Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Composition'

English Word: composition

Key Russian Translations:

• сочинение [sət͡ɕɪˈnʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often used for written works or music]
• состав [sɐˈstaf] - [Neutral, Often used for structure or makeup]
• композиция [kəmpɐˈzʲit͡sɨjə] - [Formal, Often used in art, music, or literature]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context and translation)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "состав" is easier at A2, while "композиция" may require B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сочинение: [sət͡ɕɪˈnʲenʲɪjə]

Note on сочинение: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ч" sound is a soft affricate, similar to 'ch' in "church."

состав: [sɐˈstaf]

Note on состав: Stress on the second syllable. The final "в" may soften in rapid speech.

композиция: [kəmpɐˈzʲit͡sɨjə]

Note on композиция: Stress on the third syllable. The "ц" is a hard affricate sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A written work (essay, story, etc.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сочинение - Primarily used for essays, stories, or school assignments.

Usage Examples:

• Я написал сочинение о своей семье.

  I wrote a composition about my family.

• Учитель оценил мое сочинение на пятерку.

  The teacher graded my composition with an A.

• Сочинение на тему "Мой город" было сложным.

  The composition on the topic "My City" was difficult.

2. Structure or makeup of something

Translation(s) & Context:

• состав - Used for the composition of materials, ingredients, or teams.

Usage Examples:

• Состав этой краски безопасен для детей.

  The composition of this paint is safe for children.

• Состав команды изменился перед игрой.

  The composition of the team changed before the game.

• Проверьте состав продукта перед покупкой.

  Check the composition of the product before buying.

3. Artistic or musical arrangement

Translation(s) & Context:

• композиция - Refers to a piece of music, artwork, or literary structure.
• сочинение - Occasionally used for musical works (less common).

Usage Examples:

• Эта композиция была написана в 19 веке.

  This composition was written in the 19th century.

• Композиция картины очень гармонична.

  The composition of the painting is very harmonious.

• Его последнее музыкальное сочинение получило награду.

  His latest musical composition received an award.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

сочинение (noun, neuter): Follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	сочинение	сочинения
Genitive	сочинения	сочинений
Dative	сочинению	сочинениям
Accusative	сочинение	сочинения
Instrumental	сочинением	сочинениями
Prepositional	о сочинении	о сочинениях

состав (noun, masculine): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns.

композиция (noun, feminine): Follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "сочинение" (written work):

• эссе
• рассказ

Note: "эссе" is more formal and academic, while "рассказ" implies a narrative or story.

Synonyms for "состав" (structure):

• структура
• содержание

Synonyms for "композиция" (artistic):

• произведение
• творение

Antonyms: None directly applicable across all meanings.

Related Phrases:

• писать сочинение - To write a composition (essay or story).
• химический состав - Chemical composition.
• музыкальная композиция - Musical composition.

Usage Notes:

• "Сочинение" is the most common translation for a school essay or written piece but is also used for musical works in specific contexts.
• "Состав" should be used when referring to the makeup or ingredients of something, not for artistic works.
• "Композиция" is more specialized and often relates to artistic or structural arrangement in music, literature, or visual arts.
• Be cautious of context when choosing the appropriate Russian word, as the meanings do not fully overlap with the English "composition."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "состав" for a written essay. Incorrect: "Я написал состав о войне." Correct: "Я написал сочинение о войне."
• Error: Using "композиция" for the ingredients of a product. Incorrect: "Композиция этого крема натуральная." Correct: "Состав этого крема натуральный."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian education, "сочинение" is a key component of language and literature classes, often requiring students to write essays on specific themes or literary works. It carries a formal and academic connotation.

Related Concepts:

• текст
• структура
• произведение