Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'woollen'

English Word: woollen

Key Russian Translations:

• шерстяной /ʂɨrstʲˈjanəj/ - [Adjective, used for fabrics or materials made of wool; Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium - This word is commonly encountered in everyday contexts related to clothing, textiles, and shopping, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives like "big" or "small".

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner) - Suitable for elementary learners, as it follows standard adjective patterns in Russian, though pronunciation of the initial "ш" sound may pose a slight challenge for non-native speakers.

Pronunciation (Russian):

шерстяной: /ʂɨrstʲˈjanəj/

Note on шерстяной: The initial sound /ʂ/ is a voiceless retroflex fricative, similar to the "sh" in "shoe" but with a more rolled quality. Be mindful of the palatalized "тʲ" which softens the pronunciation. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Adjective describing something made of wool or wool-like material.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шерстяной - Used in contexts involving clothing, fabrics, or materials; common in formal and informal settings, such as shopping or descriptions (e.g., in everyday conversation or product labels).

Usage Examples:

• Я купил шерстяной свитер для зимы. (Ya kupil sherstyanoj sviter dlya zimy.)

  I bought a woollen sweater for winter. (This example shows the adjective in a simple declarative sentence, describing a clothing item in a practical context.)

• Её платье было сделано из шерстяной ткани. (Eyó plat'ye bylo sdelano iz sherstyanoj tkani.)

  Her dress was made from woollen fabric. (Here, it demonstrates the adjective modifying a noun in a descriptive phrase, highlighting material composition.)

• В магазине есть разные шерстяные изделия. (V magazine est' raznye sherstyanyye izdelija.)

  In the store, there are various woollen items. (This illustrates the plural form in a commercial setting, emphasizing variety in products.)

• Шерстяной шарф защитит от холода. (Sherstyanoj sharf zashchitit ot kholoda.)

  A woollen scarf will protect from the cold. (This example uses the adjective in a predictive context, focusing on functionality in weather-related scenarios.)

• Он предпочитает шерстяные костюмы для работы. (On predpochtayet sherstyanyye kostyumy dlya raboty.)

  He prefers woollen suits for work. (This shows the adjective in a preference statement, in a professional or formal context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шерстяной" is a standard Russian adjective that follows the first declension pattern for adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case, which is typical for Russian adjectives. Unlike some irregular adjectives, this one is regular, making it straightforward for learners.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, so it inflects predictably based on standard rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шерстяный (sherstyanyj) - A variant spelling or slight stylistic alternative, often used interchangeably.
  • из шерсти (iz shersti) - More literal phrase meaning "made of wool," used in descriptive contexts; differs by being a prepositional phrase rather than a single adjective.
• Antonyms:
  • хлопковый (kh lopkovyj) - Meaning "cotton," used for fabrics made of cotton material.
  • шелковый (shelkovyj) - Meaning "silk," contrasting with wool in terms of texture and luxury.

Related Phrases:

• Шерстяной свитер (Sherstyanoj sviter) - Woollen sweater; a common phrase for winter clothing.
• Шерстяная ткань (Sherstyanoj tkani) - Woollen fabric; used in contexts like sewing or material selection.
• Шерстяные изделия (Sherstyanyye izdelija) - Woollen items; refers to a collection of wool-based products, such as in a store.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "шерстяной" directly corresponds to the English "woollen" as an adjective, emphasizing materials made from wool. It is versatile across formal and informal contexts, such as in shopping dialogues or written descriptions. When choosing between translations, use "шерстяной" for attributive purposes (e.g., before a noun), but consider alternatives like "из шерсти" for more emphatic or explanatory statements. Grammatically, always ensure it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, which is a key feature of Russian adjectives. This word is particularly useful in everyday scenarios involving clothing or weather, but avoid overusing it in non-material contexts.

Common Errors:

• English learners often forget to inflect "шерстяной" correctly for case and gender, e.g., saying "шерстяной платье" (incorrect) instead of "шерстяное платье" for neuter nouns. Correct usage: "шерстяное платье" – Ensure agreement to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Confusing it with synonyms, such as using "из шерсти" where an adjective is needed, e.g., "свитер из шерсти" (correct for emphasis) vs. incorrectly forcing it into adjectival slots. Explanation: "Из шерсти" is a phrase, not an adjective, so it doesn't inflect like "шерстяной."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, woollen items like "шерстяной свитер" are deeply associated with harsh winters and traditional craftsmanship. Wool has historical significance in Russian folklore and rural life, often symbolizing warmth and endurance. For instance, handmade woollen garments are common in regions like Siberia, reflecting a cultural emphasis on practicality and heritage in clothing choices.

Related Concepts:

• хлопковый (fabric-related alternative)
• шелковый (another material type)
• ткань (general term for fabric)