Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dulcimer'

English Word: dulcimer

Key Russian Translations:

• цимбалы [ˈtsimbəlɨ] - [Formal, Plural; Used in musical and cultural contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is specialized vocabulary related to traditional music and is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but appears in discussions of Russian folk culture.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level, per CEFR standards; Learners need familiarity with musical terminology and basic Russian noun declensions, but it's not overly complex for those with intermediate vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цимбалы: [ˈtsimbəlɨ]

Note on цимбалы: The stress is on the first syllable, and the final vowel sound [ɨ] is a reduced vowel typical in Russian unstressed positions. Pronunciation may vary slightly in dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The dulcimer is a stringed musical instrument, often associated with folk traditions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• цимбалы - Typically used in formal or cultural discussions of Russian folk music, such as in concerts or historical contexts; it refers specifically to a hammered dulcimer-like instrument.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В русской народной музыке цимбалы играют важную роль в создании традиционных мелодий.

  English translation: In Russian folk music, the dulcimer plays an important role in creating traditional melodies.

• Русский пример: Оркестр включал цимбалы для аутентичного звучания старинных песен.

  English translation: The orchestra included the dulcimer for an authentic sound in the old songs.

• Русский пример: На фестивале фольклора музыканты исполняли танцы под аккомпанемент цимбал.

  English translation: At the folklore festival, musicians performed dances accompanied by the dulcimer.

• Русский пример: Цимбалы, как и другие народные инструменты, передают дух русской культуры.

  English translation: The dulcimer, like other folk instruments, conveys the spirit of Russian culture.

• Русский пример: В музеях часто выставляют цимбалы как исторический артефакт.

  English translation: In museums, the dulcimer is often displayed as a historical artifact.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Цимбалы" is a plural noun (neuter gender) in Russian and follows the standard patterns of second-declension nouns. It is typically used in plural form and has regular declensions. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a plural-only noun, it does not have a singular form in standard usage. This regularity makes it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: балалайка (balalaika) - A similar folk instrument, but string-plucked rather than hammered; гусли (gusli) - Another traditional stringed instrument, often used interchangeably in broader folk contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific instrument term; however, one might contrast it with modern instruments like синтезатор (sintetizator, synthesizer) for technological differences.

Related Phrases:

• Играть на цимбалях - Playing on the dulcimer; Used in contexts of performance or music lessons.
• Традиционные цимбалы - Traditional dulcimer; Refers to historical or cultural variants.
• Цимбалы в оркестре - Dulcimer in the orchestra; Indicates its role in ensemble settings.

Usage Notes:

In English: The Russian word "цимбалы" directly corresponds to "dulcimer" as a musical instrument, but it carries strong cultural connotations tied to Russian and Eastern European traditions. It is typically used in formal or artistic contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing this translation, ensure the context involves folk music; for other types of dulcimers (e.g., Appalachian), you might need to clarify or use descriptive phrases. Grammatically, always treat it as plural and decline it according to Russian case rules to avoid errors in sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "цимбалы" as a singular noun, e.g., saying "Этот цимбал очень старый" (incorrectly implying singular).
  Correct: "Эти цимбалы очень старые" (These dulcimers are very old).
  Explanation: Russian requires plural agreement; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., [tsimˈbəlɨ] instead of [ˈtsimbəlɨ].
  Correct: Practice with native audio to emphasize the first syllable.
  Explanation: Stress patterns are crucial in Russian for clarity and meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In English: "Цимбалы" is deeply rooted in Russian folk culture, often featured in traditional dances and songs from regions like Siberia and the Caucasus. Historically, it symbolizes rural life and community gatherings, dating back to the 18th century. In modern contexts, it evokes nostalgia for pre-Soviet traditions, making it a staple in cultural festivals and as a representation of national heritage.

Related Concepts:

• балалайка (balalaika)
• гусли (gusli)
• народная музыка (folk music)