Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'envelope'

English Word: envelope

Key Russian Translations:

• конверт [kɐnˈvʲert] - [Formal, Common in written correspondence]

Frequency: Medium (Frequently used in everyday contexts like mailing letters or official documents).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and common vocabulary for English learners of Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

конверт: [kɐnˈvʲert] (The stress is on the second syllable; the 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative).

Note on конверт: Pronunciation can vary slightly by region; in fast speech, the final 'т' may be devoiced. Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) which affects the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A flat paper container for letters or documents.

Translation(s) & Context:

• конверт - Used in formal and everyday contexts for mailing, such as sending letters or official papers (e.g., in business or personal correspondence).

Usage Examples:

• Я положил письмо в конверт и отправил его по почте. (Ya polozhil pismo v konvert i otpravil yego po pochtye.)

  I put the letter in the envelope and sent it by mail.

• Этот конверт был запечатан воском для важного документа. (Etot konvert byl zapечатann voshkom dlya vazhnogo dokumenta.)

  This envelope was sealed with wax for an important document.

• В офисе мы используем специальные конверты для конфиденциальной информации. (V ofise my ispolzuem spetsialnye konverty dlya konfidensialnoy informatsii.)

  In the office, we use special envelopes for confidential information.

• Дети любят рисовать на старых конвертах. (Deti lyubyat risovat na starikh konvertakh.)

  Children love to draw on old envelopes.

• Он получил конверт с деньгами от друга. (On poluchil konvert s denegami ot druga.)

  He received an envelope with money from a friend.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Конверт" is a masculine noun of the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners, but always ensure the correct case based on sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пакет (paket) - Used informally for a bag-like envelope, with a slight difference in connotation for packaging rather than letters.
  • обёртка (oberyotka) - More for wrappers, but can overlap in contexts like gift envelopes.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "envelope" is a physical object without a clear opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Запечатанный конверт (Zapechatannyy konvert) - Sealed envelope; used for secure or official mail.
• Авиаконверт (Aviakonvert) - Airmail envelope; common in international correspondence.
• Конверт с наклейкой (Konvert s nakleykoy) - Envelope with a sticker; refers to decorated or branded envelopes in casual use.

Usage Notes:

"Конверт" directly corresponds to the English "envelope" in most contexts, especially for postal items. It is neutral in formality but leans formal in written Russian. When choosing between synonyms like "пакет", opt for "конверт" if the item is specifically for letters. Be mindful of declensions in sentences, as Russian requires case agreement (e.g., use genitive for possession: "конверта"). This word is versatile across scenarios like business, personal mail, or even metaphorical uses in literature.

• In informal speech, Russians might use it interchangeably with "пакет" for small packages, but stick to "конверт" for precision.
• Grammar note: Always decline it correctly to avoid sounding unnatural.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "конверт" with "пакет" (bag), leading to misuse in contexts like mailing. For example:

• Error: *Я послал письмо в пакет. (Ya poslal pismo v paket.) - Incorrect, as "пакет" implies a bag, not an envelope.
• Correct: Я послал письмо в конверт. (Ya poslal pismo v konvert.) - This is the proper term for an envelope.
• Explanation: The error stems from visual similarities, but "конверт" is specific to flat, sealable containers. Always check the context to choose the right word.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, envelopes are often associated with traditional correspondence, such as sending holiday greetings or official documents. Historically, during the Soviet era, plain envelopes were common for state mail, symbolizing bureaucracy. Today, decorative envelopes might carry personal or festive connotations, like in New Year's greetings, reflecting the importance of written communication in Russian social customs.

Related Concepts:

• письмо (pismo) - Letter
• почта (pochta) - Mail or post office
• штамп (shtamp) - Stamp (as in postage)