Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'door'

English Word: door

Key Russian Translations:

• дверь /dverʲ/ - [Common noun, typically used for physical doors in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in daily Russian conversations and written texts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward grammar, making it accessible for new learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дверь: /dverʲ/

Note on дверь: The final 'ь' indicates a soft consonant sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's pronounced like a quick, palatalized 'r' as in "measure." Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A movable structure used to close off an entrance, such as in a building or room.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дверь - Used in general contexts for doors in houses, buildings, or vehicles; informal to formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я открываю дверь, чтобы впустить гостей.

  I am opening the door to let the guests in. (This example shows the word in a simple present tense, everyday scenario.)

• Дверь в комнату была заперта.

  The door to the room was locked. (Illustrates the word in a past tense context with a passive construction.)

• Пожалуйста, закройте дверь за собой.

  Please close the door behind you. (Demonstrates polite imperative use in social interactions.)

• Эта старая дверь скрипит каждый раз, когда её открывают.

  This old door creaks every time it is opened. (Shows the word in a descriptive sentence with habitual action.)

• Входная дверь здания оснащена системой безопасности.

  The entrance door of the building is equipped with a security system. (Highlights usage in a formal or technical context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Дверь is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases and numbers, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word does not have gender variations beyond its inherent feminine form, and it inflects regularly, which makes it easy for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Вход (vkhod) - Specifically for an entrance, with a slight nuance of the opening rather than the physical structure.
  • Проем (proem) - Used in architectural contexts for a doorway or opening.
• Antonyms:
  • Окно (okno) - Window, contrasting as an opening for light rather than entry.
  • Стена (stena) - Wall, representing a solid barrier without an opening.

Related Phrases:

• Закрыть дверь - To close the door; used in everyday instructions, e.g., for security or privacy.
• Открыть дверь настежь - To open the door wide; implies full openness, often in welcoming contexts.
• Дверь на замке - The door is locked; a common phrase for indicating security measures.
• Войти в дверь - To enter through the door; basic phrase for describing movement.

Usage Notes:

Дверь directly corresponds to the English "door" in most contexts, but remember that Russian nouns are gendered (feminine here), which affects adjective agreements and verb conjugations. For example, use feminine forms like "закрытая дверь" (closed door). It's versatile across formal and informal settings, but in polite or professional scenarios, pair it with verbs like "пожалуйста, закройте дверь." When choosing between translations, stick with "дверь" for literal doors; for metaphorical uses (e.g., "door to opportunity"), you might need phrases like "дверь в будущее."

• Grammar tip: Always decline it based on case, as shown in the inflections table.
• Contextual advice: In Russian culture, doors often symbolize hospitality, so phrases like "открытая дверь" can imply welcome.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce the soft 'ь' in "дверь," saying it like a hard 'r" instead of a palatalized sound, which can make it sound like "dver" without the softening. Incorrect: Pronouncing it as /dver/ (without palatalization). Correct: /dverʲ/ with a subtle softening at the end. Another error is forgetting to decline it properly; for example, using "дверь" in the genitive case incorrectly as "дверь" instead of "двери." This can lead to grammatical errors in sentences like "Ключ от дверь" (wrong) vs. "Ключ от двери" (correct), as the genitive requires the proper form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, doors often carry symbolic meanings in literature and folklore, such as in fairy tales where a "заколдованная дверь" (enchanted door) represents mystery or opportunity. Historically, in Russian homes, the front door (входная дверь) is a point of hospitality, where guests are traditionally welcomed with bread and salt, emphasizing community and warmth.

Related Concepts:

• Окно (window)
• Стена (wall)
• Ключ (key)
• Проем (opening or doorway)