Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Diamond'

English Word: diamond

Key Russian Translations:

• бриллиант [brʲɪlʲˈjant] - [Formal, often used for cut diamonds or jewelry]
• алмаз [ɐlˈmas] - [Neutral, refers to uncut or raw diamonds, also used in technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like jewelry or mining)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бриллиант: [brʲɪlʲˈjant]

Note on бриллиант: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, and 'л' is palatalized (soft).

алмаз: [ɐlˈmas]

Note on алмаз: Stress on the second syllable. The initial 'а' sounds like a schwa in unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A precious stone (cut diamond, often in jewelry)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бриллиант - Used specifically for polished or cut diamonds, often in rings or necklaces.

Usage Examples:

• Она носит кольцо с бриллиантом.

  She wears a ring with a diamond.

• Этот бриллиант очень дорогой.

  This diamond is very expensive.

• Бриллианты - лучшие друзья девушек.

  Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

2. A raw or uncut precious stone (natural diamond)

Translation(s) & Context:

• алмаз - Refers to natural, uncut diamonds or used in industrial or scientific contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Алмаз - самый твёрдый природный материал.

  Diamond is the hardest natural material.

• В шахте добывают алмазы.

  Diamonds are mined in the shaft.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бриллиант (masculine noun, 2nd declension):

алмаз (masculine noun, 2nd declension):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бриллиант:

• драгоценный камень (precious stone, broader term)

Note: "драгоценный камень" is more general and can refer to other gemstones as well.

Synonyms for алмаз:

• нет (none in common usage for raw diamond specifically)

Antonyms:

• нет (no direct antonyms, as it’s a specific material)

Related Phrases:

• бриллиантовое кольцо - diamond ring (refers to a ring with a cut diamond)
• алмазная пыль - diamond dust (used in industrial contexts or metaphorically)
• алмазный рудник - diamond mine (refers to a place where raw diamonds are extracted)

Usage Notes:

• Use "бриллиант" when referring to a polished diamond, especially in jewelry or figurative contexts (e.g., symbolizing luxury).
• Use "алмаз" for raw, uncut diamonds or when discussing the material in scientific or industrial contexts.
• Be mindful of the context, as mixing these terms can lead to confusion. For example, "алмаз" would sound odd when describing a diamond ring.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "алмаз" instead of "бриллиант" for a cut diamond in jewelry. Example: *Она купила кольцо с алмазом.* (Incorrect) vs. Она купила кольцо с бриллиантом. (Correct). Explanation: "алмаз" refers to raw diamonds, not polished ones.
• Error: Incorrect stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of "бриллиант"). Explanation: Stress is on the second syllable, and misplacing it can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, diamonds (especially "бриллиант") are often associated with wealth, luxury, and special occasions like engagements or anniversaries. The phrase "бриллианты - лучшие друзья девушек" (diamonds are a girl's best friend) is a well-known cultural reference, borrowed from Western media but understood in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• драгоценность (jewel, jewelry)
• камень (stone, gem)
• ювелирное изделие (jewelry item)