Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'alabaster'

English Word: alabaster

Key Russian Translations:

• Алабастр /ɐ.lɐˈbas.tr/ - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears primarily in contexts related to art, geology, or specialized literature.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should understand it with some exposure to technical vocabulary, as it involves basic noun forms and pronunciation challenges.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Алабастр: /ɐ.lɐˈbas.tr/

Note on Алабастр: The stress falls on the second syllable ("bas"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as in faster speech where vowels soften.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, often used for carving or decorative purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алабастр - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing materials in art history or geology.

Usage Examples:

• Эта статуя сделана из алебастра, который известен своей прозрачностью.

  This statue is made of alabaster, which is known for its translucency.

• В музее выставлена коллекция изделий из алебастра разных эпох.

  In the museum, there is a collection of alabaster items from various eras.

• Алебастр часто используется в ювелирном деле для создания декоративных элементов.

  Alabaster is often used in jewelry making for creating decorative elements.

• Геологи изучают залежи алебастра в горах для промышленного использования.

  Geologists study alabaster deposits in the mountains for industrial use.

• Художник выбрал алебастр для своей скульптуры из-за его мягкости и цвета.

  The artist chose alabaster for his sculpture because of its softness and color.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Алабастр is a masculine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases and numbers, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: As a non-living noun, the accusative singular matches the nominative. It does not change in gender or have verbal forms since it is not a verb.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Гипс (Gypsum) - Often used interchangeably in geological contexts, but more general.
  • Мрамор (Marble) - Similar in artistic applications, though not exact; implies a harder material.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific material term. However, in artistic contexts, something like "Металл" (Metal) could contrast due to differing properties.

Related Phrases:

• Алебастровая ваза - An alabaster vase; commonly used in descriptions of antique decor.
• Изделия из алебастра - Items made of alabaster; refers to crafts or sculptures in historical contexts.
• Декоративный алебастр - Decorative alabaster; highlights its use in interior design, with a connotation of elegance.

Usage Notes:

Алабастр directly corresponds to the English "alabaster" as a noun referring to a specific type of gypsum. It is typically used in formal, technical, or artistic settings rather than everyday speech. English learners should note that Russian nouns like this one must agree in case, number, and gender with other elements in the sentence. For instance, when describing possession, use the genitive case (e.g., "статуя из алебастра"). If multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "Алабастр" is preferred for precise material descriptions, while "Гипс" might be used more broadly. Avoid literal translations in poetic or metaphorical uses, as Russian may employ different imagery.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "Алабастр" with "Гипс" and using it interchangeably without context. Incorrect: "Эта ваза из гипса" when specifically meaning alabaster. Correct: "Эта ваза из алебастра." Explanation: While related, "Гипс" is broader and doesn't capture the translucent quality of alabaster; this misuse can lead to inaccuracies in technical discussions.

• Error: Forgetting case agreement, such as using nominative in a prepositional phrase. Incorrect: "О алебастр" instead of "О алебастре." Correct: "О алебастре" (About alabaster). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to inflect based on their grammatical role, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, alabaster has historical significance in art and architecture, often associated with ancient civilizations like those in Egypt and Greece, as seen in artifacts from the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It symbolizes delicacy and permanence, frequently appearing in literature and folklore to represent refined beauty or timelessness, such as in descriptions of imperial-era decor.

Related Concepts:

• Гипс
• Мрамор
• Янтарь (Amber)