Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'horsehair'

English Word: horsehair

Key Russian Translations:

• конский волос [ˈkonskʲɪj ˈvoləs] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more relevant in specialized contexts like manufacturing or craftsmanship.)

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and adjective agreements, which may challenge beginners, but it's manageable for intermediate learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

конский волос: [ˈkonskʲɪj ˈvoləs]

Note on конский волос: The stress falls on the first syllable of "конский" [ˈkonskʲɪj], and "волос" [ˈvoləs] has a soft 'л' sound. Pay attention to the palatalization of 'с' in "конский" for accurate pronunciation. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The hair from a horse, often used in brushes, fabrics, or other materials.

Translation(s) & Context:

• конский волос - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing materials in manufacturing or craftsmanship; it emphasizes the animal origin and durability.

Usage Examples:

• В кисти для рисования часто используется конский волос из-за его прочности.

  In paintbrushes, horsehair is often used because of its durability.

• Конский волос применяется в изготовлении высококачественных тканей и аксессуаров.

  Horsehair is used in making high-quality fabrics and accessories.

• Из конского волоса делают эластичные щётки для уборки, которые служат долго.

  Brushes made from horsehair are elastic and last a long time for cleaning purposes.

• В старинных рецептах упоминается конский волос как материал для музыкальных инструментов.

  In old recipes, horsehair is mentioned as a material for musical instruments.

• Конский волос, обработанный специальным образом, становится мягким и пригодным для одежды.

  Horsehair, when processed specially, becomes soft and suitable for clothing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Конский волос" is a noun phrase where "конский" is an adjective and "волос" is a masculine noun. Adjectives in Russian agree with nouns in gender, number, and case. "Волос" (hair) is a masculine noun that declines regularly according to Russian case patterns. Below is a table showing the declension of "волос" in its singular form, with "конский" adjusted accordingly:

Note: "Волос" can also appear in plural forms (e.g., "волосы" in some contexts, though less common), but for "horsehair," the singular is typically used. The phrase as a whole does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: лошадиная шерсть (slight difference: emphasizes the wool-like quality more than the hair aspect)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific material term.

Related Phrases:

• кисть из конского волоса - A brush made from horsehair; used in art or cleaning contexts.
• ткань с конским волосом - Fabric with horsehair; refers to textiles incorporating this material for strength.
• изделия из конского волоса - Products made from horsehair; common in traditional craftsmanship.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "horsehair" as a material, but in Russian, it's often used in technical or descriptive contexts rather than everyday speech. Always ensure adjective-noun agreement; for example, use the genitive case when indicating possession or origin, as in "из конского волоса" (from horsehair). If multiple translations exist, choose "конский волос" for precision in formal writing, while "лошадиная шерсть" might suit more general descriptions. Be mindful of context: in cultural or historical discussions, this term may appear in discussions of Russian folk art.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "из конский волос" instead of "из конского волоса". Correct: The genitive case is required after prepositions like "из" (from). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must check the noun's role in the sentence.

• Error: Confusing with similar terms, e.g., translating as "конь шерсть" (which is incorrect and non-idiomatic). Correct: Use "конский волос" for accuracy. Explanation: "Конь шерсть" is a direct word-for-word translation that doesn't follow Russian syntax; always opt for established phrases.

• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any animal hair, leading to misuse like "человеческий конский волос". Correct: Specify clearly, e.g., "конский волос" only for horses. Explanation: Precision in animal-specific terms prevents confusion in descriptive language.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, horsehair has historical significance in traditional crafts, such as making bows for string instruments like the balalaika or in folk weaving. It symbolizes durability and natural materials, often featured in rural or artisanal contexts, reflecting Russia's equestrian heritage and connection to nature.

Related Concepts:

• шерсть (wool)
• волос (hair)
• лошадиная шкура (horsehide)