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EN RU Dictionary

гуашь Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gouache'

English Word: gouache

Key Russian Translations:

  • гуашь /ɡʊˈaʂ/ - [Neutral; commonly used in artistic and formal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily encountered in artistic, educational, or professional discussions; not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2; Requires familiarity with art terminology and basic Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with intermediate vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гуашь: /ɡʊˈaʂ/

Note on гуашь: The "ш" sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in English "shoe," but ensure it's not softened; common mispronunciation by English speakers involves over-emphasizing the "g" as in "go." Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A type of opaque watercolor paint used in art, known for its vibrant colors and matte finish.
Translation(s) & Context:
  • гуашь - Used in contexts related to painting, art supplies, or educational settings; neutral and standard for describing this medium.
Usage Examples:
  • Я предпочитаю работать гуашью, потому что она позволяет создавать насыщенные цвета.

    I prefer working with gouache because it allows for creating saturated colors.

  • В художественной школе мы изучили техники рисования гуашью на бумаге.

    In art school, we studied techniques for painting with gouache on paper.

  • Эта картина нарисована гуашью, что придаёт ей матовый блеск.

    This painting is done with gouache, which gives it a matte finish.

  • Художник использовал гуашь для иллюстраций в детской книге.

    The artist used gouache for illustrations in a children's book.

  • Гуашь быстро сохнет, поэтому её удобно применять в полевых зарисовках.

    Gouache dries quickly, so it's convenient for use in field sketches.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гуашь" is a feminine noun in Russian (from French loanword). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

Case Singular Plural
Nominative (Именительный) гуашь гуаши
Genitive (Родительный) гуаши гуашей
Dative (Дательный) гуаши гуа sham гуа sham гуа sham гуа sham гуаши гуа sham гуа sham гуаши (singular dative) гуа sham (plural dative)
Accusative (Винительный) гуашь гуаши
Instrumental (Творительный) гуашью гуашью
Prepositional (Предложный) гуаши гуа sham

Note: The noun is relatively regular, with no irregular forms, but pay attention to the instrumental case for phrases like "рисовать гуашью" (to paint with gouache).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms: акварель (watercolor; similar but more transparent medium), темперa (tempera; another opaque paint)
  • Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as this is a specific art term, but масло (oil paint) could be considered contrasting due to its different texture and application.

Related Phrases:

  • Гуашь на бумаге - Gouache on paper; Refers to a common technique for creating artwork.
  • Работа с гуашью - Working with gouache; Used in art tutorials or discussions.
  • Гуашь для начинающих - Gouache for beginners; A phrase in educational contexts.

Usage Notes:

Gouache translates directly to "гуашь" in Russian, a borrowed term from French via English, and is used almost identically in artistic contexts. It is neutral in tone and suitable for formal, educational, or professional settings. When choosing between translations, "гуашь" is the most precise; avoid confusing it with "акварель" (watercolor), which is more translucent. Grammatically, remember to use the instrumental case (e.g., "гуашью") when indicating the tool or medium in sentences.

Common Errors:

  • Error: Mispronouncing "гуашь" as /ɡuˈæʃ/ (like the English version). Correct: Use /ɡʊˈaʂ/ with the proper Russian "ш" sound. Explanation: English speakers often carry over their pronunciation, leading to confusion in communication.

  • Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я рисую гуашь" instead of "Я рисую гуашью." Correct: "Я рисую гуашью" (I paint with gouache). Explanation: In Russian, instruments require the instrumental case, which is a common oversight for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gouache is popular in folk art and educational settings, often used in illustrations for children's books or traditional paintings. It reflects Russia's rich artistic heritage, influenced by European techniques, and is commonly featured in art education from a young age, emphasizing creativity and accessibility.

Related Concepts:

  • акварель
  • масло
  • пастель