Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'filigree'

English Word: filigree

Key Russian Translations:

• филигрань [fɪlʲɪˈɡranʲ] - [Formal; used in artistic or technical contexts, such as jewelry and craftsmanship]

Frequency: Medium (This term appears in specialized discussions like art, history, or crafts, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners need familiarity with Russian nouns and borrowed words from Western languages, as it involves understanding cultural and technical vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

филигрань: [fɪlʲɪˈɡranʲ]

Note on филигрань: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ɡranʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'l' sound (лʲ). Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A delicate ornamental work made from twisted wires, often used in jewelry or decorative arts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• филигрань - Used in formal or artistic contexts, such as describing intricate metalwork in jewelry or historical artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта брошь украшена филигранью, которая придаёт ей изысканный вид.

  This brooch is adorned with filigree, which gives it an elegant appearance.

• В музее мы увидели древние ювелирные изделия с филигранью, сделанные мастерами прошлого века.

  In the museum, we saw ancient jewelry pieces with filigree, made by craftsmen from the past century.

• Филигрань часто используется в русских народных украшениях для создания тонких узоров.

  Filigree is often used in Russian folk ornaments to create delicate patterns.

• Современные дизайнеры возрождают технику филиграни в модных аксессуарах.

  Modern designers are reviving the filigree technique in fashionable accessories.

• Изготовление филиграни требует высокой точности и мастерства, как в традиционных, так и в современных ремёслах.

  Creating filigree requires high precision and skill, both in traditional and modern crafts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Филигрань" is a feminine noun (from the third declension in Russian). It follows standard feminine noun patterns with changes in cases and numbers. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изысканная работа (a more general term for intricate work, often used in artistic contexts; implies elegance but less specificity than филигрань)
  • резной орнамент (emphasizes carved or engraved designs, suitable for decorative arts)
• Antonyms:
  • грубая работа (rough or crude work; highlights the opposite of delicate craftsmanship)

Related Phrases:

• филигранная работа - A phrase meaning "filigree work," often used in contexts of fine craftsmanship; refers to highly detailed and precise artistic endeavors.
• техника филиграни - "Filigree technique," describing the method of creating such ornaments, commonly in jewelry making or metalwork.
• украшения с филигранью - "Jewelry with filigree," a common expression in discussions of traditional Russian or European accessories.

Usage Notes:

"Филигрань" is a borrowed word from French via English, directly corresponding to "filigree" in English. It is typically used in formal or specialized contexts like art history, crafts, or descriptions of antiques. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs it with adjectives for emphasis (e.g., "тонкая филигрань" for "delicate filigree"). When choosing translations, opt for "филигрань" in artistic discussions, but be aware of its feminine gender, which affects sentence agreement (e.g., adjectives must agree: "красивая филигрань" for "beautiful filigree"). Avoid using it in casual everyday speech, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by placing stress on the wrong syllable, such as [fɪˈlʲɪɡranʲ] instead of [fɪlʲɪˈɡranʲ]. Correct: [fɪlʲɪˈɡranʲ] – Focus on the palatalized 'l' and the stressed third syllable to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "красивый филигрань" (incorrect masculine adjective) instead of "красивая филигрань" (correct feminine). Correct: Always use feminine forms for adjectives and verbs related to this noun, as in "Эта филигрань красивая" (This filigree is beautiful).

• Error: Using it interchangeably with simpler terms like "украшение" (ornament), which is too vague. Correct: Reserve "филигрань" for contexts involving intricate wirework, as in "Это не просто украшение, а филигрань" (This is not just an ornament, but filigree).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "филигрань" is often associated with traditional folk art and craftsmanship, particularly in regions like the Urals or Siberia, where metalwork has historical significance. It reflects Russia's rich heritage in jewelry making, influenced by Byzantine and European styles, and is commonly featured in items like samovars or Orthodox icons, symbolizing intricate beauty and historical continuity.

Related Concepts:

• ювелирное искусство (Jewelry art)
• резной орнамент (Carved ornament)
• народные ремёсла (Folk crafts)