Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crystal'

English Word: crystal

Key Russian Translations:

• кристалл [krʲɪˈstal] - [Formal, Scientific, Singular]
• хрусталь [xrʊˈstalʲ] - [Formal, Often refers to crystal glassware]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like science or decor)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

кристалл: [krʲɪˈstal]

Note on кристалл: The stress is on the second syllable. The "r" is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

хрусталь: [xrʊˈstalʲ]

Note on хрусталь: The initial "х" is a guttural sound, similar to the Scottish "loch." Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Crystal as a solid material with a regular structure (scientific context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кристалл - Used in scientific, geological, or technical contexts to refer to a crystalline structure.

Usage Examples:

• Этот кристалл имеет идеальную структуру.

  This crystal has a perfect structure.

• Кристаллы соли легко растворяются в воде.

  Salt crystals dissolve easily in water.

• Ученые изучают кристаллы кварца.

  Scientists study quartz crystals.

2. Crystal as high-quality glassware or decorative item

Translation(s) & Context:

• хрусталь - Refers to crystal glass, often used for fine tableware or decorative objects.

Usage Examples:

• На столе стоял хрустальный бокал.

  There was a crystal goblet on the table.

• Она коллекционирует хрустальные вазы.

  She collects crystal vases.

• Хрустальная люстра сверкала в зале.

  The crystal chandelier sparkled in the hall.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кристалл (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

хрусталь (Masculine Noun): Also follows the second declension pattern. Singular and plural forms are similar to "кристалл" with slight phonetic adjustments.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кристалл:

• минерал (in specific geological contexts)

Note: "минерал" is broader and refers to minerals in general, not always crystals specifically.

Synonyms for хрусталь:

• стекло (general term for glass, less specific)

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as the concept is specific.

Related Phrases:

• кристаллическая решётка - "crystal lattice" (scientific term for the structure of a crystal).
• хрустальная чистота - "crystal clarity" (used metaphorically for purity or transparency).
• хрустальный звон - "crystal chime" (refers to a clear, ringing sound, often associated with glassware).

Usage Notes:

• Choose "кристалл" when discussing scientific or technical contexts, such as chemistry or geology. It directly corresponds to the English "crystal" in terms of structure.

• Use "хрусталь" when referring to crystal glassware or decorative items. It does not imply a scientific structure but rather a material or aesthetic quality.

• Be mindful of the context, as mixing these terms can lead to confusion. For instance, "хрусталь" would not be appropriate in a scientific paper.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "хрусталь" to describe a scientific crystal. Incorrect: "Хрусталь соли" (Crystal of salt). Correct: "Кристалл соли".

  Explanation: "Хрусталь" refers to glassware, not natural or scientific crystals.

• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., stressing the first syllable of "кристалл". Correct stress is on the second syllable: [krʲɪˈstal].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "хрусталь" (crystal glassware) is often associated with luxury and tradition. Crystal vases, chandeliers, and tableware were highly prized in Soviet times and are still considered symbols of elegance in many households. Gifting crystal items is common for special occasions like weddings.

Related Concepts:

• минерал (mineral)
• драгоценный камень (gemstone)
• стекло (glass)