Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'brush'

English Word: brush

Key Russian Translations:

• щётка [ˈʂːotkə] - [General, Informal]
• кисть [kʲistʲ] - [Artistic context, e.g., paintbrush]
• чистить [ˈtɕistʲɪtʲ] - [Verb, to brush, e.g., teeth or hair]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "щётка"; B1 for "кисть" and "чистить")

Pronunciation (Russian):

щётка: [ˈʂːotkə]

Note on щётка: The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh" sound, unique to Russian. Stress is on the first syllable.

кисть: [kʲistʲ]

Note on кисть: The "к" is slightly palatalized due to the following "и". Stress is on the first syllable.

чистить: [ˈtɕistʲɪtʲ]

Note on чистить: The "ч" is a soft "ch" sound, and stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Brush as a noun (tool for cleaning or grooming)

Translation(s) & Context:

• щётка - General term for a brush used for cleaning (e.g., hairbrush, toothbrush).

Usage Examples:

• У меня новая щётка для волос.

  I have a new hairbrush.

• Где моя зубная щётка?

  Where is my toothbrush?

• Эта щётка хорошо чистит обувь.

  This brush cleans shoes well.

2. Brush as a noun (tool for painting)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кисть - Specifically refers to a paintbrush or artistic brush.

Usage Examples:

• Художник взял кисть и начал рисовать.

  The artist took a brush and started painting.

• Эта кисть слишком большая для деталей.

  This brush is too big for details.

3. Brush as a verb (to clean or groom with a brush)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чистить - Verb meaning to brush or clean, often used for teeth or shoes.

Usage Examples:

• Я чищу зубы два раза в день.

  I brush my teeth twice a day.

• Нужно чистить обувь перед выходом.

  You need to brush your shoes before going out.

• Она чистит волосы каждое утро.

  She brushes her hair every morning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

щётка (noun, feminine):

кисть (noun, feminine): Follows similar declension patterns as "щётка".

чистить (verb, imperfective):

Note: "чистить" is an imperfective verb; its perfective counterpart is "почистить".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for щётка:

• щетина (used for bristles or rough brushes)
• метёлка (small brush or broom)

Synonyms for кисть:

• пензель (regional or artistic term)

Synonyms for чистить:

• скрести (to scrape or brush roughly)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for these terms.

Related Phrases:

• зубная щётка - Toothbrush (literal: dental brush)
• щётка для волос - Hairbrush (literal: brush for hair)
• чистить зубы - To brush teeth (common daily expression)
• кисть художника - Artist's brush (specific to painting)

Usage Notes:

• "щётка" is the most general and widely used term for a brush as a tool. It applies to various contexts like cleaning or grooming.
• "кисть" is strictly used for artistic brushes, such as those used in painting or calligraphy. Using "щётка" in an artistic context would be incorrect.
• "чистить" as a verb is versatile but often paired with a specific object (e.g., "чистить зубы" for brushing teeth). Without context, it might simply mean "to clean".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кисть" instead of "щётка" for a hairbrush or toothbrush.
  Incorrect: У меня новая кисть для волос.
  Correct: У меня новая щётка для волос.
  Explanation: "кисть" refers specifically to paintbrushes, not general brushes.
• Error: Misusing "чистить" without an object when context is needed.
  Incorrect: Я чищу. (I brush—what?)
  Correct: Я чищу зубы. (I brush my teeth.)
  Explanation: "чистить" often requires a direct object to clarify what is being brushed.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, personal grooming tools like brushes ("щётка") are often considered personal items and are not shared, even among family members. Additionally, the verb "чистить" carries a connotation of maintaining cleanliness, which is highly valued in Russian households.

Related Concepts:

• расчёска (comb)
• губка (sponge)
• мыть (to wash)