Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'glaze'

English Word: glaze

Key Russian Translations:

• глазурь [ɡlazʊrʲ] - [Formal, Singular, Used in contexts like ceramics or baking]
• покрытие [pɐkrɨtʲje] - [Informal, General, Used when emphasizing a glossy layer]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday contexts like cooking or arts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic vocabulary, but straightforward for learners at this level. For 'покрытие', also B1 due to its versatility.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

глазурь: [ɡlazʊrʲ]

Note on глазурь: The 'рʲ' indicates a palatalized 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it softens the 'r' as in 'measure'. Pronounce with emphasis on the first syllable.

покрытие: [pɐkrɨtʲje]

Note on покрытие: The 'tʲje' ending features a soft 't' followed by a 'ye' sound; practice with native audio for accurate stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A glossy, often transparent coating applied to ceramics, pottery, or food (e.g., on donuts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• глазурь - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing art or culinary applications; common in written descriptions.
• покрытие - Used more informally for any glossy surface, including metaphorical uses like in painting or technology.

Usage Examples:

• Эта ваза покрыта красивой глазурью, которая придаёт ей блеск.

  This vase is covered with beautiful glaze, which gives it a shine.

• Повар нанёс глазурь на пирожные для лучшего вкуса и вида.

  The cook applied glaze to the pastries for better flavor and appearance.

• В керамике глазурь используется для защиты поверхности от повреждений.

  In ceramics, glaze is used to protect the surface from damage.

• Новое покрытие на мебели напоминает глазурь, но оно более устойчиво.

  The new coating on the furniture resembles glaze, but it's more durable.

Meaning 2: To become glassy or lose expression, as in eyes (e.g., 'eyes glaze over' in English).

Translation(s) & Context:

• покрытие (in a metaphorical sense) - Used in informal contexts to describe a dulling effect, though less direct; often paired with verbs like 'стекленеть'.

Usage Examples:

• Его глаза покрылись лёгкой пеленой, как будто от усталости.

  His eyes glazed over, as if from fatigue.

• Во время скучной лекции студенты чувствуют, как их взгляд покрывается туманом.

  During a boring lecture, students feel their gaze glazing over.

• Глаза ребёнка покрылись от удивления, когда он увидел фейерверк.

  The child's eyes glazed over in amazement when he saw the fireworks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Глазурь' is a feminine noun in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern with irregularities in some cases. It inflects based on grammatical case and number. 'Покрытие' is a neuter noun and inflects more regularly.

Note: 'Глазурь' does not change in the plural as frequently in modern usage, remaining invariant in some contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: эмаль (enamel, often for painted surfaces), лак (lacquer, for shiny coatings) - 'Эмаль' is used for more durable finishes, while 'лак' implies a liquid application.
• Antonyms: матовое покрытие (matte coating) - Refers to non-shiny surfaces, contrasting with the glossy nature of glaze.

Related Phrases:

• нанести глазурь - To apply glaze; used in crafting or cooking contexts.
• глазурь для торта - Glaze for cake; a common culinary phrase.
• покрытие глазурью - Coating with glaze; implies a process in manufacturing.

Usage Notes:

'Глазурь' directly corresponds to the physical meaning of 'glaze' in English, especially in artistic or food-related contexts, and is preferred in formal writing. 'Покрытие' is more versatile and can be used metaphorically, but avoid it for precise ceramic descriptions to prevent ambiguity. In Russian, always consider the gender and case when using these words in sentences. For learners, choose 'глазурь' for literal translations and 'покрытие' for broader applications, depending on the context's formality.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'глазурь' in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу глазурь" instead of "Я вижу глазурь" (correct as is, but commonly mismatched in genitive: "без глазури" vs. incorrectly "без глазурь"). Correct: Always decline properly, e.g., "без глазури" for "without glaze".

• Error: Confusing 'глазурь' with 'эмаль' – learners might overuse 'эмаль' for food glaze. Correct: Use 'глазурь' for edibles; explanation: 'Эмаль' is for enamel paints, not food.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'глазурь' is often associated with traditional crafts like porcelain from the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg, symbolizing elegance and heritage. It also appears in folklore and modern cuisine, such as in holiday pastries, reflecting Russia's appreciation for decorative arts and communal meals.

Related Concepts:

• керамика (ceramics)
• эмалевание (enameling)
• лакировка (lacquering)