Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bookcase'

English Word: bookcase

Key Russian Translations:

• книжный шкаф [ˈknʲiʐnɨj ʂkaf] - [Formal, Standard]
• стеллаж для книг [stʲɪˈlaʐ dʲlʲa knʲik] - [Neutral, Often used for open shelves]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in household contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

книжный шкаф: [ˈknʲiʐnɨj ʂkaf]

Note on книжный шкаф: Stress falls on the first syllable of "книжный" and the second syllable of "шкаф". The "ж" sound is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure".

стеллаж для книг: [stʲɪˈlaʐ dʲlʲa knʲik]

Note on стеллаж для книг: Stress on the second syllable of "стеллаж". The "ж" sound is similar to the above.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of furniture for storing books (standard meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• книжный шкаф - Most common term for a closed or traditional bookcase in homes or offices.
• стеллаж для книг - Refers more to open shelves, often used in libraries or modern settings.

Usage Examples:

• У меня в комнате стоит большой книжный шкаф, полный старых книг.

  I have a large bookcase in my room, full of old books.

• Мы купили новый книжный шкаф для гостиной.

  We bought a new bookcase for the living room.

• В библиотеке установили стеллаж для книг с новыми изданиями.

  A shelf for books with new editions was installed in the library.

• На стеллаже для книг я храню только учебники.

  I keep only textbooks on the book shelf.

• Книжный шкаф в кабинете моего отца сделан из дуба.

  The bookcase in my father's office is made of oak.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

книжный шкаф (noun, masculine): Follows standard masculine noun declension rules in Russian.

стеллаж для книг (noun, masculine): Similar declension pattern for "стеллаж" (masculine), with "для книг" remaining unchanged as a prepositional phrase.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for книжный шкаф:

• библиотечный шкаф (used specifically for library-style bookcases)
• полка для книг (more general, often for smaller shelves)

Note: "полка для книг" is less formal and often refers to a single shelf rather than a full bookcase.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as "bookcase" refers to a specific object.

Related Phrases:

• поставить книгу на книжный шкаф - "to put a book on the bookcase" (literal placement).
• убрать книжный шкаф - "to tidy up the bookcase" (organize or clean it).
• стеллаж для книг в магазине - "book shelf in a store" (common in retail contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "книжный шкаф" is the most common and versatile term for a traditional bookcase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It implies a piece of furniture with doors or enclosed spaces.
• "стеллаж для книг" is more likely to refer to open shelving, often seen in libraries or modern minimalist designs. It is slightly less formal.
• When choosing between the two, consider the physical structure of the furniture and the context (home vs. public space).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "полка" (shelf) instead of "книжный шкаф" to refer to a full bookcase. Incorrect: У меня большая полка с книгами. Correct: У меня большой книжный шкаф с книгами. Explanation: "полка" refers to a single shelf, not an entire piece of furniture.
• Error: Misusing "стеллаж" for a traditional enclosed bookcase in a home. Incorrect: В моей комнате стеллаж с дверцами. Correct: В моей комнате книжный шкаф с дверцами. Explanation: "стеллаж" implies open shelves, not enclosed storage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "книжный шкаф" often holds sentimental value, as books were historically seen as a sign of education and status, especially during Soviet times. Many Russian homes still feature large bookcases filled with classic literature.

Related Concepts:

• библиотека (library, often referring to a personal collection)
• полка (shelf)
• мебель (furniture)