Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'brass'

English Word: brass

Key Russian Translations:

• латунь [ˈlatunʲ] - [Formal, Material Context]
• медь [ˈmʲetʲ] - [Informal, Sometimes Used for Brass in General Contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in technical and material contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "латунь" is more specific and may require context understanding)

Pronunciation (Russian):

латунь: [ˈlatunʲ]

Note on латунь: Stress is on the first syllable. The "у" sounds like the "oo" in "boot."

медь: [ˈmʲetʲ]

Note on медь: Stress on the single syllable. The soft "д" requires a slight palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Brass as a Material (Alloy of Copper and Zinc)

Translation(s) & Context:

• латунь - Used in technical, industrial, or scientific contexts to refer specifically to the alloy.

Usage Examples:

• Эта ваза сделана из латуни.

  This vase is made of brass.

• Латунь часто используется в производстве музыкальных инструментов.

  Brass is often used in the production of musical instruments.

• Латунные детали долговечны и устойчивы к коррозии.

  Brass parts are durable and resistant to corrosion.

2. Brass as a General Term (Sometimes Misused for Copper)

Translation(s) & Context:

• медь - Sometimes used colloquially to refer to brass or copper-like materials, though technically incorrect for brass.

Usage Examples:

• У него медная статуэтка, похожая на латунь.

  He has a copper statuette that looks like brass.

• Этот цвет похож на медь, но это может быть латунь.

  This color looks like copper, but it might be brass.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

латунь (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern for nouns ending in a soft sign (ь).

Note: "латунь" is typically used in the singular as it refers to a material.

медь (feminine noun): Follows a similar feminine declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for латунь:

• сплав меди и цинка (lit. alloy of copper and zinc, more descriptive)

Note: Synonyms are rare for "латунь" as it is a specific term; descriptive phrases are sometimes used instead.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "brass" is a material.

Related Phrases:

• латунный сплав - Brass alloy (used in technical contexts).
• латунная отделка - Brass finish (common in design or architecture).
• медный оттенок - Copper shade (sometimes confused with brass in color descriptions).

Usage Notes:

• "латунь" is the precise term for brass as an alloy of copper and zinc. It is used in formal, technical, or industrial contexts.
• "медь" technically means "copper," but in informal speech, it may be used to describe brass due to visual similarity. Be cautious with this usage as it is not accurate.
• When discussing materials, always clarify the context to avoid confusion between "brass" (латунь) and "copper" (медь).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "медь" to refer to brass in formal or technical contexts.

  Incorrect: Этот инструмент сделан из меди. (This tool is made of copper.)

  Correct: Этот инструмент сделан из латуни. (This tool is made of brass.)

  Explanation: "медь" refers specifically to copper, and using it for brass can cause misunderstandings in precise contexts.

• Error: Mispronouncing "латунь" with stress on the second syllable.

  Incorrect Pronunciation: [latˈunʲ]

  Correct Pronunciation: [ˈlatunʲ]

  Explanation: Stress in Russian is crucial, and incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, brass (латунь) is often associated with craftsmanship, especially in the creation of traditional samovars, musical instruments, and decorative items. Historically, brass items were a sign of wealth in some regions of Russia, often polished to a high shine for display in homes.

Related Concepts:

• медь (copper)
• бронза (bronze)
• сплав (alloy)