Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bench'

English Word: bench

Key Russian Translations:

• скамейка [skɐˈmʲejkə] - [Informal, Common for park or garden bench]
• лавка [ˈlɑfkə] - [Neutral, Often used for shop or rustic bench]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скамейка: [skɐˈmʲejkə]

Note on скамейка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'й' sound is a palatalized glide, which might be tricky for English speakers.

лавка: [ˈlɑfkə]

Note on лавка: Stress on the first syllable. The 'в' sound is softer than the English 'v'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A long seat for multiple people (e.g., in a park or garden)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скамейка - Most common term for a park or outdoor bench, often used in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Мы сидели на скамейке в парке.

  We were sitting on a bench in the park.

• Скамейка была деревянной и старой.

  The bench was wooden and old.

• Давай встретимся у скамейки возле фонтана.

  Let’s meet by the bench near the fountain.

2. A seat or counter in a shop or rustic setting

Translation(s) & Context:

• лавка - Often refers to a bench in a traditional or historical context, or a counter in a small shop.

Usage Examples:

• В деревне у дома стояла лавка.

  In the village, there was a bench by the house.

• Продавец сидел за лавкой.

  The seller was sitting behind the counter (bench).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

скамейка (feminine noun):

лавка (feminine noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for скамейка:

• лавочка (diminutive, affectionate form)
• сиденье (more general term for 'seat')

Note: 'лавочка' often implies a smaller or cozier bench compared to 'скамейка'.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for physical benches.

Related Phrases:

• сидеть на скамейке - to sit on a bench (common expression for relaxation or waiting)
• лавка ремесленника - craftsman’s bench (historical or traditional context)

Usage Notes:

• 'скамейка' is the go-to term for most modern contexts involving outdoor seating, such as in parks or public spaces.
• 'лавка' can be ambiguous as it may refer to a shop counter or a rustic bench, so context is key when using or translating this word.
• Both terms are feminine nouns, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly in gender and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'лавка' to refer to a modern park bench.
  Incorrect: В парке новая лавка.
  Correct: В парке новая скамейка.
  Explanation: 'лавка' is less common for modern park benches and may confuse native speakers if used in this context.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable in 'скамейка').
  Explanation: Stress in Russian is critical, and incorrect stress can hinder comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, benches (especially 'скамейка') are iconic in public spaces like parks, often associated with socializing, resting, or romantic encounters. Soviet-era literature and films frequently depict characters meeting or conversing on a 'скамейка', making it a symbol of community and connection.

Related Concepts:

• парк (park)
• улица (street)
• отдых (rest)