Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gossamer'

English Word: gossamer

Key Russian Translations:

• паутинка [pəwˈtʲinkə] - [Informal, often used in poetic or descriptive contexts]
• тонкая паутина [ˈtonkəjə pəwˈtinə] - [Formal, when emphasizing the web-like quality]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in literature or specialized descriptions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding metaphorical language and basic noun inflections; learners at this level can grasp it with some exposure to descriptive texts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

паутинка: [pəwˈtʲinkə]

тонкая паутина: [ˈtonkəjə pəwˈtinə]

Note on паутинка: The stress falls on the second syllable ('tʲinkə'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'tʲ' sound; pronounce it with a palatalized 't' as in 'tune'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A fine, filmy substance, like cobwebs or delicate threads (literal sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• паутинка - Used in informal or poetic contexts to describe something light and ethereal, such as spider silk or fine fabric.
• тонкая паутина - Applied in more formal or scientific settings, emphasizing the web-like structure in nature or metaphors.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: "Утро покрыто паутинкой росы, как тонкий газ." (The morning is covered with gossamer dew, like a thin veil.)

  English: "The morning is covered with gossamer dew, like a thin veil."

• Русский: "Ее шарф был сделан из паутинки, так что он почти не weighed." (Her scarf was made of gossamer, so it barely weighed anything.)

  English: "Her scarf was made of gossamer, so it barely weighed anything."

• Русский: "В лесу висела тонкая паутина, переливающаяся на солнце." (In the forest hung a gossamer web, shimmering in the sun.)

  English: "In the forest hung a gossamer web, shimmering in the sun."

• Русский: "Писатель описал мечты как паутинку, легко разрывающуюся." (The writer described dreams as gossamer, easily torn apart.)

  English: "The writer described dreams as gossamer, easily torn apart."

• Русский: "Ткань платья напоминала тонкую паутину, невесомую и прозрачную." (The fabric of the dress resembled gossamer, weightless and transparent.)

  English: "The fabric of the dress resembled gossamer, weightless and transparent."

Meaning 2: Something delicate, fragile, or insubstantial (metaphorical sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• паутинка - Common in literary contexts to metaphorically describe fragility, such as emotions or ideas.
• тонкая паутина - Used in more abstract or philosophical discussions to highlight ephemeral qualities.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: "Его обещания были как паутинка – прекрасны, но хрупки." (His promises were like gossamer – beautiful but fragile.)

  English: "His promises were like gossamer – beautiful but fragile."

• Русский: "Ветер унес паутинку её надежд." (The wind carried away the gossamer of her hopes.)

  English: "The wind carried away the gossamer of her hopes."

• Русский: "Тонкая паутина воспоминаний окутала её разум." (The gossamer of memories enveloped her mind.)

  English: "The gossamer of memories enveloped her mind."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Паутинка" is a feminine noun (3rd declension), while "тонкая паутина" involves an adjective ("тонкая") modifying a feminine noun ("паутина"). Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "паутинка" as an example:

For "паутина", it follows similar feminine patterns but is less commonly used in plural forms. Adjectives like "тонкая" agree in gender, number, and case (e.g., тонкую in accusative singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: паутина (more general web), тонкая нить (thin thread) – паутина is often interchangeable but less poetic; тонкая нить emphasizes linearity.
• Antonyms: грубая ткань (coarse fabric), плотная материя (dense material) – These highlight the opposite of delicacy and lightness.

Related Phrases:

• Паутинка росы – (Gossamer of dew; refers to fine droplets on surfaces, often in nature descriptions.)
• Тонкая паутина воспоминаний – (Gossamer web of memories; used metaphorically for fleeting recollections.)
• Паутинка надежд – (Gossamer of hopes; describes fragile aspirations in literature.)

Usage Notes:

"Паутинка" directly corresponds to the English "gossamer" in its literal and metaphorical senses, making it a precise translation for descriptive or poetic contexts. However, in formal Russian, "тонкая паутина" might be preferred for scientific or technical discussions to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of gender agreement when using these in sentences; for example, adjectives must match the feminine noun. When choosing between translations, opt for "паутинка" in everyday or creative writing, as it conveys a more intimate, informal tone.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "паутинка" as a masculine noun, e.g., saying "паутинок" incorrectly in genitive. Correct: Remember it's feminine, so genitive singular is "паутинки". Explanation: English learners often overlook Russian gender rules, leading to agreement errors.
• Mistake: Confusing "паутинка" with "паутина" and using them interchangeably without context, e.g., saying "паутина" for a small thread when "паутинка" is more appropriate. Correct: Use "паутинка" for diminutive or poetic nuance. Explanation: This can make the description less precise, as "паутина" implies a larger web.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in the works of Pushkin or Chekhov, words like "паутинка" often symbolize the ephemerality of life or beauty, reflecting a cultural appreciation for nature's delicacy. This aligns with the Romantic tradition in Russian poetry, where gossamer-like elements evoke themes of transience and fragility.

Related Concepts:

• паутина
• ниточка
• шелк