyday conversations about fashion or work attire, but avoid it in highly informal slang. When choosing between translations like "жилет" and "безрукавка", opt for "жилет" in professional or descriptive settings for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "жилет" with "куртка" (jacket) due to similar protective functions. Incorrect: "Я ношу жилет на улице в дождь" (implying full coverage). Correct: "Я ношу куртку на улице в дождь". Explanation: "Жилет" lacks sleeves and isn't waterproof, so use it only for sleeveless items to avoid misleading the listener.

• Error: Forgetting noun declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Купить жилет" when meaning "to the vest" (should be dative: "жилету"). Correct: "Подарок жилету" for "a gift to the vest". Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence role, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "жилет" is commonly associated with practical clothing in everyday life, such as in military uniforms or traditional folk attire. For instance, it's a staple in Soviet-era workwear, symbolizing functionality over fashion. While not deeply symbolic, it reflects Russia's emphasis on durable clothing in harsh climates, helping learners appreciate how language ties into daily necessities.

Related Concepts:

• куртка (jacket)
• свитер (sweater)
• пальто (coat)