Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lapis'

English Word: lapis

Key Russian Translations:

• лапис-лазурь [ˈlapʲɪs lɐˈzurʲ] - [Formal, Used in geological or artistic contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specialized fields like mineralogy or jewelry.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level, as it involves recognizing compound words and basic vocabulary related to science, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лапис-лазурь: [ˈlapʲɪs lɐˈzurʲ]

Note on лапис-лазурь: The stress falls on the first syllable of each word. Pay attention to the palatalized 'л' in "лапис", which is a common feature in Russian and can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur based on regional dialects.

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Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A deep blue metamorphic rock used in jewelry and ornaments (Primary meaning in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лапис-лазурь - Used in formal or technical discussions about minerals, art, or history; common in written Russian like scientific texts or museum descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот камень, известный как лапис-лазурь, часто используется в ювелирных изделиях.

  This stone, known as lapis lazuli, is often used in jewelry pieces.

• В музее выставлена коллекция артефактов, инкрустированных лапис-лазурью.

  In the museum, there is a collection of artifacts inlaid with lapis lazuli.

• Лазурный цвет лапис-лазурь придаёт украшениям особую ценность.

  The azure color of lapis lazuli gives jewelry a special value.

• Геологи изучают происхождение лапис-лазурь в древних горных породах.

  Geologists study the origin of lapis lazuli in ancient rock formations.

• Художники предпочитают лапис-лазурь за её насыщенный синий оттенок.

  Artists prefer lapis lazuli for its rich blue shade.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лапис-лазурь" is a compound noun in Russian, treated as a masculine noun in the nominative singular form. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, but as a borrowed term, it may not always inflect regularly in informal use. Below is a table of its primary inflections:

Note: Inflections can vary slightly in poetic or archaic Russian, but in modern usage, the word often remains unchanged in compound forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • лазурь (lazur) - More general term for azure or blue stone, often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • ультрамарин (ultramarin) - Refers to a similar blue pigment, with a slight artistic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • нефрит (nephrite) - A green stone, contrasting in color and type.

Related Phrases:

• лапис-лазурь в ювелирке - Lapis lazuli in jewelry (Common phrase for discussing its use in accessories).
• драгоценный камень лапис-лазурь - Precious stone lapis lazuli (Used in formal descriptions of gems).
• искусство с лапис-лазурью - Art with lapis lazuli (Refers to artistic applications, e.g., in paintings or sculptures).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "лапис-лазурь" directly corresponds to the English "lapis lazuli" and is typically used in formal, educational, or professional contexts rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian compound words like this one often require the genitive case in phrases, e.g., "кольцо с лаписом-лазурью" (a ring with lapis lazuli). When choosing between synonyms, opt for "лапис-лазурь" in scientific writing for precision, but "лазурь" in artistic discussions. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it is masculine.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лапис" alone without "лазурь", assuming it's a standalone word. Correct: Always pair it as "лапис-лазурь" to maintain accuracy. Example of error: "Я видел лапис" (incorrect, as it sounds incomplete). Correct: "Я видел лапис-лазурь". Explanation: This compound form is standard in Russian to specify the full term.

• Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized sounds, e.g., saying [lapɪs] instead of [ˈlapʲɪs]. Correct: Practice the soft 'л' sound. Explanation: English learners often overlook Russian's palatalization, which changes the word's nuance.

Cultural Notes:

"Лапис-лазурь" holds cultural significance in Russian history, often associated with ancient Egyptian and Persian artifacts imported via trade routes. In Russian art and literature, it symbolizes luxury and divinity, appearing in icons and jewelry from the Byzantine era. This reflects Russia's historical connections to Eastern cultures, making it a bridge to understanding cross-cultural exchanges in art.

Related Concepts:

• аметист (amethyst)
• яшма (jasper)
• драгоценные камни (precious stones)