Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ebony'

English Word: ebony

Key Russian Translations:

• эбен (IPA: ˈɛbɪn) - [Formal, as a noun referring to the dark, hard wood]

Frequency: Low - This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears more in specialized contexts like woodworking, art, or historical descriptions.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - Learners need familiarity with specific vocabulary related to materials and nature; the word's inflection patterns may require knowledge of Russian noun declensions.

Pronunciation (Russian):

эбен: ˈɛbɪn

Note on эбен: The stress falls on the first syllable (ˈɛbɪn). Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but this is the standard Moscow variant. Be mindful of the soft 'e' sound, which is similar to the 'e' in "bed" in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A hard, black wood obtained from certain tropical trees, often used in furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эбен - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing materials in art, history, or craftsmanship. It directly corresponds to the English "ebony" and is preferred in written Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Этот стол сделан из эбена, что придаёт ему элегантный блеск.

  This table is made of ebony, which gives it an elegant shine. (Context: Describing furniture in a formal setting.)

• В музее выставлены украшения из эбена, датированные XIX веком.

  In the museum, there are ebony jewelry pieces dating back to the 19th century. (Context: Historical or cultural discussion.)

• Эбен часто используется в изготовлении клавиш фортепиано для улучшения звучания.

  Ebony is often used in making piano keys to improve the sound quality. (Context: Technical explanation in music or manufacturing.)

• Художник выбрал эбен для резьбы по дереву из-за его твёрдости и цвета.

  The artist chose ebony for wood carving due to its hardness and color. (Context: Artistic or creative process.)

• В тропических лесах Африки растут деревья, дающие ценный эбен.

  In the tropical forests of Africa, trees grow that produce valuable ebony. (Context: Geographical or environmental description.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Эбен" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard second declension pattern. It inflects based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This is a regular inflection pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. There are no irregular forms for "эбен."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • чёрное дерево - A more descriptive term meaning "black wood," often used interchangeably in poetic or general contexts.
  • эбеновое дерево - Emphasizes the tree source, suitable for botanical discussions.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "эбен" is a specific material term. However, contrasting materials like "светлое дерево" (light wood) could be considered in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Эбеновое дерево - Ebony tree; refers to the source plant in natural or ecological contexts.
• Изделия из эбена - Items made of ebony; used when discussing crafts or products.
• Резьба по эбену - Ebony carving; a phrase for artistic techniques, with the connotation of precision and beauty.

Usage Notes:

"Эбен" directly translates to the English "ebony" and is most appropriate in formal, technical, or historical contexts. Unlike English, where "ebony" can metaphorically describe dark colors (e.g., "ebony skin"), Russian "эбен" is primarily literal. When choosing between translations, use "эбен" for material-specific discussions and "чёрное дерево" for more poetic or everyday descriptions. Be aware of grammatical gender: as a masculine noun, it requires masculine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "этот эбен" for "this ebony"). In spoken Russian, it's rare outside professional settings, so learners should practice it in writing first.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "эбен" with "эбонит" (a type of hard rubber): Incorrect: "Этот стол сделан из эбонита." Correct: "Этот стол сделан из эбена." Explanation: "Эбонит" refers to vulcanized rubber, not wood, which is a common mix-up for English speakers due to similar-sounding terms.

• Improper declension: Incorrect: "Я видел эбенов дерево" (wrong case). Correct: "Я видел эбеновое дерево." Explanation: Ensure the adjective agrees in case, number, and gender; here, genitive case requires "эбенового" if needed.

• Overusing in informal speech: Incorrect: Using "эбен" in casual chat about furniture. Explanation: Stick to formal contexts to avoid sounding overly technical; opt for simpler terms like "чёрное дерево" in everyday talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ebony (эбен) holds historical significance in craftsmanship, particularly in iconography and musical instruments like balalaikas or pianos. It symbolizes durability and elegance, often featured in folk art from regions influenced by trade with Africa and Asia. For instance, 19th-century Russian literature and palace decorations frequently reference ebony, reflecting imperial luxury and global exchanges.

Related Concepts:

• дуб (oak)
• кедр (cedar)
• чёрное дерево (black wood, as a broader category)