обувь
obuv'
The English phrase "shoes" is translated into Russian as обувь (obuv').
The general term used for shoes in most formal contexts is обувь.
Which one should you use?
While обувь is the standard term for footwear in general, it is more formal and collective than specific terms like туфли (shoes/pumps) or кроссовки (sneakers).
How does it change in a sentence?
Обувь is a collective noun that is grammatically singular in Russian, even though it refers to multiple items of footwear. One specific grammatical variation is the form обуви, which is used after the preposition без (without), as in без обуви (without shoes).
How do you pronounce it?
obuv'
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because обувь is a collective noun, it should not be used in a plural form. Avoid trying to pluralize it by adding an ending as English speakers often do.
Did you know?
- In Russia, it is a strict cultural norm to remove your обувь immediately upon entering a home, often replacing them with тапочки (slippers) provided by the host.
- The root of обувь is related to the concept of 'surrounding' or 'covering', as the prefix 'ob-' implies wrapping something around.
- In a traditional Russian household, you will often find a обувница, a specialized piece of furniture designed specifically to store and organize обувь near the entrance.
Examples in context
- Я не снял обувь.I didn't take off my shoes.This sentence is useful for saying you did not take off your обувь.Tatoeba #8414430 by marafon, translation #6220934 by CK
- Я не ношу обувь.I don't wear shoes.This sentence is useful for saying you do not wear обувь.Tatoeba #9958330 by amanshi, translation #9957966 by shekitten
- Он не снял обувь.He didn't take his shoes off.This sentence is useful for saying he did not take off his обувь.Tatoeba #12910051 by marafon, translation #7387549 by CH
- У меня новая обувь.I have new shoes.
- Где можно купить красивые туфли?Where can I buy nice shoes?
- Я хочу купить новые кроссовки.I want to buy new sneakers.
- У Марии очень стильные ботинки.Maria has very stylish boots.
- В Москве уже холодно, нужно надеть тёплые сапоги.It's already cold in Moscow, you need to wear warm boots.
- Завтра пойду в спортзал в своих любимых кедах.Tomorrow, I'll go to the gym wearing my favorite sneakers.
- 212 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga is buying something at a clothing store and Alexander is with her.
- Александр AleksandrТебе нравится эта обувь?Tebe nravitsya eta obuv'Do you like these shoes?
- Ольга OlgaДа, эта обувь очень удобная.Da, eta obuv' ochen' udobnaya.Yes, these shoes are very comfortable.
- Александр AleksandrОна выглядит стильно.Ona vyglyadit stil'no.They look stylish.
- Ольга OlgaЯ куплю её.Ya kuplyu ye yo.I will buy them.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
