Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'volleyball'

English Word: volleyball

Key Russian Translations:

• волейбол /vɐˈlʲejbəl/ - [Formal, Sport term; used in general contexts for the game]

Frequency: High (This term is commonly used in everyday conversations, media, and sports-related discussions in Russian-speaking regions.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a straightforward loanword with minimal grammatical complexity, making it easy for English speakers to learn and use.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

волейбол: /vɐˈlʲejbəl/

Note on волейбол: The stress is on the third syllable ("lʲej"), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft "l" sound (лʲ), which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A ball game played by two teams hitting a ball over a net without letting it touch the ground on their side.

Translation(s) & Context:

• волейбол - Used in formal and informal contexts, such as sports events, school activities, or casual conversations about recreation. It directly corresponds to the English term and is the standard translation in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Мы часто играем в волейбол на пляже по выходным.

  We often play volleyball on the beach on weekends. (This example shows the noun in a recreational context, highlighting leisure activities.)

• Волейбол — это популярный вид спорта в нашей школе.

  Volleyball is a popular sport in our school. (This demonstrates the noun in a nominative case, emphasizing its role in educational or institutional settings.)

• Команда выиграла чемпионат по волейболу благодаря отличной координации.

  The team won the volleyball championship thanks to excellent coordination. (This example illustrates the noun in a more competitive context, showing its use with other nouns like "championat".)

• Дети учатся правилам волейбола на уроке физкультуры.

  Children are learning the rules of volleyball in physical education class. (This highlights the genitive case in Russian, where "волейбола" indicates possession or relation.)

• Волейбол требует быстрых реакций и командной работы.

  Volleyball requires quick reactions and teamwork. (This example shows the noun in a subject position, emphasizing its attributes in descriptive sentences.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Волейбол" is a masculine noun (masc.) in Russian, borrowed from English, and follows the standard patterns for third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is indeclinable in most cases but can show basic changes in number and case.

Note: As a loanword, "волейбол" is often used in its singular form and may not always inflect fully in informal speech. For verbs related to it, such as "играть" (to play), inflections would apply to the verb, not the noun itself.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мяч для волейбола (ball for volleyball) - More descriptive, used when specifying equipment.
  • спортивный волейбол (sports volleyball) - Emphasizes the competitive aspect, with a slight formal connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • Not directly applicable, as "волейбол" is a specific sport. However, contrasting terms might include "футбол" (football) for a different team sport.

Related Phrases:

• Играть в волейбол - To play volleyball; used in casual or recreational contexts to describe participation.
• Чемпионат по волейболу - Volleyball championship; refers to competitive tournaments, often in professional settings.
• Пляжный волейбол - Beach volleyball; a variant of the sport, highlighting outdoor or summer activities.
• Команда по волейболу - Volleyball team; used when discussing group dynamics or sports organizations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "волейбол" directly mirrors the English term and is used across various contexts without significant alterations. It is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal (e.g., sports reports) and informal (e.g., conversations) settings. English speakers should note that Russian nouns have genders and cases, so "волейбол" as a masculine noun requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "популярный волейбол" for "popular volleyball"). When choosing between translations, stick to "волейбол" as it is the most precise and widely accepted equivalent. Be aware of cultural emphasis on team sports in Russia, which may influence its usage in social discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the word as /vɒlɛjbɔl/ (like the English version) instead of the correct Russian /vɐˈlʲejbəl/. Correct: Practice the soft "лʲ" sound. Example of error: Saying "волебол" without the proper stress. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; focus on vowel reductions in unstressed syllables for authenticity.
• Error: Using it in the wrong case, e.g., saying "в волейбол" incorrectly in sentences. Correct: Ensure proper declension, like "в волейболе" for prepositional case. Example of error: "Я люблю волейбол" (correct) vs. "Я люблю в волейбол" (incorrect). Explanation: Russian cases are crucial for sentence structure, and beginners often overlook this when translating directly from English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, volleyball is not only a popular recreational activity but also has a strong presence in national sports traditions. It gained prominence during the Soviet era through international competitions, symbolizing teamwork and physical fitness. Today, events like beach volleyball are common in summer festivals, reflecting a blend of leisure and community spirit in places like Moscow or seaside resorts.

Related Concepts:

• футбол (football)
• баскетбол (basketball)
• теннис (tennis)
• спорт (sport)