Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'drum'

English Word: drum

Key Russian Translations:

• барабан /bɐˈraban/ - [Formal, Common noun]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday contexts related to music and instruments, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in general conversation.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward for beginners to learn and use, as it follows standard noun patterns in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

барабан: /bɐˈraban/

Note on барабан: The stress is on the second syllable ("ra"). Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, with a rolled 'r' in some dialects, but standard Russian uses a soft, alveolar trill.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A percussion musical instrument

Translation(s) & Context:

• барабан - Used in formal and informal contexts when referring to a drum in music, such as in orchestras or bands.

Usage Examples:

• В оркестре барабан задаёт ритм. (V orkestre baraban zadajot ritm.)

  In the orchestra, the drum sets the rhythm.

• Дети любят играть на барабане во дворе. (Deti lyubyat igrat na barabane vo dvore.)

  Children love playing the drum in the yard.

• Барабан — это ключевой инструмент в маршевой музыке. (Baraban — eto klyuchevoj instrument v marshevoj muzike.)

  The drum is a key instrument in marching music.

• На концерте барабан звучал очень громко. (Na koncerte baraban zvuchal ochen gromko.)

  At the concert, the drum sounded very loudly.

• В традиционной русской музыке барабан часто используется для праздников. (V traditsionnoj russkoj muzike baraban chasto ispolzuetsya dlya prazdnikov.)

  In traditional Russian music, the drum is often used for holidays.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Барабан" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases, with changes in endings based on grammatical case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively easy for learners to master.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бубен (buben) - A smaller drum or tambourine, often used in folk music.
  • ударный инструмент (udarnyj instrument) - A general term for percussion instruments, less specific.
• Antonyms:
  • струнный инструмент (strunnyj instrument) - String instrument, as it contrasts with percussion.

Related Phrases:

• Барабанный бой (Barabannyj boj) - Drumroll; a rapid succession of beats, often used in performances or announcements.
• Играть на барабане (Igrat na barabane) - To play the drum; refers to the act of performing on this instrument.
• Барабанщик в оркестре (Barabanshchik v orkestre) - Drummer in the orchestra; a phrase for the musician who plays the drum.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "барабан" directly corresponds to the English "drum" in the context of musical instruments. It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., written descriptions of music) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations about hobbies). Be mindful of grammatical gender; as a masculine noun, it requires masculine agreement in adjectives and verbs. When choosing between synonyms like "бубен," opt for "барабан" if referring to a larger, standard drum. In sentences, it's often preceded by prepositions like "на" for playing (на барабане).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я имею барабан" instead of "Я имею барабан" (correct is "Я имею барабан" for nominative, but in context, it should be accusative: "Я имею барабан" is fine, but learners often mix with "барабана" incorrectly).

  Correct: Я играю на барабане. (I play on the drum.)

  Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case after "на," so "барабане" is correct, not "барабан."

• Error: Confusing with "барабан" in other meanings, like a military drum, and using it interchangeably without context.

  Correct: In musical contexts, stick to "барабан" for clarity.

  Explanation: While "барабан" can also mean a military drum, ensure the context matches to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the drum (барабан) holds historical significance in folk music and military traditions. For instance, it was commonly used in Cossack and folk ensembles during celebrations and parades, symbolizing rhythm and unity. This reflects broader Slavic cultural emphasis on communal music and dance.

Related Concepts:

• бубен
• ударные инструменты
• музыкальный инструмент