Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'etching'

English Word: etching

Key Russian Translations:

• гравюра [ɡrɐˈvʲurə] - [Formal, Art-related]
• эстамп [ɪˈstamp] - [Formal, Technical, Used in printmaking contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in art and cultural discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with art terminology and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гравюра: [ɡrɐˈvʲurə]

эстамп: [ɪˈstamp]

Note on гравюра: The stress falls on the second syllable; be cautious with the palatalized 'v' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The process or result of etching in art (e.g., engraving on metal or other surfaces)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гравюра - Used in formal art history or museum contexts, referring to the technique or the artwork itself.
• эстамп - Applied in technical discussions of printmaking, often implying a printed etching.

Usage Examples:

• Художник использовал гравюру для создания детализированных изображений на медной пластине.

  The artist used etching to create detailed images on a copper plate.

• Эта эстамп выставлена в галерее как пример классической техники печати.

  This etching is displayed in the gallery as an example of classical printing technique.

• Гравюра требует специальных кислот для травления металла, что делает её уникальной формой искусства.

  Etching requires special acids for etching metal, making it a unique form of art.

• В современном искусстве эстамп часто сочетается с цифровыми методами для инновационных работ.

  In modern art, etching is often combined with digital methods for innovative works.

• Студенты учились создавать гравюру, чтобы понять историческое значение этой техники.

  Students learned to create etchings to understand the historical significance of this technique.

Etching as a metaphorical or broader concept (e.g., in literature or design)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гравюра - Informally used in metaphorical contexts, such as "etching memories" in literature.

Usage Examples:

• Её слова оставили гравюру в его душе, как вечное воспоминание.

  Her words left an etching on his soul, like an eternal memory.

• Гравюра времени на старых зданиях рассказывает историю города.

  The etching of time on old buildings tells the story of the city.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "гравюра" and "эстамп" are feminine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for first-declension nouns. They exhibit regular inflections based on case, number, and gender.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эскиз [ˈɛskʲɪz] - A rough sketch, often used interchangeably in preliminary art stages.
  • гравер [ɡrɐˈvʲer] - Refers to the engraver or the act, with a focus on the tool or process.
• Antonyms:
  • расплывчатость [rɐsˈplɨvʲt͡ɕəstʲ] - Blurriness, contrasting with the precision of etching.

Related Phrases:

• гравюра на металле - Etching on metal; used in traditional art techniques.
• эстамп в коллекции - Etching in a collection; refers to archived or museum pieces.
• создать гравюру - To create an etching; a common phrase in art education.

Usage Notes:

"Гравюра" is the most direct translation for "etching" in artistic contexts and is preferred in formal writing or discussions about visual arts. "Эстамп" is more specific to printed etchings and may not always align perfectly with the English term, so choose based on context—use "гравюра" for the process and "эстамп" for the final product. Be mindful of grammatical gender (feminine) when constructing sentences, as it affects adjectives and verbs. In informal settings, these terms are rare outside art circles, so they're ideal for intermediate learners exploring cultural topics.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "гравюра" with "рисунок" (drawing): English learners might overuse "рисунок" for any visual art, but "гравюра" specifically implies an etched or engraved technique. Error example: "Я сделал рисунок на металле" (incorrect for etching). Correct: "Я сделал гравюру на металле." Explanation: "Рисунок" is broader and doesn't convey the acid-etching process.
• Misdeclining the noun: Forgetting to change endings in different cases, e.g., saying "в гравюра" instead of "в гравюре" (in the etching). Error example: "Я смотрю на гравюра." Correct: "Я смотрю на гравюру." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust for prepositional phrases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, etching like "гравюра" holds historical significance, particularly in the works of artists such as Ivan Shishkin or in Soviet-era propaganda prints. It symbolizes precision and endurance, often evoking themes of Russian realism in art, where etchings were used to capture landscapes or social commentary. Understanding this can deepen appreciation for Russia's artistic heritage, as seen in museums like the Tretyakov Gallery.

Related Concepts:

• живопись (painting)
• скульптура (sculpture)
• эстетика (aesthetics)