Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'windbreaker'

English Word: windbreaker

Key Russian Translations:

• ветровка [vʲɪtˈrofkə] - [Informal, Common in everyday casual speech]

Frequency: Medium (Regularly used in casual conversations about clothing, but not as common as basic words like "куртка")

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Involves understanding Russian noun inflections and gender, which may require familiarity with basic grammar rules.

Pronunciation (Russian):

ветровка: [vʲɪtˈrofkə]

Note on ветровка: The stress is on the second syllable ('trof'), and the 'в' sound is a voiced labiodental fricative. Pay attention to the palatalized 'т' in some regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A lightweight jacket designed to protect against wind.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ветровка - Used in everyday contexts for casual outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling in windy weather.

Usage Examples:

• Я надел ветровку, чтобы защитить себя от сильного ветра во время прогулки.

  I put on the windbreaker to protect myself from the strong wind during the walk.

• Ветровка идеально подходит для осенних дней, когда ветер холодный, но не морозный.

  A windbreaker is perfect for autumn days when the wind is cold but not freezing.

• Она купила новую ветровку для похода в горы, где всегда дует ветер.

  She bought a new windbreaker for the mountain hike where the wind always blows.

• Моя ветровка легкая и компактная, поэтому я всегда беру её в путешествия.

  My windbreaker is lightweight and compact, so I always take it on trips.

• Ветровка с капюшоном спасла меня от дождя и ветра на улице.

  The windbreaker with a hood saved me from the rain and wind outside.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ветровка" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ветрозащитная куртка (more formal, emphasizes wind protection; used in descriptive or technical contexts)
  • ветроотвод (less common, more literal for wind-blocking garments)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific type of clothing. However, related opposites might include "плащ" (raincoat, for wet weather) or "шуба" (fur coat, for extreme cold).

Related Phrases:

• Летняя ветровка - A summer windbreaker; refers to a lightweight version for warmer seasons.
• Ветровка с подкладкой - Windbreaker with lining; used for added warmth in cooler winds.
• Городская ветровка - Urban windbreaker; implies a stylish, city-appropriate design.

Usage Notes:

"Ветровка" directly corresponds to "windbreaker" in English, focusing on its function as a wind-resistant jacket. It is typically used in informal settings and is gender-neutral in practice, though grammatically feminine. When choosing between translations like "ветровка" and "ветрозащитная куртка," opt for the former in casual speech and the latter in formal or descriptive contexts, such as product descriptions. Be mindful of Russian word order in sentences, where adjectives often follow the noun in casual usage, e.g., "ветровка синяя" (blue windbreaker).

• In plural forms, it's common in lists or when discussing multiple items.
• Grammar note: Always ensure agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "ветровка" with "куртка" (a general jacket), leading to imprecise descriptions. For example:

• Error: Using "куртка" when specifically meaning a windbreaker, e.g., "Я ношу куртку для ветра" (incorrectly implying any jacket).
• Correct: "Я ношу ветровку для ветра" - This specifies the wind-resistant feature. Explanation: "Куртка" is broader, so use "ветровка" for accuracy in context.
• Another Error: Incorrect inflection, such as saying "ветровка" in the genitive as "ветровка" instead of "ветровки." Correct: "Цвет ветровки" (The color of the windbreaker).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ветровка" is a practical item often associated with outdoor activities like hiking in Russia's vast, windy landscapes, such as in Siberia or the Caucasus mountains. It's not tied to specific cultural rituals but reflects the necessity of adaptable clothing in variable weather conditions common across the country.

Related Concepts:

• куртка (jacket)
• плащ (coat or raincoat)
• ангорка (parka)