Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bass'

English Word: Bass

Key Russian Translations:

• бас [bas] - [Musical term, refers to low-pitched sound or instrument]
• бас-гитара [bas-giˈtara] - [Specific to bass guitar, informal]
• басовый [baˈsovɨj] - [Adjective, related to bass sound]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in musical contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бас: [bas]

Note on бас: The stress is on the single syllable, pronounced with a short, sharp 'a' sound.

бас-гитара: [bas-giˈtara]

Note on бас-гитара: Stress falls on the third syllable 'ta'; ensure clear pronunciation of the rolled 'r'.

басовый: [baˈsovɨj]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bass as a low-pitched sound or voice (Musical/Acoustic Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бас - Used for low-pitched voices or sounds, especially in singing or music theory.

Usage Examples:

• У него глубокий бас, который идеально подходит для оперы.

  He has a deep bass voice that is perfect for opera.

• В этой композиции бас звучит очень мощно.

  In this composition, the bass sounds very powerful.

• Басовые ноты добавляют мелодии глубину.

  Bass notes add depth to the melody.

2. Bass as an instrument (Bass Guitar)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бас-гитара - Refers specifically to the bass guitar in modern music contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он играет на бас-гитаре в рок-группе.

  He plays the bass guitar in a rock band.

• Бас-гитара задаёт ритм всей песни.

  The bass guitar sets the rhythm for the entire song.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бас (noun, masculine):

бас-гитара (noun, feminine): Follows standard feminine noun declension patterns.

басовый (adjective): Declines as a standard Russian adjective, agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бас (low sound/voice):

• низкий голос (low voice)
• глубокий тон (deep tone)

Note: "низкий голос" is more colloquial, while "глубокий тон" is often used in technical or poetic contexts.

Antonyms for бас:

• сопрано (soprano)
• тенор (tenor)

Related Phrases:

• басовые ноты - Bass notes (used in musical compositions).
• басовая партия - Bass part (refers to the bass line in a musical piece).
• играть на басу - To play bass (informal way to refer to playing bass guitar).

Usage Notes:

• Contextual Choice: Use "бас" when referring to a voice or low sound in general, and "бас-гитара" specifically for the instrument. Avoid using "бас" alone for the guitar in formal contexts.
• Register: "бас" is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal settings, especially in music theory. "бас-гитара" is more informal and tied to modern music genres like rock or jazz.
• Grammar Note: Pay attention to case endings when using "бас" in sentences, as it follows standard masculine noun declension.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бас" to refer to bass guitar without specifying "гитара". This can confuse listeners as "бас" alone typically means a voice or sound.
  Incorrect: Я купил новый бас. (I bought a new bass.)
  Correct: Я купил новую бас-гитару. (I bought a new bass guitar.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in "бас-гитара". Stressing "бас" instead of "та" sounds unnatural.
  Incorrect: [ˈbas-gi-tara]
  Correct: [bas-giˈtara]

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "бас" is deeply associated with traditional opera and choral music, where deep bass voices are highly valued. Famous Russian bass singers, like Fyodor Chaliapin, are cultural icons. In contrast, "бас-гитара" reflects the influence of Western rock and pop music, which became popular in Russia during the late 20th century.

Related Concepts:

• тенор (tenor)
• сопрано (soprano)
• альт (alto)
• гитара (guitar)