Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Couch'

English Word: Couch

Key Russian Translations:

• диван [dʲɪˈvan] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• софа [ˈsofə] - [Formal, Less Common]
• канапе [kənəˈpʲe] - [Formal, Often Refers to Smaller Couches]

Frequency: High (especially for "диван")

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "диван"; B1 (Intermediate) for "софа" and "канапе"

Pronunciation (Russian):

диван: [dʲɪˈvan]

Note on диван: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'д' is palatalized, making it sound softer.

софа: [ˈsofə]

Note on софа: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'о' is pronounced as a reduced vowel in unstressed positions.

канапе: [kənəˈpʲe]

Note on канапе: The stress is on the last syllable. The 'е' at the end is pronounced clearly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A piece of furniture for sitting or lying down:

Translation(s) & Context:

• диван - Most common term, used in everyday speech for any type of couch or sofa.
• софа - More formal or literary, often used in written contexts or to describe elegant furniture.
• канапе - Refers to a smaller or more decorative couch, often in historical or formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новый диван для гостиной.

  I bought a new couch for the living room.

• На софе в кабинете лежала книга.

  A book was lying on the sofa in the study.

• В музее стояла старинное канапе.

  There was an antique small couch in the museum.

• Дети прыгали на диване, пока я не остановил их.

  The children were jumping on the couch until I stopped them.

• Этот диван раскладывается в кровать.

  This couch folds out into a bed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

диван (Masculine Noun):

софа (Feminine Noun): Follows regular feminine noun declension patterns.

канапе (Neuter Noun, Indeclinable): Does not change form regardless of case or number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• кушетка (more specific, often a daybed or chaise lounge)
• тахта (regional or less common, often refers to a low couch)

Antonyms:

• кресло (armchair, a single-seat alternative)
• стул (chair, a more basic seating option)

Note: Synonyms like "кушетка" often imply a specific style or function, while "диван" is the most general term.

Related Phrases:

• диван-кровать - A fold-out couch that turns into a bed.
• угловой диван - A corner couch or sectional sofa.
• лежать на диване - To lie on the couch (common expression for relaxing).

Usage Notes:

• "диван" is the go-to term for "couch" in most contexts and is widely understood across Russian-speaking regions.
• "софа" may sound outdated or overly formal in casual conversation; it is more common in literature or descriptions of antique furniture.
• "канапе" is niche and often refers to smaller or decorative couches; it can also mean "canapé" (a type of food) in some contexts, so clarification may be needed.
• When choosing between translations, stick to "диван" unless the context calls for a specific style or tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "софа" in casual speech. Example (Incorrect): "У меня дома новая софа." Correct: "У меня дома новый диван." Explanation: "софа" sounds unnatural in everyday conversation; "диван" is the standard choice.
• Error: Misusing "канапе" to refer to a regular couch. Example (Incorrect): "Я купил большое канапе." Correct: "Я купил большой диван." Explanation: "канапе" typically refers to a small or ornate couch, not a standard one.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian homes, a "диван" often serves multiple purposes, such as a seating area during the day and a bed at night (especially in smaller apartments). The concept of a fold-out couch (диван-кровать) is very common due to space constraints in urban living.

Related Concepts:

• мебель (furniture)
• гостиная (living room)
• кровать (bed)