Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fresco'

English Word: fresco

Key Russian Translations:

• фреска [ˈfrɛskə] - [Formal, Used in art and historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized discussions about art and history.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with art vocabulary and basic noun declensions in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фреска: [ˈfrɛskə]

Note on фреска: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'э' sound is similar to the 'e' in "bed," and pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, but this is the standard form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A painting executed on wet plaster on walls or ceilings, often associated with historical or artistic contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фреска - Typically used in formal, cultural, or educational settings to describe wall paintings in museums, churches, or historical sites.

Usage Examples:

• В Сикстинской капелле есть знаменитые фрески Микеланджело.

  In the Sistine Chapel, there are famous frescoes by Michelangelo.

• Художник восстановил древнюю фреску в русском монастыре.

  The artist restored an ancient fresco in a Russian monastery.

• Фрески в Кремле отражают богатую историю России.

  The frescoes in the Kremlin reflect Russia's rich history.

• Современные художники иногда используют технику фрески для уличного искусства.

  Modern artists sometimes use the fresco technique for street art.

• Эта фреска изображает сцены из народных сказок.

  This fresco depicts scenes from folk tales.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фреска" is a feminine noun in Russian, following the first declension pattern. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This is a regular pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a, with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • настенная роспись (wall painting; more general term, often used interchangeably in broader contexts)
  • стенная живопись (wall artwork; emphasizes the painting aspect but is less specific)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "фреска" is a specific technique rather than a concept with clear opposites.

Related Phrases:

• фреска на стене - A fresco on the wall; used to specify location in architectural descriptions.
• древняя фреска - Ancient fresco; common in historical or archaeological contexts.
• восстановить фреску - To restore a fresco; refers to conservation efforts in art preservation.

Usage Notes:

"Фреска" is a loanword from Italian via French, directly corresponding to the English "fresco" in art terminology. It is primarily used in formal or academic settings, such as discussions about Renaissance art or Russian Orthodox church decorations. Be mindful of its feminine gender when constructing sentences, as it affects adjectives and verbs (e.g., "красивая фреска" for "beautiful fresco"). When multiple translations exist, choose "фреска" for precise historical accuracy, but "настенная роспись" for more general descriptions. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел фреска" instead of "Я видел фреску" (accusative case after "видел").

  Correct: Я видел фреску. (Explanation: Verbs of seeing require the accusative case for direct objects.)

• Error: Confusing it with similar terms like "мозаика" (mosaic), leading to misuse in descriptions, e.g., calling a mosaic a "фреска."

  Correct: Use "фреска" only for paintings on wet plaster, not tiled artworks. (Explanation: This stems from misunderstanding art techniques, which can be clarified by learning basic art history.)

• Error: Forgetting plural forms, e.g., saying "фреска" when referring to multiple, as in "Эти фреска очень старые" instead of "Эти фрески очень старые."

  Correct: Эти фрески очень старые. (Explanation: Always adjust for number to maintain grammatical agreement.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, frescoes hold significant historical and religious importance, often found in Orthodox churches and Kremlin cathedrals. For example, the frescoes in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow symbolize Russia's spiritual heritage and are tied to events like the Napoleonic Wars. Understanding this context enriches appreciation of Russian art, where frescoes serve not just as decoration but as storytelling tools for biblical or national narratives.

Related Concepts:

• икона (icon)
• мозаика (mosaic)
• фресочный стиль (fresco style)