Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'enamel'

English Word: enamel

Key Russian Translations:

• эмаль [ɛˈmalʲ] - [Noun, Formal, Used in scientific, dental, and material contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized fields like dentistry and materials science, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and declensions, suitable for learners with some vocabulary in technical areas)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эмаль: [ɛˈmalʲ]

Note on эмаль: The stress is on the second syllable (ɛˈmalʲ). The soft sign (ʲ) indicates palatalization of the 'l' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers—think of it like a softer 'l' as in "million." Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this is standard in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The hard, outer layer of a tooth (Dental context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• эмаль - Used in medical or dental discussions, referring to the protective layer on teeth; formal and technical.

Usage Examples:

• Зубная эмаль защищает от кариеса.

  Dental enamel protects against cavities.

• Повреждение эмали может привести к болям.

  Damage to the enamel can lead to pain.

• Эмаль на зубах становится тоньше с возрастом.

  Enamel on teeth becomes thinner with age.

• Для укрепления эмали рекомендуется фторирование.

  Fluoridation is recommended to strengthen enamel.

• Эмаль – это самый твердый материал в человеческом теле.

  Enamel is the hardest material in the human body.

2. A smooth, glossy coating or material (e.g., in art, jewelry, or paints)

Translation(s) & Context:

• эмаль - Used in artistic or industrial contexts, such as enamel paint or jewelry; formal and descriptive.

Usage Examples:

• Художник наносит эмаль на поверхность картины.

  The artist applies enamel to the surface of the painting.

• Эмаль на ювелирных изделиях придает блеск.

  Enamel on jewelry adds a shine.

• Эта эмаль устойчива к высоким температурам.

  This enamel is resistant to high temperatures.

• В России эмаль часто используется в народном искусстве.

  In Russia, enamel is often used in folk art.

• Эмаль на автомобиле предотвращает коррозию.

  Enamel on a car prevents corrosion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Эмаль" is a feminine noun (third declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in a consonant, but it is invariable in the plural form in most contexts. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is relatively regular but does not change in some compound forms. For example, in dental contexts, it might appear as "зубная эмаль" without further inflection.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • покрытие (pokrytiye) - A general term for coating, often used interchangeably in non-dental contexts; more neutral and broader.
  • глазурь (glazur') - Specifically for glossy finishes in art or ceramics; implies a smoother texture.
• Antonyms:
  • кариес (karies) - Refers to tooth decay, contrasting with enamel's protective role in dental contexts.
  • ржавчина (rzhavchina) - Means rust or corrosion, opposing enamel's protective coating in material contexts.

Related Phrases:

• зубная эмаль - Dental enamel; used in health discussions to refer to tooth protection.
• эмалевое покрытие - Enamel coating; common in industrial or artistic settings for durable finishes.
• эмаль на ювелирке - Enamel on jewelry; implies decorative use in fashion or crafts.

Usage Notes:

"Эмаль" directly corresponds to the English "enamel" in both dental and material senses, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical agreement (e.g., genitive for possession). It is a formal term, so avoid in casual conversations; instead, use in professional or educational contexts. When choosing between translations, "эмаль" is versatile, but if emphasizing gloss, "глазурь" might be more precise. Always consider the context to avoid ambiguity, as the word doesn't change much in plural forms.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the case endings, e.g., saying "Я имею эмаль" instead of "У меня есть эмаль" (I have enamel). Correct: Use the correct prepositional case, like "об эмали" for "about enamel," to match sentence structure.

• Confusing it with similar words like "эмалевый" (enamel-like or made of enamel), leading to errors such as "эмаль зуб" instead of "зубная эмаль." Explanation: "Эмаль" must be modified with adjectives for specificity, and improper word order can make sentences sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "эмаль" has historical significance in folk art, such as the famous enamel work from the city of Rostov, where intricate enamel designs on jewelry and icons date back to the 18th century. This reflects Russia's rich tradition in craftsmanship, often symbolizing durability and beauty, which can deepen appreciation for the word beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• кариес (karies)
• глазурь (glazur')
• покрытие (pokrytiye)