Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'canvas'

English Word: canvas

Key Russian Translations:

• холст [xolst] - [Formal, used for painting or art]
• полотно [pɐlɐtˈno] - [Neutral, used for fabric or material, sometimes metaphorical]
• брезент [brʲɪˈzʲent] - [Informal, used for heavy-duty canvas like tarpaulin]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like art or construction)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

холст: [xolst]

Note on холст: The initial 'х' is a guttural sound, unfamiliar to many English speakers; it is not like 'h' in English.

полотно: [pɐlɐtˈno]

Note on полотно: Stress falls on the last syllable; the 'о' sounds are reduced in unstressed positions.

брезент: [brʲɪˈzʲent]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Canvas as a material for painting (artistic context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• холст - Primarily used in the context of painting and fine arts.

Usage Examples:

• Художник натянул холст на подрамник.

  The artist stretched the canvas on a frame.

• Этот холст идеально подходит для масляных красок.

  This canvas is perfect for oil paints.

• Где можно купить качественный холст?

  Where can I buy high-quality canvas?

2. Canvas as a type of fabric or material (general or metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• полотно - Used for fabric or material, sometimes metaphorically for a broad surface or concept.

Usage Examples:

• Полотно ткани было грубым на ощупь.

  The canvas fabric felt rough to the touch.

• Небо выглядело как бескрайнее полотно.

  The sky looked like an endless canvas.

• Это полотно использовали для пошива палаток.

  This canvas was used for sewing tents.

3. Canvas as heavy-duty material (practical context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• брезент - Refers to heavy-duty canvas, often for tarps or protective covers.

Usage Examples:

• Мы накрыли машину брезентом, чтобы защитить её от дождя.

  We covered the car with a canvas tarp to protect it from the rain.

• Брезент был слишком тяжёлым для переноски.

  The canvas was too heavy to carry.

• Этот брезент выдерживает даже сильный ветер.

  This canvas can withstand even strong winds.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

холст (noun, masculine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	холст	холсты
Genitive	холста	холстов
Dative	холсту	холстам
Accusative	холст	холсты
Instrumental	холстом	холстами
Prepositional	о холсте	о холстах

полотно (noun, neuter): Similar declension pattern as a neuter noun; follows standard rules for 2nd declension.

брезент (noun, masculine): Follows standard masculine declension; no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for холст:

• полотно (in certain artistic contexts)

Note: While "холст" and "полотно" overlap in art contexts, "полотно" can have a broader meaning.

Synonyms for брезент:

• тент (tent material)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for this term.

Related Phrases:

• натянуть холст - "to stretch a canvas" (used in art preparation).
• грубое полотно - "rough canvas" (refers to coarse fabric).
• брезентовая палатка - "canvas tent" (common usage for outdoor gear).

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "холст", "полотно", and "брезент" depends heavily on context. "Холст" is almost exclusively used for painting surfaces, while "брезент" is for practical, heavy-duty materials.
• "Полотно" can be metaphorical (e.g., "canvas of the sky") and is more versatile in non-artistic contexts than "холст".
• Be mindful of gender and case endings when using these nouns in sentences, as Russian grammar requires agreement with other sentence elements.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "холст" to refer to a tent material. Wrong: "Палатка из холста." Correct: "Палатка из брезента."
• Explanation: "Холст" is tied to artistic contexts, while "брезент" is for heavy fabrics like tarps or tents.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "полотно" (e.g., stressing the first syllable). Wrong pronunciation: [ˈpɐlɐtnɐ]. Correct: [pɐlɐtˈno].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "холст" is deeply associated with traditional and modern art, often evoking images of famous painters like Repin or Levitan. The word may carry a sense of craftsmanship and creativity.

Related Concepts:

• кисть (brush)
• краска (paint)
• подрамник (stretcher frame)