Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crayon'

English Word: Crayon

Key Russian Translations:

• карандаш [kɐrɐnˈdaʂ] - [General, Informal]
• цветной карандаш [tsvʲɪtˈnoj kɐrɐnˈdaʂ] - [Specific, Refers to colored crayon]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "карандаш"; A2 (Elementary) for "цветной карандаш"

Pronunciation (Russian):

карандаш: [kɐrɐnˈdaʂ]

Note on карандаш: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a voiceless retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

цветной карандаш: [tsvʲɪtˈnoj kɐrɐnˈdaʂ]

Note on цветной карандаш: Stress falls on the first syllable of "цветной" and the second syllable of "карандаш".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General term for a writing or drawing tool (pencil-like)

Translation(s) & Context:

• карандаш - Commonly used for any pencil or crayon, though it often implies a regular pencil unless specified.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть карандаш для рисования.

  I have a crayon for drawing.

• Дай мне, пожалуйста, карандаш.

  Give me a crayon, please.

• Этот карандаш сломался.

  This crayon broke.

2. Specific term for a colored crayon

Translation(s) & Context:

• цветной карандаш - Explicitly refers to a colored crayon or pencil used for drawing or coloring.

Usage Examples:

• Дети рисуют цветными карандашами.

  The children are drawing with colored crayons.

• Купи мне набор цветных карандашей.

  Buy me a set of colored crayons.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

карандаш (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

цветной карандаш (Compound Noun with Adjective): The adjective "цветной" (colored) agrees in gender, number, and case with "карандаш". See above for noun declension; "цветной" declines as a standard adjective.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for карандаш:

• грифель (rare, refers to pencil lead or stylus)

Note: "грифель" is less common and often used in specific contexts like slate pencils.

Antonyms for карандаш:

• ручка (pen)

Related Phrases:

• точить карандаш - to sharpen a crayon/pencil
• набор карандашей - a set of crayons/pencils
• цветные карандаши - colored crayons

Usage Notes:

• "карандаш" is a general term and can refer to both a regular pencil and a crayon in informal contexts. To avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to colored crayons, use "цветной карандаш".
• Russian does not have a direct, standalone equivalent for "crayon" as distinct from "pencil". Context or the adjective "цветной" clarifies the meaning.
• Both terms are used in everyday speech, though "цветной карандаш" is more precise for artistic contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "карандаш" to exclusively mean "crayon" without context.
  Incorrect: У меня есть карандаш для раскрашивания. (Ambiguous without clarification)
  Correct: У меня есть цветной карандаш для раскрашивания. (Clearly refers to a colored crayon)
• Error: Mispronouncing "карандаш" with stress on the first syllable. Stress must be on the second syllable [kɐrɐnˈdaʂ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "карандаш" is a common item in school supplies, and colored crayons ("цветные карандаши") are strongly associated with children's art activities. During Soviet times, sets of colored pencils were popular gifts and are still nostalgic for many Russians.

Related Concepts:

• мелок (chalk)
• фломастер (marker)
• ручка (pen)