Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Copper'

English Word: copper

Key Russian Translations:

• медь [mʲetʲ] - [Formal, Neutral, Singular]
• медный [ˈmʲednɨj] - [Adjective, Used for describing something made of copper]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "медь"), B1 (Intermediate for "медный")

Pronunciation (Russian):

медь: [mʲetʲ]

Note on медь: The soft "m" sound (indicated by [mʲ]) is typical in Russian. Ensure the "e" is pronounced with a slight "y" glide before it.

медный: [ˈmʲednɨj]

Note on медный: Stress falls on the first syllable. The final "й" sound is a soft palatal glide, common in Russian adjectives.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Copper as a Metal (Material/Substance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• медь - Refers to the metal itself, used in scientific, industrial, or general contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Медь широко используется в электротехнике.

  Copper is widely used in electrical engineering.

• Этот провод сделан из чистой меди.

  This wire is made of pure copper.

• Медь добывают в этом регионе уже столетиями.

  Copper has been mined in this region for centuries.

2. Copper as a Descriptive Term (Made of Copper or Copper-Colored)

Translation(s) & Context:

• медный - Used as an adjective to describe objects made of copper or having a copper-like color.

Usage Examples:

• У неё медный браслет на руке.

  She has a copper bracelet on her wrist.

• Закат окрасил небо в медный цвет.

  The sunset painted the sky a copper color.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

медь (noun, feminine, inanimate):

This noun follows the standard Russian declension for feminine nouns ending in a soft sign (ь). It does not have a plural form as it is a mass noun.

Case	Singular
Nominative	медь
Genitive	меди
Dative	меди
Accusative	медь
Instrumental	медью
Prepositional	о меди

медный (adjective):

This adjective declines according to standard Russian adjective rules, agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Form	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	медный	медная	медное	медные

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for медь:

• нет прямых синонимов (No direct synonyms, as it is a specific material)

Antonyms for медь:

• нет прямых антонимов (No direct antonyms, though other metals like "серебро" (silver) might contrast in specific contexts)

Note: Synonyms or antonyms for "медный" depend on context (e.g., color or material), but they are not commonly used.

Related Phrases:

• медная монета - Copper coin (a coin made of copper, often referring to small change)
• медная проволока - Copper wire (commonly used in electrical contexts)
• медный век - Copper Age (historical period characterized by the use of copper tools)

Usage Notes:

• "медь" is used exclusively as a noun to denote the metal copper. It is a mass noun and does not typically appear in the plural form.
• "медный" is the adjective form and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it describes. It is often used metaphorically to describe a copper-like color (e.g., in poetry or descriptions of nature).
• When discussing copper in a scientific or industrial context, "медь" is the appropriate term. For everyday objects or artistic descriptions, "медный" is more common.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "медный" as a noun instead of "медь" (e.g., saying "медный" to mean the metal itself).
  Correct: Use "медь" for the metal (e.g., "Медь проводит электричество" - "Copper conducts electricity").
  Incorrect Example: "Медный проводит электричество" (wrong form).
• Error: Failing to decline "медный" to agree with the noun it modifies.
  Correct: "медная монета" (feminine), not "медный монета".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, copper has historical significance due to its use in traditional crafts, such as copper samovars (traditional tea urns) and household items. The term "медный" might evoke imagery of rustic or historical settings. Additionally, "медная монета" (copper coin) is often associated with small change or low value, sometimes used metaphorically to imply something of little worth.

Related Concepts:

• бронза (bronze)
• латунь (brass)
• металл (metal)