Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jewel'

English Word: jewel

Key Russian Translations:

• драгоценность [drəɡɐˈt͡ɕenːəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Singular, Used in general contexts for valuable gems or jewelry]
• ювелирное изделие [juˈvʲelʲirnəjə ɪzˈdɛlʲijə] - [Informal, Plural possible, Used specifically for crafted jewelry items]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in discussions about luxury or history, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and vocabulary related to material culture. For 'драгоценность', it's straightforward; for 'ювелирное изделие', it may vary slightly in compounds).

Pronunciation (Russian):

драгоценность: [drəɡɐˈt͡ɕenːəsʲtʲ]

ювелирное изделие: [juˈvʲelʲirnəjə ɪzˈdɛlʲijə]

Note on драгоценность: The stress is on the third syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A precious stone or valuable ornament

Translation(s) & Context:

• драгоценность - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing historical artifacts or personal valuables.
• ювелирное изделие - Applied in commercial or everyday settings, like shopping for jewelry.

Usage Examples:

• Эта драгоценность принадлежит моей бабушке и передаётся в семье из поколения в поколение.

  This jewel belongs to my grandmother and is passed down in the family from generation to generation.

• В музее выставлена коллекция ювелирных изделий из золота и драгоценных камней.

  In the museum, there is a collection of jewelry items made from gold and precious stones.

• Он подарил ей кольцо с бриллиантом, которое стало её любимой драгоценностью.

  He gave her a ring with a diamond, which became her favorite jewel.

• Ювелирное изделие, которое она купила, оказалось подделкой.

  The jewelry item she bought turned out to be a fake.

• Драгоценности в сейфе охраняются специальной системой.

  The jewels in the safe are protected by a special security system.

Figurative Meaning: Something highly valued or prized

Translation(s) & Context:

• драгоценность - In metaphorical contexts, such as referring to a talented person or rare opportunity.

Usage Examples:

• Её знания – это настоящая драгоценность для компании.

  Her knowledge is a true jewel for the company.

• Дети – это драгоценности жизни, которые нужно ценить.

  Children are the jewels of life that need to be cherished.

• Эта книга стала драгоценностью моей библиотеки.

  This book has become a jewel in my library.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Драгоценность' is a feminine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. Below is a table of its key forms:

'Ювелирное изделие' is a neuter noun phrase. 'Изделие' inflects as a neuter noun, while 'ювелирное' is an adjective that agrees with it. It does not have irregular forms but changes based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • драгоценный камень (more specific to gemstones)
  • украшение (general ornament, with a connotation of decorative items)
• Antonyms:
  • мусор (trash, implying something worthless)
  • пустяки (trifles, for less valuable items)

Related Phrases:

• Драгоценные камни – Precious stones; often used in geological or jewelry contexts.
• Ювелирный магазин – Jewelry store; refers to a shop selling such items.
• Сокровища семьи – Family treasures; a phrase implying heirlooms or valued possessions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'драгоценность' directly corresponds to 'jewel' in its literal sense but can extend metaphorically, similar to English. It is more formal than 'украшение', which is everyday. When choosing between translations, use 'драгоценность' for emphasis on value and rarity, and 'ювелирное изделие' for man-made objects. Be aware of gender agreements in sentences, as 'драгоценность' is feminine.

• Always consider the context: in historical or cultural discussions, 'драгоценность' is preferred.
• Grammar note: It must agree in case with other elements in the sentence.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the genitive case, e.g., saying "у меня драгоценность" instead of "у меня драгоценность" (correct for nominative), but for possession, it should be "у меня есть драгоценность". Error: "Я имею драгоценность" (awkward translation of "I have a jewel"); Correct: "У меня есть драгоценность". This stems from direct word-for-word translation without considering Russian's possessive structures.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, jewels like 'драгоценность' often symbolize wealth, heritage, and status, as seen in Fabergé eggs or imperial jewelry. They are frequently referenced in literature and history, evoking ideas of tsarist opulence or personal milestones, which adds a layer of emotional and historical depth beyond their material value.

Related Concepts:

• бриллиант (diamond)
• золото (gold)
• украшения (ornaments)