Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'easel'

English Word: easel

Key Russian Translations:

• мольберт [mɐlʲˈbʲert] - [Formal, Used in art and creative contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is specialized and not commonly used in everyday conversation, primarily in artistic or educational settings.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; Learners need familiarity with Russian nouns and basic vocabulary related to arts, but the word itself follows standard noun patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мольберт: [mɐlʲˈbʲert]

Note on мольберт: The stress is on the second syllable ("bʲert"). Pay attention to the soft sign (ʲ) which indicates palatalization, a common feature in Russian that can be tricky for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this IPA represents standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A stand or frame used by artists to hold a canvas or board while painting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мольберт - Typically used in formal or professional art contexts, such as studios, galleries, or educational environments.

Usage Examples:

• Художник разместил мольберт у окна для лучшего освещения.

  The artist placed the easel by the window for better lighting.

• В художественной школе студенты учатся работать с мольбертом.

  In art school, students learn to work with an easel.

• Мольберт был установлен на улице для пленэрной живописи.

  The easel was set up outdoors for plein air painting.

• Она купила новый мольберт для своих акварельных работ.

  She bought a new easel for her watercolor works.

• Мольберт устойчиво держит холст даже на ветреной погоде.

  The easel steadily holds the canvas even in windy weather.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мольберт" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension group. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities. In plural forms, it is used when referring to multiple easels.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: подставка (podstávka - a general stand, but less specific to art); этюжный мольберт (etjúnnyj molʲbʲert - sketch easel, for a portable version)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific object term.

Related Phrases:

• настроить мольберт (nastroítʲ molʲbʲert) - To set up the easel; Used when preparing for painting sessions.
• мольберт для холста (molʲbʲert dlja xólsta) - Easel for canvas; Refers to a specific type designed for larger artworks.
• пленэрный мольберт (plenérnyj molʲbʲert) - Plein air easel; Common in outdoor art practices, emphasizing portability.

Usage Notes:

"Мольберт" directly corresponds to the English "easel" in art contexts, but it's more commonly used in professional or educational settings in Russian. Be mindful of the noun's gender (masculine) when constructing sentences, as it affects adjective agreements (e.g., "большой мольберт" for "big easel"). In informal speech, Russians might simply describe the object if the specific term isn't needed. When choosing translations, "мольберт" is the most precise; avoid using "подставка" unless the context is very general, as it could imply any type of stand.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "мольберт" with "подставка" and using it incorrectly in art contexts.
  Correct: Use "мольберт" for an artist's easel (e.g., "Художник использует мольберт"). Incorrect: "Художник использует подставку" (which might imply a simple book stand).
  Explanation: "Подставка" is too vague and doesn't convey the artistic specificity, leading to misunderstandings in creative discussions.
• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly in sentences (e.g., using nominative in all cases).
  Correct: In genitive, say "без мольберта" (without an easel). Incorrect: "без мольберт".
  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust based on the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the easel is often associated with the rich tradition of visual arts, influenced by figures like Ilya Repin and the Peredvizhniki movement. It symbolizes outdoor painting (plein air), which was popular among 19th-century Russian artists who sought to capture the vast landscapes of Russia. This term might evoke a sense of national artistic heritage, especially in contexts like the Tretyakov Gallery exhibitions.

Related Concepts:

• холст (xólst - canvas)
• краски (kráski - paints)
• этюд (etjúd - sketch)