Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Banister'

English Word: Banister

Key Russian Translations:

• перила [pʲɪˈrʲiɫə] - [Plural, Commonly Used]
• поручень [pɐˈrut͡ɕɪnʲ] - [Singular, Often Refers to Handrail]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts related to architecture or household items)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate, due to straightforward meaning but specific usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перила: [pʲɪˈrʲiɫə]

Note on перила: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

поручень: [pɐˈrut͡ɕɪnʲ]

Note on поручень: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "ч" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent falling (Primary Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• перила - Used for the entire structure of railings, often in plural form, applicable to staircases or balconies.
• поручень - Refers specifically to the handrail part that one holds for support.

Usage Examples:

• Держись за перила, чтобы не упасть с лестницы.

  Hold onto the banister so you don’t fall down the stairs.

• На балконе установлены новые деревянные перила.

  New wooden banisters have been installed on the balcony.

• Поручень на лестнице был скользким после дождя.

  The handrail on the stairs was slippery after the rain.

• Дети скатывались по перилам, играя в парке.

  The children were sliding down the banister while playing in the park.

• Этот поручень слишком низкий для взрослых.

  This handrail is too low for adults.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

перила (Plural Noun, Neuter): This word is always used in the plural form in Russian and follows the neuter declension pattern.

поручень (Singular Noun, Masculine): This word is a masculine noun and follows regular declension rules for singular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for перила/поручень:

• ограждение (broader term for railing or fence)
• барьер (used in more formal or technical contexts)

Note: "ограждение" can refer to any protective barrier, not just a banister, while "барьер" often implies a larger or more formal structure.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "banister" does not have a clear opposite in Russian)

Related Phrases:

• держаться за перила - "to hold onto the banister" (for support or safety)
• скользить по поручню - "to slide along the handrail" (often playfully)
• ставить перила - "to install a banister" (construction context)

Usage Notes:

• "перила" is the more general and commonly used term for banisters or railings and is always plural in Russian. Use it when referring to the entire structure.
• "поручень" specifically refers to the handrail part of the banister, the part you grip. It can be singular or plural depending on context.
• Be mindful of the context: "перила" can be used for both staircases and balconies, while "поручень" is more specific to the functional hand-supporting part.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "перила" in singular form. Incorrect: "перило". Correct: Always use "перила" as it is inherently plural.
• Error: Confusing "поручень" with "перила" when specificity matters. Incorrect: Saying "держись за перила" when referring to a single handrail. Correct: Use "держись за поручень" for a specific handrail.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, banisters (перила) are often associated with Soviet-era architecture, where ornate or sturdy railings were common in public buildings and apartment staircases. Sliding down a banister (скатываться по перилам) is a nostalgic childhood activity often mentioned in literature or personal stories.

Related Concepts:

• лестница (staircase)
• балкон (balcony)
• ограждение (fence or barrier)