Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'decorative'

English Word: decorative

Key Russian Translations:

• декоративный [dʲɪkərɐˈtʲivnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• украшающий [ʊkrɐˈʂajʊʂːɪj] - [Informal, Participle, Often used in specific contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

декоративный: [dʲɪkərɐˈtʲivnɨj]

Note on декоративный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'ы' sound can be tricky for non-native speakers as it is a distinct vowel in Russian.

украшающий: [ʊkrɐˈʂajʊʂːɪj]

Note on украшающий: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'ш' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relating to decoration or ornamentation (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• декоративный - Used to describe something ornamental or designed for aesthetic appeal, often in formal or technical contexts (e.g., architecture, art).

Usage Examples:

• Этот декоративный узор очень красивый.

  This decorative pattern is very beautiful.

• Декоративные элементы здания привлекают внимание.

  The decorative elements of the building attract attention.

• Мы купили декоративные подушки для дивана.

  We bought decorative pillows for the sofa.

2. Serving to adorn or enhance (Active sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• украшающий - Often implies the act of decorating or enhancing something, used in more dynamic or informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Цветы, украшающие стол, создают уют.

  The flowers decorating the table create a cozy atmosphere.

• Ленты, украшающие подарок, выглядят празднично.

  The ribbons decorating the gift look festive.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

декоративный (Adjective): Follows standard adjective declension in Russian based on gender, number, and case.

украшающий (Present Participle of украшать): Declines as an adjective but is derived from the verb "украшать" (to decorate). It follows similar patterns to adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for декоративный:

• орнаментальный
• украшенный

Note: "орнаментальный" is more specific to patterned decoration, while "украшенный" implies something already decorated.

Antonyms for декоративный:

• функциональный
• практичный

Related Phrases:

• декоративное искусство - Decorative art (refers to arts and crafts focused on aesthetics).
• декоративная отделка - Decorative finishing (often used in construction or design).
• украшающий элемент - Decorating element (a component that enhances appearance).

Usage Notes:

• "декоративный" is the primary and most widely used term for "decorative" in Russian, suitable for most formal and general contexts.
• "украшающий" is more dynamic, often implying the act of decorating, and is less common in static descriptions of objects.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the form of "декоративный" changes based on the noun it modifies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "украшающий" when describing a static object (e.g., "украшающий узор" for a fixed pattern). Correct: Use "декоративный узор" for a static decorative pattern.
• Error: Incorrect adjective endings due to gender/case mismatch (e.g., "декоративный комната" instead of "декоративная комната"). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, decorative elements are highly valued in traditional crafts like Khokhloma painting and Gzhel ceramics. The term "декоративный" often carries a connotation of cultural or artistic significance beyond mere ornamentation.

Related Concepts:

• орнамент (ornament)
• украшение (decoration)
• дизайн (design)