Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dye'

English Word: dye

Key Russian Translations:

• краска [ˈkraskə] - [Common, Informal, Used in everyday contexts like hair or fabric dyeing]
• краситель [krɐˈsʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Technical, Used in scientific or industrial contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily life, such as in fashion, art, or chemistry, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "color".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level can handle basic descriptions of objects, but the nuances between translations may require intermediate grammar knowledge. For "краска", it's easier at A2; for "краситель", it's B1 due to its more specialized use.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

краска: [ˈkraskə]

Note on краска: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 's' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers used to harder consonants.

краситель: [krɐˈsʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on краситель: Stress on the second syllable; the palatalized 't' (tʲ) is a common challenge, sounding like a soft 'ty' blend.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: A substance used to change or add color to materials like fabric, hair, or objects.

Translation(s) & Context:

• краска - Used in casual, everyday situations, such as describing hair dye or artistic paints; context: informal conversations or shopping.
• краситель - Used in formal or technical contexts, like in chemistry or manufacturing; context: professional settings where precision is needed.

Usage Examples:

• Я использовал краску, чтобы покрасить ткань в яркий цвет.

  I used dye to color the fabric in a bright shade.

• Эта краска для волос сделает твои локоны рыжими.

  This hair dye will make your locks red.

• В лаборатории мы тестируем новый краситель для текстиля.

  In the lab, we're testing a new dye for textiles.

• Краситель в пище добавляет естественный оттенок продуктам.

  The dye in food adds a natural tint to products.

• Моя бабушка всегда готовила краску из натуральных ингредиентов.

  My grandmother always made dye from natural ingredients.

As a verb: To add color to something using a dye.

Translation(s) & Context:

• краска (in verbal context via related forms) - Less common as a direct verb; often implied in phrases; context: everyday actions.
• краситить (from краситель) - More formal verb form; context: technical processes.

Usage Examples:

• Я крашу ткань в синий цвет с помощью натуральной краски.

  I'm dyeing the fabric blue using natural dye.

• Фабрика краситит материалы для модной одежды.

  The factory dyes materials for fashionable clothing.

• Не крась волосы дешевой краской, она может повредить их.

  Don't dye your hair with cheap dye; it might damage it.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"краска" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. "Краситель" is a masculine noun that can vary irregularly in some forms.

Note: "краска" is invariable in plural for some uses but follows regular patterns. "Краситель" has no irregular forms but is less commonly pluralized.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пигмент (pigment) - Similar to краситель, but more general in artistic contexts.
  • фарба (an older or regional term for dye, with a slight historical connotation).
• Antonyms:
  • обесцвечиватель (bleach) - Used to remove color, contrasting with dyeing processes.

Related Phrases:

• краска для волос - Hair dye; used in personal care contexts.
• натуральный краситель - Natural dye; refers to eco-friendly options in modern discussions.
• краситить ткани - To dye fabrics; a common phrase in textile industries.

Usage Notes:

Choose "краска" for everyday, informal situations where the focus is on the act of coloring, as it aligns closely with English "dye" in casual speech. "Краситель" is preferred in formal or technical English contexts, emphasizing chemical properties. Be aware of gender agreements in Russian sentences; for example, adjectives must match the noun's gender (e.g., "яркая краска" for feminine). In plural forms, usage can vary by region, so context is key for learners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "краска" with "краска" for paint only, leading to misuse in dye-specific contexts. Correct: Use "краска" for dye but specify if needed (e.g., "краска для крашения"). Example of error: Saying "Я использовал краску для машины" when meaning car paint, not dye. Explanation: In English, "dye" is distinct from "paint," but in Russian, "краска" covers both; clarify with additional words.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using "краску" in the wrong case. Correct: In dative, it should be "краске." Example: Wrong: "Я дал краситель ему" (if dative is needed); Right: "Я дал красителю ему." Explanation: Russian cases are essential for sentence structure, unlike English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dyeing is significant in traditions like painting Easter eggs (known as "крашеные яйца"), where natural dyes from onions or beets are used. This reflects a historical emphasis on homemade, natural methods, contrasting with modern synthetic dyes, and highlights Russia's folk art heritage.

Related Concepts:

• цвет (color)
• ткань (fabric)
• пигмент (pigment)