Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ensemble'

English Word: ensemble

Key Russian Translations:

• ансамбль [ɐnˈsambɫʲ] - [Formal, Used in artistic or musical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in cultural, musical, and theatrical discussions, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to arts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ансамбль: [ɐnˈsambɫʲ]

Note on ансамбль: The stress falls on the second syllable ("sam"). The final "ь" indicates a soft consonant, which can be tricky for English speakers used to harder endings. Pronounce it with a clear, rolling "r" if in a formal setting.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Musical or artistic group

Translation(s) & Context:

• ансамбль - Typically used for a coordinated group in music, dance, or theater; formal contexts like concerts or reviews.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ансамбль выступает на международных фестивалях.

  This ensemble performs at international festivals.

• В театре ансамбль актёров подготовил новую пьесу.

  In the theater, the ensemble of actors prepared a new play.

• Ансамбль музыкантов исполнил классическую симфонию.

  The ensemble of musicians performed a classical symphony.

• Молодой ансамбль выиграл конкурс талантов.

  The young ensemble won the talent competition.

Fashion or coordinated set (less common translation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ансамбль - Rarely used in fashion; more common in artistic senses, but can apply in formal descriptions of outfits.

Usage Examples:

• Её ансамбль из платья и аксессуаров был идеальным для вечера.

  Her ensemble of dress and accessories was perfect for the evening.

• Дизайнер создал полный ансамбль для показа мод.

  The designer created a full ensemble for the fashion show.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ансамбль" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • группа (group) - More general, often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • коллектив (collective) - Emphasizes a unified team, with a slight connotation of organization.
• Antonyms:
  • солист (soloist) - Refers to an individual performer, contrasting with a group effort.

Related Phrases:

• джазовый ансамбль - A jazz ensemble; used in music discussions to specify genre.
• народный ансамбль - A folk ensemble; common in cultural events, evoking traditional Russian heritage.
• танцевальный ансамбль - A dance ensemble; refers to coordinated dance groups in performances.

Usage Notes:

"Ансамбль" directly corresponds to "ensemble" in English, particularly in artistic contexts, but it's more formal in Russian and less common in everyday speech. Use it when discussing coordinated groups in music, theater, or fashion. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure—e.g., use the genitive case after prepositions like "of" (e.g., ансамбля музыкантов). If multiple translations exist, choose "ансамбль" for precise artistic connotations; for broader groups, "группа" might suffice. Avoid overusing in informal settings where simpler terms are preferred.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в ансамбль" instead of "в ансамбле" (prepositional case). Correct: "Я выступаю в ансамбле" (I perform in the ensemble). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement with prepositions, so learners must check the context.

• Error: Confusing with "ансambl'" (a misspelling or variant), leading to pronunciation issues. Correct: Always use "ансамбль" with the proper soft sign. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural and may confuse native speakers.

• Error: Over-literal translation from English, e.g., using "ансамбль" for any group without artistic context. Correct: Reserve it for specific scenarios; use "группа" for general groups. Explanation: This can lead to awkward phrasing in Russian conversations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ансамбль" often evokes traditions like folk music ensembles (e.g., those performing balalaika or choral works), which are prominent in festivals and national events. It reflects Russia's rich heritage in collective arts, stemming from historical community performances during the Soviet era, where ensembles symbolized unity and cultural identity.

Related Concepts:

• оркестр (orchestra)
• хор (choir)
• труппа (troupe)