Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'collectible'

English Word: collectible

Key Russian Translations:

• коллекционный [kɐlʲɪkˈtsɨonnyj] - [Adjective, Formal, Used in contexts involving collections or antiques]
• собирательный [səbʲɪˈratʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Adjective, Informal, Often used metaphorically for items that are gathered or compiled]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about art, antiques, or hobbies, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp basic adjective forms, but mastering inflections may require practice. For 'коллекционный', it's B1; for 'собирательный', it's also B1.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коллекционный: [kɐlʲɪkˈtsɨonnyj]

собирательный: [səbʲɪˈratʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on коллекционный: The stress falls on the fourth syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. A common variant in fast speech might soften the ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An item that is worth collecting, often due to rarity, value, or sentimental appeal.

Translation(s) & Context:

• коллекционный - Used in formal contexts like auctions, museums, or hobbyist discussions, emphasizing the item's collectible nature.
• собирательный - Applied in more informal or metaphorical settings, such as describing a collection of memories or items gathered over time.

Usage Examples:

• Этот старый монет коллекционный и стоит целое состояние. (This old coin is collectible and worth a fortune.)

  This old coin is collectible and worth a fortune.

• В музее выставлены редкие коллекционные артефакты из древней Руси. (In the museum, rare collectible artifacts from ancient Rus' are displayed.)

  In the museum, rare collectible artifacts from ancient Rus' are displayed.

• Мой собирательный альбом заполнен уникальными марками. (My collectible album is filled with unique stamps.)

  My collectible album is filled with unique stamps.

• Она собирает коллекционные куклы, которые передаются из поколения в поколение. (She collects collectible dolls that are passed down from generation to generation.)

  She collects collectible dolls that are passed down from generation to generation.

• Этот собирательный процесс помогает понять историю через мелкие предметы. (This collectible process helps understand history through small items.)

  This collectible process helps understand history through small items.

Meaning 2: Something that can be collected or gathered, often in a broader sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• собирательный - Common in educational or abstract contexts, such as describing compilations or aggregates.

Usage Examples:

• Собирательный том включает все произведения автора. (The collectible volume includes all the author's works.)

  The collectible volume includes all the author's works.

• В библиотеке есть собирательные издания классической литературы. (In the library, there are collectible editions of classical literature.)

  In the library, there are collectible editions of classical literature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'коллекционный' and 'собирательный' are adjectives, which in Russian undergo inflection based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-conjugation adjectives.

Note: These adjectives are regular and follow the standard pattern. They do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: редкий (rare) - Often used for items with scarcity; ценный (valuable) - Emphasizes monetary worth; уникальный (unique) - Highlights one-of-a-kind aspects.
• Antonyms: обычный (ordinary) - For everyday, non-special items; массовый (mass-produced) - Implies wide availability and lack of rarity.

Related Phrases:

• Коллекционный альбом - A collectible album, often used for stamps or photos, to organize valuable items.
• Собирательный фонд - A collectible fund, referring to a pooled collection of assets in finance or culture.
• Редкий коллекционный предмет - A rare collectible item, emphasizing exclusivity in auctions or markets.

Usage Notes:

'Коллекционный' is the most direct translation for 'collectible' in the context of physical items, and it aligns closely with English usage in formal settings like art or antiques. 'Собирательный' is better for broader or metaphorical meanings, such as gathering ideas or data. Be mindful of gender and case agreement in Russian sentences; for example, use 'коллекционная' with feminine nouns. In everyday Russian, these words are more common in written or specialized language rather than casual speech.

• Choose 'коллекционный' for tangible, market-driven contexts.
• Avoid overusing in informal chats; opt for simpler words like 'редкий' if needed.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as saying 'коллекционный книга' instead of 'коллекционная книга' for a feminine noun like 'книга' (book). Correct usage: 'коллекционная книга' – The adjective must agree in gender, number, and case. Another error is confusing it with 'сборный' (assembled), which isn't a synonym; for example, incorrectly using 'сборный предмет' to mean a collectible item, when it actually means something put together from parts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, collectibles like Soviet-era memorabilia or icons hold deep historical and emotional value, often tied to national identity. For instance, 'коллекционный' items from the USSR are popular among enthusiasts, reflecting nostalgia for the past and serving as a way to preserve history amid rapid modernization.

Related Concepts:

• редкий
• уникальный
• коллекция