Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gesso'

English Word: gesso

Key Russian Translations:

• грунт /ɡrunt/ - [Formal, Used in artistic or technical contexts]

Frequency: Low (Specialized term primarily used in art and technical discussions, not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level; Requires familiarity with art vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грунт: /ɡrunt/

Note on грунт: The initial "г" is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the "g" in "go" in English. Stress falls on the first syllable, and the word may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A preparatory mixture (typically gypsum-based) used to coat surfaces like canvases before painting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• грунт - Used in formal art, crafts, or technical descriptions, often referring to a primer or base layer in painting.

Usage Examples:

• Художник наносит грунт на холст перед началом работы.

  The artist applies gesso to the canvas before starting the work.

• Без правильного грунта краска может отслоиться от поверхности.

  Without proper gesso, the paint may peel off the surface.

• В традиционной русской иконописи грунт готовится из гипса и клея.

  In traditional Russian icon painting, gesso is prepared from gypsum and glue.

• Современные художники иногда заменяют грунт синтетическими материалами.

  Modern artists sometimes replace gesso with synthetic materials.

• При подготовке к выставке, грунт на картинах должен быть идеально гладким.

  When preparing for an exhibition, the gesso on the paintings must be perfectly smooth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"грунт" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • праймер (prajmer) - Similar to primer in English, often used interchangeably in modern contexts; more common in industrial applications.
  • основа (osnova) - Means "base" or "foundation," with a broader connotation but applicable in art.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "грунт" is a specific material; however, contrasting terms might include "чистый холст" (clean canvas), implying no preparation.

Related Phrases:

• нанести грунт (nanesti grunt) - To apply gesso; Used in contexts of surface preparation in art.
• подготовить поверхность грунтом (podgotovit poverhnost' gruntuom) - To prepare the surface with gesso; Common in painting tutorials.
• грунт на основе гипса (grunt na osnove gipsa) - Gesso based on gypsum; Refers to traditional formulations.

Usage Notes:

"грунт" directly corresponds to "gesso" in English art terminology, but it's more general in Russian, encompassing any primer or base layer. Use it in formal or technical contexts, such as art classes or restoration work. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure; for example, in prepositional phrases, it changes to "грунте." When choosing between synonyms like "праймер," opt for "грунт" in artistic settings for a more traditional feel. English speakers might confuse it with "гипс" (gypsum), but "грунт" specifically implies a prepared mixture.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "грунт" without proper declension, e.g., saying "на грунт" instead of "на грунте" in prepositional contexts.

  Correct: "Работа на грунте" should be "Работа на грунте" (correct), but if meaning "on the gesso," ensure case agreement. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so learners often forget to adjust for genitive or other cases.

• Error: Confusing "грунт" with "грязь" (dirt), due to similar sounds.

  Correct: Use "грунт" for art materials; "грязь" means filth. Explanation: Phonetic similarity can lead to mix-ups, but context clarifies—avoid in art discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "грунт" holds significance in traditional icon painting, a key part of Orthodox heritage. Russian artists like those in the 19th-century Peredvizhniki movement emphasized meticulous preparation with gesso, symbolizing the spiritual foundation of religious art. Understanding this term can deepen appreciation for Russian visual arts, where materials often carry symbolic weight.

Related Concepts:

• краска (kraska) - Paint
• холст (kholst) - Canvas
• иконопись (ikonopis') - Icon painting