Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Antique'

English Word: antique

Key Russian Translations:

• антиквариат [ɐntʲɪkvɐˈrʲat] - [Formal, Noun, Often Plural]
• старинный [stɐˈrʲinnɨj] - [Adjective, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: антиквариат (B2/Intermediate); старинный (A2/Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

антиквариат: [ɐntʲɪkvɐˈrʲat]

Note on антиквариат: Stress falls on the last syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

старинный: [stɐˈrʲinnɨj]

Note on старинный: Stress on the second syllable. The soft "н" sound may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Old and Valuable Object (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• антиквариат - Refers to collectible old items, often used for furniture, art, or artifacts in formal or commercial contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В этом магазине продаётся дорогой антиквариат.

  This store sells expensive antiques.

• Она коллекционирует антиквариат с детства.

  She has been collecting antiques since childhood.

• Этот антиквариат был куплен на аукционе.

  This antique was bought at an auction.

2. Old or Ancient in Style/Appearance (Adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• старинный - Used to describe something old-fashioned or ancient, often with a nostalgic or historical connotation.

Usage Examples:

• У нас есть старинный дом в деревне.

  We have an old house in the village.

• Это старинное кольцо принадлежало моей бабушке.

  This antique ring belonged to my grandmother.

• В музее выставлены старинные монеты.

  The museum displays ancient coins.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

антиквариат (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): This noun does not change in the singular but has plural forms.

старинный (Adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective patterns.

Note: Full declension across cases follows regular adjective rules (e.g., Genitive Masculine: старинного).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for антиквариат:

• раритет
• древность

Note: "раритет" often implies rarity, while "древность" emphasizes ancient origin.

Synonyms for старинный:

• древний
• старый

Note: "древний" is more formal and historical; "старый" is more general and can be neutral or negative.

Antonyms for старинный:

• современный
• новый

Related Phrases:

• антикварный магазин - Antique shop
• старинные традиции - Ancient traditions
• старинный обычай - Old custom

Usage Notes:

• "антиквариат" is typically used in formal or commercial contexts to refer to tangible objects of historical value. It is rarely used conversationally for general old items.
• "старинный" is more versatile and can describe anything old or traditional, often carrying a positive or nostalgic tone. It is more common in everyday speech than "антиквариат."
• Choose "антиквариат" for objects in a collectible sense and "старинный" for descriptive purposes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "антиквариат" to describe something simply old or outdated. Incorrect: "Этот телефон — антиквариат." (This phone is an antique.)
  Correction: Use "старый" instead: "Этот телефон — старый." (This phone is old.)
  Explanation: "антиквариат" implies value and collectibility, not just age.
• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement with "старинный." Incorrect: "старинный мебель" (should be feminine "старинная мебель").
  Correction: Ensure proper gender and case agreement when using adjectives.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "антиквариат" often evokes a sense of history and prestige, especially in relation to pre-revolutionary artifacts or Soviet-era collectibles. Markets and shops specializing in "антиквариат" are popular among collectors in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. "старинный," on the other hand, often appears in literature and folklore to describe historical or traditional elements of Russian life, such as "старинные сказки" (old tales).

Related Concepts:

• история (history)
• традиция (tradition)
• реликвия (relic)