Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'burlap'

English Word: burlap

Key Russian Translations:

• мешковина [mʲɪʂˈkovʲɪnə] - [Formal, used in contexts involving fabrics or materials]
• грубая ткань [ɡruˈbajə tkɑnʲ] - [Informal, literal description, less specific]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specialized contexts like textiles or agriculture.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to materials.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мешковина: [mʲɪʂˈkovʲɪnə]

грубая ткань: [ɡruˈbajə tkɑnʲ]

Note on мешковина: The stress is on the third syllable ("ko"), and the "ш" sound is a soft, palatalized "sh" which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A coarse fabric made from jute or hemp, often used for sacks or packaging.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мешковина - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing materials in manufacturing or agriculture.
• грубая ткань - Informal alternative, applied in everyday descriptions but less precise.

Usage Examples:

• Эта сумка сделана из мешковины, которая очень прочная.

  This bag is made from burlap, which is very durable.

• В сельском хозяйстве часто используют грубую ткань для упаковки урожая.

  In agriculture, coarse fabric like burlap is often used for packaging the harvest.

• Мешковина идеально подходит для создания экологичных сумок.

  Burlap is perfect for making eco-friendly bags.

• Грубая ткань, такая как мешковина, не тянется и не рвётся легко.

  Coarse fabric like burlap doesn't stretch and doesn't tear easily.

• Для ремонта старой мебели я купил рулон мешковины.

  For repairing old furniture, I bought a roll of burlap.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Мешковина" is a feminine noun (feminine singular), and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for third-declension nouns. "Грубая ткань" is a phrase where "грубая" is an adjective agreeing with "ткань" (feminine singular noun).

For "мешковина" (feminine singular):

"Грубая ткань" does not inflect as a single unit but follows standard adjective-noun agreement rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • джут (jute) - More specific to the material source.
  • грубый холст (coarse canvas) - Used interchangeably in artistic or industrial contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • шелк (silk) - Represents a soft, fine fabric opposite to burlap's coarseness.

Related Phrases:

• Мешковина для упаковки - Burlap for packaging; commonly used in shipping and storage.
• Грубая ткань из джута - Coarse fabric made from jute; refers to burlap in material-specific contexts.
• Изделия из мешковины - Products made from burlap; often in eco-friendly or handmade goods.

Usage Notes:

"Мешковина" is the most direct and accurate translation for "burlap" in Russian, especially in formal or technical settings. It corresponds closely to the English term's emphasis on a coarse, durable fabric. Use "грубая ткань" for more general descriptions but note that it lacks specificity. Be mindful of noun gender and case in sentences; for example, always decline "мешковина" according to its role. In everyday Russian, this vocabulary is more common in professional contexts like agriculture or crafts, so learners should practice it in thematic discussions.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "мешковина" with "мешок" (bag), leading to incorrect usage like saying "Я купил мешок" instead of "Я купил мешковину" when referring to the fabric. Correct usage: Use "мешковину" for the material itself. Error example: "Эта ткань - мешок." (Wrong: This fabric is a bag.) Correct: "Эта ткань - мешковина." (This fabric is burlap.)

• Misdeclining the noun, e.g., using nominative in all cases: "Из мешковина" instead of "Из мешковины" (genitive). Explanation: Always apply proper case endings to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, burlap or "мешковина" is often associated with rural and traditional life, such as in agriculture for potato sacks or in crafts for homemade items. It symbolizes simplicity and durability, reflecting historical practices in Soviet-era farming, which can evoke nostalgia in modern contexts.

Related Concepts:

• джут
• холст
• ткань