Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cloth'

English Word: cloth

Key Russian Translations:

• ткань [ˈtkanʲ] - [General, Neutral]
• полотно [pəlɐtˈno] - [Specific, Often for larger or coarser fabric]
• материя [mɐˈtʲerʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often for material or fabric in abstract sense]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "ткань"); B1 (Intermediate for "полотно" and "материя")

Pronunciation (Russian):

ткань: [ˈtkanʲ]

Note on ткань: Stress falls on the first syllable. The final soft sign (ь) indicates a palatalized 'n' sound, which may be tricky for English speakers.

полотно: [pəlɐtˈno]

Note on полотно: Stress on the last syllable. The 'о' sounds may vary depending on stress.

материя: [mɐˈtʲerʲɪjə]

Note on материя: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'р' and 'я' sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Material or fabric (general sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ткань - Commonly used for any type of fabric or cloth in everyday language.
• материя - More formal or abstract, often used in literary or technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта ткань очень мягкая.

  This cloth is very soft.

• Мне нужна ткань для пошива платья.

  I need cloth to sew a dress.

• Материя этого костюма выглядит дорого.

  The fabric of this suit looks expensive.

2. Larger piece of fabric or canvas

Translation(s) & Context:

• полотно - Refers to a large piece of fabric, often coarse, or used metaphorically (e.g., for paintings or towels).

Usage Examples:

• Художник написал картину на полотне.

  The artist painted a picture on canvas.

• Это полотно используется для укрытия мебели.

  This cloth is used to cover furniture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ткань (feminine noun):

полотно (neuter noun): Follows standard neuter noun declension (e.g., Nominative Singular: полотно, Plural: полотна).

материя (feminine noun): Follows standard feminine noun declension (e.g., Nominative Singular: материя, Plural: материи).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ткань:

• материал (material, broader term)
• сукно (coarser cloth, specific)

Note: "материал" is broader and can refer to any material, not just fabric.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable for "cloth" in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• ткань для штор - Cloth for curtains.
• полотно картины - Canvas of a painting.
• материя времени - Fabric of time (metaphorical, literary usage).

Usage Notes:

• "ткань" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "cloth" in everyday contexts, suitable for most situations.
• "полотно" often implies a larger or specific type of fabric, such as canvas for painting or a large sheet of cloth.
• "материя" is more formal and can be used in abstract or technical discussions about fabric or material.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender when using adjectives or verbs with these nouns (e.g., "ткань" is feminine, "полотно" is neuter).

Common Errors:

1. Confusing "ткань" with "полотно": English speakers might use "полотно" for any cloth, but it typically refers to larger or coarser fabric. For general fabric, always use "ткань".

Incorrect: Купи полотно для платья. (Buy canvas for a dress.)

Correct: Купи ткань для платья. (Buy cloth for a dress.)

2. Mispronunciation of "ткань": The soft sign (ь) is often ignored by learners, leading to a harder 'n' sound. Practice the palatalized 'n' sound for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, fabric and textiles (especially "ткань" and "полотно") have historical significance, often tied to traditional crafts like embroidery and weaving. "Полотно" also evokes imagery of classic Russian art, as it refers to the canvas used by painters like Repin or Surikov.

Related Concepts:

• шёлк (silk)
• хлопок (cotton)
• лён (linen)