Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wallet'

English Word: wallet

Key Russian Translations:

• кошелек (/kɐˈʂɛlʲɪk/) - [Common, Masculine Noun, Singular; Used in everyday contexts for a small case holding money]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in daily conversations and texts about personal finance, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like 'money').

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; Suitable for beginners who have grasped basic noun structures, as it involves simple declensions in Russian grammar).

Pronunciation (Russian):

кошелек: /kɐˈʂɛlʲɪk/ (The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in 'she', but rolled slightly in some dialects.)

Note on кошелек: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable; misplacing it can alter perceived fluency. In fast speech, the 'лʲ' might soften.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small flat case for holding paper money, coins, and cards.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кошелек - Used in casual, everyday situations, such as shopping or discussing personal belongings. In formal contexts, it might be replaced with more specific terms like 'портмоне' for a wallet with compartments.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда ношу свой кошелек в кармане, чтобы не потерять деньги.

  I always carry my wallet in my pocket so I don't lose my money. (This example shows the word in a preventive context, emphasizing possession and daily habits.)

• В её кошельке были кредитные карты и мелочь.

  In her wallet, there were credit cards and loose change. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, listing contents in a sentence.)

• Он забыл кошелек дома и не смог купить билет.

  He forgot his wallet at home and couldn't buy the ticket. (This illustrates the word in a narrative context, highlighting consequences of forgetfulness.)

• Купи новый кошелек, этот уже износился.

  Buy a new wallet; this one is already worn out. (This example uses the word in an imperative context, suggesting replacement in casual advice.)

• Кошелек из натуральной кожи стоит дороже, но служит дольше.

  A wallet made of genuine leather costs more but lasts longer. (This shows the word in a comparative context, discussing material and durability.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кошелек" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple wallets, and inflections are regular without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: портмоне (a more formal or stylish wallet, often with compartments; used in upscale contexts), сумочка (a small bag that might function as a wallet, but less precise)
• Antonyms: (Not directly applicable, as 'wallet' is a physical object; conceptually, расход (expenditure) could contrast with saving money)

Related Phrases:

• Потерять кошелек - Lose a wallet (Common phrase for misplacing personal items, often in theft or forgetfulness scenarios).
• Кожаный кошелек - Leather wallet (Refers to a durable type, emphasizing material in shopping contexts).
• Наполнить кошелек - Fill the wallet (Idiomatic for earning or accumulating money, used metaphorically in financial discussions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "кошелек" directly corresponds to the English "wallet" in most contexts, but be mindful of its masculine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "новый кошелек" for "new wallet"). It's versatile for informal and formal settings, though in business contexts, "портмоне" might be preferred for elegance. When choosing between translations, use "кошелек" for everyday items and ensure proper declension based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кошелек" interchangeably with "сумка" (bag), leading to confusion in meaning. Incorrect: "Я положил телефон в кошелек" (implying a phone in a wallet, which is illogical). Correct: "Я положил телефон в сумку." Explanation: "Кошелек" specifically refers to a money-holding case, not a general bag, so context matters for accuracy.

• Error: Forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "в кошелек" instead of "в кошельке" in prepositional case. Incorrect: "Деньги в кошелек." Correct: "Деньги в кошельке." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English learners often overlook, affecting sentence fluency.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, wallets are often seen as practical items rather than status symbols, but traditional ones might feature folk designs in rural areas. Historically, during the Soviet era, simple cloth wallets were common due to material shortages, reflecting themes of resourcefulness in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• деньги (money)
• кредитная карта (credit card)
• банк (bank)