Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'maraca'

English Word: maraca

Key Russian Translations:

• марака [mɐˈrakə] - [Neutral; Used for the musical instrument in general contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, as it refers to a specific foreign instrument; it's more prevalent in musical or cultural discussions)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; Involves recognizing and pronouncing loanwords, which requires familiarity with Russian phonetics and noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

марака: [mɐˈrakə]

Note on марака: The stress falls on the second syllable ('ra'), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be careful with the soft 'a' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers used to harder vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The musical instrument (a percussion instrument from Latin America)

Translation(s) & Context:

• марака - Used in contexts related to music, performances, or cultural discussions; typically neutral and straightforward.

Usage Examples:

• В оркестре есть марака, которая добавляет ритм к мелодии.

  In the orchestra, there is a maraca that adds rhythm to the melody.

• Я купил мараку для нашего школьного музыкального ансамбля.

  I bought a maraca for our school music ensemble.

• Марака звучит особенно ярко в латиноамериканских танцах.

  The maraca sounds especially vibrant in Latin American dances.

• Во время фестиваля мы использовали мараку, чтобы создать праздничную атмосферу.

  During the festival, we used the maraca to create a festive atmosphere.

• Марака — это простой инструмент, но он может сделать музыку более живой.

  A maraca is a simple instrument, but it can make music more lively.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Марака" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the loanword category). It follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, but as a foreign word, it may not always vary in informal use. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: In plural forms, the word may not be commonly used, as 'maraca' typically refers to individual instruments. It has regular declensions, but learners should watch for stress shifts in inflected forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: бубен (buben) - Similar in function as a percussion instrument, but more traditional Russian; шейкер (sheyker) - A modern equivalent for rhythmic shaking instruments.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific instrument without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Играть на мараке - To play the maraca; Used in musical contexts to describe performance.
• Звук мараки - The sound of the maraca; Refers to the instrument's auditory effect in compositions.
• Марака в латиноамериканской музыке - Maraca in Latin American music; A phrase highlighting cultural usage.

Usage Notes:

"Марака" directly corresponds to the English "maraca" as a loanword, making it a straightforward translation for musical terminology. It is typically used in neutral or formal contexts, such as music education or cultural discussions, rather than everyday speech. Be mindful of Russian noun gender (feminine) when constructing sentences, and always decline it appropriately in phrases. For example, if there are multiple instruments, opt for the plural form. When choosing between synonyms like "бубен", consider the cultural context—use "марака" for Latin American influences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "Я имею марака" instead of "Я имею мараку" (Accusative case). Correct: Use the proper case, as in "Я имею мараку". Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on grammatical role, which English speakers often overlook.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable as [ˈmɐrakə] instead of [mɐˈrakə]. Correct: Practice the correct IPA [mɐˈrakə] to avoid confusion with similar words. Explanation: Incorrect stress can alter perceived meaning or make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

• Error: Using it interchangeably with "бубен" without context, e.g., "Это бубен" for a maraca. Correct: Specify "марака" for accuracy. Explanation: While both are percussion instruments, they have distinct cultural origins, leading to potential misunderstandings in descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

"Марака" originates from Latin American indigenous cultures, often associated with rituals and festive music. In Russian contexts, it symbolizes global musical influences, appearing in modern Russian adaptations of world music or educational programs about international instruments. This reflects Russia's growing interest in multicultural arts, but it lacks deep historical roots in Russian folklore.

Related Concepts:

• бубен
• шейкер
• тамбурин