Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decorate'

English Word: decorate

Key Russian Translations:

• украшать [ʊkrɐˈʂatʲ] - [Formal/Informal, General Use]
• декорировать [dʲɪkɐˈrʲirɐvətʲ] - [Formal, Often Used in Design Contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "украшать"; B1 (Intermediate) for "декорировать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

украшать: [ʊkrɐˈʂatʲ]

Note on украшать: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable and the soft "ш" sound, which is distinct in Russian.

декорировать: [dʲɪkɐˈrʲirɐvətʲ]

Note on декорировать: Stress falls on the third syllable; the "р" sounds are rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Adorn or Beautify (General Decoration)

Translation(s) & Context:

• украшать - Commonly used for decorating spaces, objects, or events like holidays.

Usage Examples:

• Мы украшаем ёлку на Новый год.

  We decorate the Christmas tree for New Year.

• Она украсила комнату цветами.

  She decorated the room with flowers.

• Этот узор украшает ткань.

  This pattern decorates the fabric.

2. To Design or Style (Professional/Artistic Decoration)

Translation(s) & Context:

• декорировать - Used in formal or professional contexts, often related to interior design or art.

Usage Examples:

• Дизайнер декорировал зал в классическом стиле.

  The designer decorated the hall in a classical style.

• Они декорируют витрины к праздникам.

  They decorate shop windows for the holidays.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

украшать (Verb, Imperfective Aspect): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ать. It indicates an ongoing or repeated action.

декорировать (Verb, Imperfective Aspect): Similar to "украшать," it follows regular conjugation for -овать verbs. Often used with a perfective counterpart "задекорировать."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for украшать:

• приукрашивать (to embellish, often with a connotation of exaggeration)
• оформлять (to design or arrange, often in formal settings)

Synonyms for декорировать:

• оформлять (to design or decorate, broader use)

Antonyms:

• портить (to spoil or ruin)
• упрощать (to simplify, in terms of design)

Related Phrases:

• украшать дом к празднику - to decorate the house for a holiday
• декорировать интерьер - to decorate an interior
• украшать жизнь - to brighten up life (figurative use)

Usage Notes:

• "украшать" is the more common and versatile term, suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It can be used for decorating physical objects as well as in a figurative sense (e.g., "to adorn a story").
• "декорировать" is more specific to professional or artistic decoration, often implying a deliberate design process. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Both verbs are imperfective, meaning they describe ongoing or repeated actions. For completed actions, use perfective forms like "украсить" or "задекорировать."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "декорировать" in casual conversation. Incorrect: "Я декорирую ёлку." Correct: "Я украшаю ёлку." Explanation: "декорировать" sounds overly formal for personal or everyday contexts.
• Error: Misusing aspect (imperfective vs. perfective). Incorrect: "Я украшаю комнату вчера." Correct: "Я украсил комнату вчера." Explanation: Use the perfective "украсил" for completed past actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, decorating plays a significant role during holidays like Новый год (New Year), where homes and public spaces are elaborately adorned with lights, garlands, and ornaments. The verb "украшать" often evokes these festive associations.

Related Concepts:

• оформление (design, arrangement)
• украшение (decoration, ornament)
• дизайн (design)