Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chandelier'

English Word: chandelier

Key Russian Translations:

• люстра /ˈlʲustrə/ - [Formal, Common noun for decorative lighting fixtures]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions about home decor, architecture, or everyday objects in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should recognize it as a basic vocabulary item for describing household items, though mastering its inflections requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

люстра: /ˈlʲustrə/

Note on люстра: The initial 'л' is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian; pronounce it like the 'l' in "million" in English. Be mindful of the stress on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A decorative ceiling-mounted light fixture, often with multiple branches and crystals

Translation(s) & Context:

• люстра - Typically used in formal or everyday contexts to describe chandeliers in homes, hotels, or public buildings; suitable for both literal and metaphorical references in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В гостиной висит роскошная люстра из хрусталя.

  In the living room hangs a luxurious crystal chandelier.

• Мы заменили старую люстру на новую в зале.

  We replaced the old chandelier with a new one in the hall.

• Люстра в театре освещает сцену во время спектакля.

  The chandelier in the theater illuminates the stage during the performance.

• Дизайнер выбрал простую люстру для минималистичного интерьера.

  The designer chose a simple chandelier for the minimalist interior.

• Под люстрой собралась вся семья на праздничный ужин.

  The whole family gathered under the chandelier for a festive dinner.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Люстра" is a feminine noun in Russian (despite ending in -a, it follows the first declension pattern). It undergoes regular declensions based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This is a regular first-declension noun, so it follows standard patterns without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • светильник (svetil'nik) - More general term for any light fixture; used in informal contexts where precision is less important.
  • подвесной светильник (podvesnoy svetil'nik) - Emphasizes the hanging aspect; often interchangeable in technical descriptions.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "люстра" describes a specific object rather than a quality.

Related Phrases:

• Хрустальная люстра (khrustal'naya lyustra) - Crystal chandelier; a common phrase for elegant, high-end lighting in formal settings.
• Люстра на цепи (lyustra na tsepi) - Chandelier on a chain; refers to designs suspended by chains, often in historical contexts.
• Многоярусная люстра (mnogoyarusnaya lyustra) - Multi-tiered chandelier; used for elaborate, layered designs in grand interiors.

Usage Notes:

"Люстра" directly corresponds to "chandelier" in English and is the most accurate translation for decorative, ceiling-mounted lights. It is neutral in terms of formality but is more common in written or descriptive language. When using in sentences, ensure proper declension based on the grammatical case (e.g., use genitive "люстры" after prepositions like "без"). For learners, choose "люстра" over synonyms like "светильник" when specificity is needed. In cultural contexts, it often evokes luxury, so it's ideal for discussions on architecture or interior design.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "люстра" interchangeably with "лампа" (lamp), leading to incorrect descriptions. For example, a learner might say "Я купил лампу для потолка" instead of "Я купил люстру для потолка."

  Correct Usage: "Люстра" specifically implies a chandelier, while "лампа" refers to a simpler lamp. Explanation: This confusion arises from overgeneralizing lighting terms; always check the context for decorative vs. functional lights.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "с люстра" instead of "с люстрой" in instrumental case.

  Correct Usage: Use the proper form like "с люстрой" to indicate "with the chandelier." Explanation: Russian requires noun agreement with cases, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, chandeliers like "люстра" are often associated with grandeur and historical elegance, seen in imperial palaces such as the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. They symbolize luxury and are common in theaters and formal dining rooms, reflecting Russia's rich architectural heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Related Concepts:

• светильник (light fixture)
• лампа (lamp)
• бра (wall sconce)