Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'waistcoat'

English Word: waistcoat

Key Russian Translations:

• жилет [ʐɨˈlʲɛt] - [Formal/Informal, as it's a common noun used in both everyday and formal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions about clothing, fashion, and daily life, but not as frequent as basic items like 'shirt' or 'pants').

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for learners familiar with basic nouns, with simple declensions that follow standard Russian grammar rules).

Pronunciation (Russian):

жилет: [ʐɨˈlʲɛt]

Note on жилет: The initial 'ж' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 's' in 'measure'. Pronounce with stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A sleeveless garment worn over a shirt, often as part of formal attire.

Translation(s) & Context:

• жилет - Used in contexts related to clothing, fashion, or formal wear, such as business suits or historical costumes. It's versatile and applies to both modern and traditional styles.

Usage Examples:

• Он надел жилет к своему костюму, чтобы выглядеть более элегантно.

  He put on a waistcoat with his suit to look more elegant.

• В музее экспонируется старинный жилет из коллекции царской одежды.

  In the museum, an antique waistcoat from the tsarist clothing collection is on display.

• Летом она предпочитает легкий жилет вместо куртки.

  In the summer, she prefers a light waistcoat instead of a jacket.

• Мой дедушка всегда носил жилет с часами в кармане.

  My grandfather always wore a waistcoat with a watch in the pocket.

• В театральном костюме актера был яркий жилет с вышивкой.

  The actor's theatrical costume included a bright waistcoat with embroidery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

жилет is a masculine noun (second declension) in Russian, which means it undergoes regular declensions based on case and number. It does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Note: Always adjust for agreement with adjectives or other modifiers, e.g., "новый жилет" (new waistcoat) changes to "нового жилета" in genitive case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • камзол - More historical or formal term, often used for ornate waistcoats in traditional Russian attire.
  • безрукавка - Informal synonym, typically for casual or sporty vests.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific clothing item. However, related concepts might include full-coverage garments like "куртка" (jacket), which provides more warmth or coverage.

Related Phrases:

• спортивный жилет - A sports waistcoat; used in athletic contexts, like running or outdoor activities.
• жилет с карманами - Waistcoat with pockets; common in everyday utility wear, emphasizing functionality.
• формальный жилет - Formal waistcoat; typically worn with suits for business or ceremonial events.

Usage Notes:

жилет directly corresponds to 'waistcoat' in English, referring to a sleeveless upper-body garment. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both casual and formal settings. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences, as жилет is masculine (e.g., "этот жилет" for "this waistcoat"). When choosing between synonyms like камзол, opt for жилет in modern contexts to avoid sounding archaic. In Russian culture, it's often associated with professional attire, so use it in descriptions of suits or formal events.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я купил жилет" when it should be in the accusative case, but learners might forget and say "Я купил жилета" incorrectly in other contexts.

  Correct: In a sentence like "У меня есть жилет" (I have a waistcoat), ensure the nominative form is used. Incorrect example: "Я видел жилету" (wrong case); Correct: "Я видел жилет" (I saw a waistcoat). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions and verbs, so always check the sentence structure.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "жакет" (jacket), which has sleeves.

  Correct: Use жилет only for sleeveless items. Incorrect example: "Это жилет с рукавами" (This is a waistcoat with sleeves); Correct: "Это жакет" (This is a jacket). Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in clothing descriptions; remember, жилет specifically means sleeveless.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the waistcoat (жилет) has historical significance, often featured in traditional folk costumes and military uniforms from the tsarist era. For instance, it was a key element in 19th-century formal wear, symbolizing status and elegance. Today, it's less common in everyday life but appears in cultural events like weddings or theater, reflecting Russia's rich heritage in fashion and apparel.

Related Concepts:

• куртка (jacket)
• пиджак (suit jacket)
• галстук (tie)