Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Barn'

English Word: Barn

Key Russian Translations:

• Сарай [sɐˈraj] - [Informal, General Use]
• Амбар [ɐmˈbar] - [Formal, Often for Grain Storage]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in rural contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Сарай: [sɐˈraj]

Note on Сарай: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

Амбар: [ɐmˈbar]

Note on Амбар: Stress on the second syllable. The initial 'а' is unstressed and sounds like a schwa.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A building for storing farm equipment or animals

Translation(s) & Context:

• Сарай - Commonly used for a shed or barn for tools, equipment, or small animals.

Usage Examples:

• В сарае хранятся старые инструменты.

  Old tools are stored in the barn.

• Он построил сарай для кур.

  He built a barn for chickens.

• Сарай выглядит очень старым.

  The barn looks very old.

2. A building specifically for storing grain or hay

Translation(s) & Context:

• Амбар - Used specifically for grain or hay storage, often in a formal or historical context.

Usage Examples:

• В амбаре полно зерна после урожая.

  The barn is full of grain after the harvest.

• Старый амбар стоит на краю поля.

  The old barn stands at the edge of the field.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Сарай (Masculine Noun):

Амбар (Masculine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Сарай:

• Хлев (often for livestock)
• Склад (more general for storage)

Note: Хлев is more specific to animal shelters, while Склад can refer to any storage space.

Synonyms for Амбар:

• Зернохранилище (specifically for grain)

Antonyms: None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• Старый сарай - "Old barn" (used to describe something outdated or neglected)
• Амбар с зерном - "Barn with grain" (common phrase in rural settings)

Usage Notes:

• Сарай is the more general and informal term for a barn or shed and can be used in everyday speech for various types of storage structures.
• Амбар is more formal and specific, often referring to a barn used for storing grain or hay. It may sound outdated or literary in modern casual conversation.
• Choose between the two based on context: use Сарай for general or small-scale barns and Амбар for larger, agricultural storage barns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using Амбар when referring to a small shed for tools.
  Incorrect: У меня есть амбар для инструментов.
  Correct: У меня есть сарай для инструментов.
  Explanation: Амбар implies a larger structure, often for grain, and sounds unnatural for small storage sheds.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of Сарай).
  Explanation: Stress must be on the second syllable [sɐˈraj]. Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian rural culture, barns like Сарай or Амбар are often associated with traditional farming life. Амбар, in particular, may evoke historical or literary imagery of old Russian villages, as seen in classic literature. The word Сарай can also carry a slightly negative connotation in urban slang, meaning something shabby or poorly made.

Related Concepts:

• Ферма (Farm)
• Хлев (Livestock Shed)
• Зерно (Grain)