Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'amber'

English Word: amber

Key Russian Translations:

• янтарь [ˈjæn.tərʲ] - [Formal, Noun, Singular]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

янтарь: [ˈjæn.tərʲ]

Note on янтарь: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Fossilized Tree Resin (Literal Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• янтарь - Refers to the fossilized tree resin, often used in jewelry or decorative items.

Usage Examples:

• Она купила ожерелье из янтаря.

  She bought a necklace made of amber.

• Янтарь часто находят на побережье Балтийского моря.

  Amber is often found on the shores of the Baltic Sea.

• Этот кусок янтаря очень старый и ценный.

  This piece of amber is very old and valuable.

2. Color Description (Figurative Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• янтарный - Used as an adjective to describe a color similar to amber, often warm and golden.

Usage Examples:

• Её глаза были янтарного цвета.

  Her eyes were amber-colored.

• Закат окрасил небо в янтарные тона.

  The sunset painted the sky in amber tones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

янтарь (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

янтарный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules for gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for янтарь (amber as resin):

• бурштын (regional, less common)

Note: "бурштын" is rarely used in modern Russian and mostly appears in historical or regional contexts.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for the literal meaning of amber.

Related Phrases:

• янтарная комната - "Amber Room," a famous historical room decorated entirely with amber panels (often refers to the lost treasure from World War II).
• янтарный путь - "Amber Road," a historical trade route for amber in ancient times.

Usage Notes:

• The noun "янтарь" is used exclusively for the material (fossilized resin) and is not interchangeable with other terms for similar substances.
• The adjective "янтарный" is commonly used to describe colors or tones resembling amber, especially in poetic or descriptive language.
• Be mindful of the context when using "янтарь" versus "янтарный," as they belong to different parts of speech and serve distinct purposes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "янтарный" (adjective) when referring to the material itself. For example, saying "Я купил янтарный" instead of "Я купил янтарь."
• Correction: Use "янтарь" as the noun for the substance. "Я купил янтарь" translates to "I bought amber."
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the second syllable of "янтарь").
• Correction: Always stress the first syllable: [ˈjæn.tərʲ].

Cultural Notes:

Amber holds significant cultural and historical importance in Russia, particularly due to the Amber Room in the Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg. This room, originally constructed in the 18th century, was considered a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship but was looted during World War II. Its mysterious disappearance remains a topic of fascination. Additionally, amber from the Baltic region is often associated with Russian craftsmanship and jewelry.

Related Concepts:

• драгоценный камень (gemstone)
• украшение (jewelry)
• историческое наследие (historical heritage)