datcha

dacha (Russian country cottage)

noun DAH-tchah Rare

Origin: Borrowed from Russian 'dacha', a rural retreat granted by the state.

Usage Note

Datcha is a loanword that entered French through Russian and refers to the traditional Russian country house used as a seasonal retreat. It is invariable in form and treated as feminine. The word evokes Soviet-era and contemporary Russian culture in French journalism and literature.

Examples

"Ils passent l'été dans leur datcha."

Natural Translation

They spend the summer in their dacha.

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