Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chalk'

English Word: chalk

Key Russian Translations:

• мел [mʲel] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мел: [mʲel]

Note on мел: The Russian 'е' is palatalized, producing a soft 'ye' sound. Stress is on the single syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Chalk (as a writing tool, e.g., for blackboards)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мел - Used for writing or drawing on blackboards or sidewalks, typically in educational or playful contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель пишет мелом на доске.

  The teacher writes with chalk on the board.

• Дети рисовали мелом на асфальте.

  The children drew with chalk on the pavement.

• У меня нет мела, чтобы отметить линию.

  I don’t have any chalk to mark the line.

• Этот мел легко крошится.

  This chalk crumbles easily.

• Возьми цветной мел для рисунка.

  Take colored chalk for the drawing.

2. Chalk (as a geological substance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мел - Refers to the soft, white limestone material in geological or industrial contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эти скалы состоят из мела.

  These cliffs are made of chalk.

• Мел используется в производстве цемента.

  Chalk is used in the production of cement.

• Меловые отложения встречаются в этом регионе.

  Chalk deposits are found in this region.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мел is a masculine inanimate noun. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• мелок (diminutive form, often used for a single piece of chalk)

Note: 'мелок' is a diminutive and typically refers to a small piece of chalk, while 'мел' is more general.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• цветной мел - Colored chalk, often used for artistic purposes.
• мел для доски - Chalk for blackboards, specifying the context of use.
• меловой период - Cretaceous period, a geological term referring to a time of chalk deposits.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word 'мел' covers both the writing tool and the geological substance, much like 'chalk' in English. Context usually clarifies the meaning.
• It is a straightforward term with no significant regional variations or slang uses.
• When referring to a single small piece of chalk, the diminutive 'мелок' might be used colloquially.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing gender agreement. Since 'мел' is masculine, adjectives or pronouns must agree accordingly. Incorrect: *моя мел* (should be *мой мел*).
• Error: Confusing 'мел' with similar-sounding words like 'мель' (mill or shoal). Ensure correct spelling and context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian schools, chalk ('мел') and blackboards are still commonly used, much like in many parts of the world. The imagery of chalk is often associated with education and childhood memories of drawing on pavement, similar to Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• доска (blackboard)
• карандаш (pencil)
• маркер (marker)