Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Balustrade'

English Word: balustrade

Key Russian Translations:

• балюстрада [bəlʲʊˈstradə] - [Formal, Architectural Context]
• перила [pʲɪˈrʲilə] - [General, Often Plural]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like architecture or design)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "балюстрада"; A2 (Beginner) for "перила"

Pronunciation (Russian):

балюстрада: [bəlʲʊˈstradə]

Note on балюстрада: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ю" sound is a distinct Russian vowel, pronounced like "yu."

перила: [pʲɪˈrʲilə]

Note on перила: Stress on the second syllable. This word is typically used in the plural form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Architectural Feature (Row of Balusters with a Rail)

Translation(s) & Context:

• балюстрада - Used specifically for decorative or architectural railings, often in formal or historical contexts (e.g., palaces, theaters).

Usage Examples:

• Балюстрада дворца была украшена резьбой.

  The balustrade of the palace was decorated with carvings.

• Мы любовались видом с балюстрады террасы.

  We admired the view from the balustrade of the terrace.

• Архитектор спроектировал изящную балюстраду для лестницы.

  The architect designed an elegant balustrade for the staircase.

2. General Railing or Barrier

Translation(s) & Context:

• перила - Commonly used for any type of railing, especially on staircases or balconies, in everyday language.

Usage Examples:

• Держись за перила, когда спускаешься по лестнице.

  Hold on to the balustrade when going down the stairs.

• Перила на балконе были покрашены в белый цвет.

  The balustrade on the balcony was painted white.

• Эти перила слишком низкие, это опасно.

  These railings are too low; it’s dangerous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

балюстрада (Feminine Noun): Follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in -а.

перила (Neuter Noun, Plural-Only): This word is used exclusively in the plural form and follows the declension for neuter plural nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for балюстрада:

• ограда (in broader contexts of barriers)
• парапет (when referring to a low protective wall)

Note: "парапет" often implies a solid structure rather than a row of balusters.

Synonyms for перила:

• поручни (specifically handrails)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term.

Related Phrases:

• держаться за перила - "to hold onto the railing" (common instruction for safety).
• каменная балюстрада - "stone balustrade" (often used in descriptions of architecture).
• перила лестницы - "staircase railing" (specific usage context).

Usage Notes:

• "балюстрада" is a more specialized and formal term, often used in architectural or artistic contexts. It directly corresponds to the English "balustrade" in design contexts.
• "перила" is a broader and more commonly used term for any railing or handrail, making it the default choice in everyday speech.
• When translating "balustrade," choose "балюстрада" for formal or decorative contexts and "перила" for general or functional railings.
• Note that "перила" is always plural in Russian, reflecting its usage for structures composed of multiple elements.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "балюстрада" in casual contexts or for simple railings.
  Incorrect: Держись за балюстраду. (Hold onto the balustrade.)
  Correct: Держись за перила. (Hold onto the railing.)
  Explanation: "балюстрада" is too formal and specific for everyday situations like stair railings.
• Error: Using "перила" in singular form.
  Incorrect: Это перило сломано. (This railing is broken.)
  Correct: Эти перила сломаны. (These railings are broken.)
  Explanation: "перила" is a plural-only noun in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "балюстрада" often evokes images of grand historical architecture, such as the ornate railings found in palaces like the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. It carries a sense of elegance and formality, distinguishing it from the utilitarian "перила."

Related Concepts:

• балкон (balcony)
• лестница (staircase)
• архитектура (architecture)