Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ewer'

English Word: ewer

Key Russian Translations:

• кувшин /ˈkʊvʃɪn/ - [Formal, often used in historical or literary contexts]
• кувшин для воды /ˈkʊvʃɪn dlʲɑ ˈvɔdɨ/ - [Informal, specifies for water]

Frequency: Low (Rare in modern everyday Russian; more common in historical or specialized texts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to household items)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кувшин: /ˈkʊvʃɪn/

кувшин для воды: /ˈkʊvʃɪn dlʲɑ ˈvɔdɨ/

Note on кувшин: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers used to 'sh' in words like 'ship'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large jug or pitcher, typically for holding water, often with a wide mouth and a handle.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кувшин - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a traditional water pitcher, especially in historical settings.
• кувшин для воды - Informal variant, emphasizing its purpose, common in everyday descriptions of household items.

Usage Examples:

• В старинном замке стоял красивый кувшин, полный свежей воды.

  In the old castle stood a beautiful ewer, full of fresh water.

• Она налила воду в кувшин для воды и поставила его на стол.

  She poured water into the ewer and placed it on the table.

• Этот кувшин из музея использовался в древние времена для ритуалов.

  This ewer from the museum was used in ancient rituals.

• В магазине продают современные версии кувшина, но они не такие элегантные, как старинные.

  In the store, they sell modern versions of the ewer, but they aren't as elegant as the antique ones.

• Кувшин для воды на кухне всегда должен быть чистым и готовым к использованию.

  The ewer for water in the kitchen should always be clean and ready for use.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "кувшин" and "кувшин для воды" are masculine nouns in Russian. "Кувшин" follows the standard first declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table for "кувшин" (singular and plural forms):

Note: "Кувшин для воды" as a phrase does not inflect as a single unit; inflect "кувшин" according to the rules above, while "для воды" remains unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кратер (krater) - Similar to a large vessel, but more archaic.
  • кувшинообразный сосуд (kuvshinoobraznyy sosud) - Literally "ewer-shaped vessel," used in descriptive contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • стакан (stakan) - A glass or cup, which is smaller and more modern.

Related Phrases:

• Старый кувшин - Old ewer; often used in stories about antiques. (Refers to a vintage or historical item.)
• Кувшин с водой - Ewer with water; common in descriptions of daily life or settings. (Emphasizes the filled state.)
• Разбить кувшин - To break the ewer; a phrase implying carelessness or loss of something valuable. (Idiomatic for minor accidents.)

Usage Notes:

"Кувшин" directly corresponds to "ewer" in English, particularly in contexts involving historical or decorative items, but it's not commonly used in contemporary Russian speech. Prefer "кувшин" in formal, literary, or museum-related discussions. For everyday items, Russians might use more general terms like "графин" (carafe). Be cautious with declensions, as errors in case can alter meaning. When choosing between translations, use "кувшин для воды" if specificity is needed, especially in instructional or descriptive texts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кувшин" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в кувшин" instead of "в кувшине" for "in the ewer."
  Correct: "В кувшине была вода" (In the ewer was water).
  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; prepositional case requires the ending "-е" for location.

• Error: Confusing "кувшин" with "кувшинка" (a type of water lily), leading to misuse in botanical contexts.
  Correct: Use "кувшин" only for vessels, not plants.
  Explanation: These words sound similar but have entirely different meanings, which can confuse English learners unfamiliar with Russian phonetics.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ewers like "кувшин" are often associated with traditional folklore and historical artifacts, appearing in fairy tales or museum exhibits. They symbolize hospitality and daily life in pre-modern Russia, sometimes linked to themes of abundance or ritual cleansing in Orthodox traditions.

Related Concepts:

• графин
• кувшинка
• сосуд