Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bed'

English Word: bed

Key Russian Translations:

• кровать [ˈkrovatʲ] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• постель [pɐˈstʲelʲ] - [Neutral, Often Refers to Bedding or Sleeping Place]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday speech)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

кровать: [ˈkrovatʲ]

Note on кровать: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'r' is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

постель: [pɐˈstʲelʲ]

Note on постель: Stress on the second syllable. The 'e' sounds like 'ye' in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of furniture for sleeping

Translation(s) & Context:

• кровать - Refers to the physical bed frame or structure (most common usage).

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новую кровать для спальни.

  I bought a new bed for the bedroom.

• Эта кровать очень удобная.

  This bed is very comfortable.

• Кровать сломалась, нужно её починить.

  The bed broke; it needs to be fixed.

2. Bedding or the concept of a sleeping place

Translation(s) & Context:

• постель - Refers to bedding, linens, or the prepared place for sleeping.

Usage Examples:

• Я застелил постель чистым бельём.

  I made the bed with clean sheets.

• Постель уже готова, можно ложиться спать.

  The bed is ready; you can go to sleep.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кровать (feminine noun): Follows the 3rd declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

постель (feminine noun): Also follows the 3rd declension pattern. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кровать:

• ложе (more poetic or formal)
• койка (informal, often used in hostels or military contexts)

Note: 'ложе' is rarely used in everyday speech; 'койка' implies a simpler or temporary bed.

Antonyms for кровать:

• None directly applicable (concept of 'bed' lacks a clear opposite in Russian).

Related Phrases:

• застилать кровать - to make the bed (prepare it for sleeping)
• лежать в постели - to lie in bed (often implying rest or illness)
• двуспальная кровать - double bed (for two people)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between кровать and постель: Use 'кровать' when referring to the physical bed or furniture. Use 'постель' when discussing bedding, linens, or the act of sleeping.
• Register: Both terms are neutral and appropriate for all contexts, though 'постель' can sometimes carry a more intimate connotation when used in literary or personal contexts.
• Grammar: Pay attention to case endings, as both are feminine nouns and follow regular declension patterns.

Common Errors:

• Mixing кровать and постель: English speakers often use 'кровать' when they mean 'постель' (bedding). For example, saying "Я поменял кровать" (I changed the bed) is incorrect if you mean changing sheets; the correct phrase is "Я поменял постель."
• Pronunciation: Misplacing stress in 'кровать' (should be on 'кро-') or 'постель' (should be on '-стель') can lead to confusion or unnatural speech.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'постель' often extends beyond just bedding to imply comfort and rest. Historically, elaborate bedding and linens were a sign of hospitality in Russian homes, especially in rural areas.

Related Concepts:

• спальня (bedroom)
• матрас (mattress)
• подушка (pillow)
• одеяло (blanket)