Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marble'

English Word: marble

Key Russian Translations:

• мрамор [ˈmramər] - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about materials, architecture, and art, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to materials)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мрамор: [ˈmramər]

Note on мрамор: The stress is on the first syllable. The "р" sound is a trilled 'r', which can be challenging for English speakers accustomed to the English 'r'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A hard, crystalline metamorphic rock used in sculpture and architecture

Translation(s) & Context:

• мрамор - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing building materials, art, or geology.

Usage Examples:

• Статуя была вырезана из белого мрамора.

  The statue was carved from white marble.

• Мрамор часто используется в интерьерах для придания роскоши.

  Marble is often used in interiors to add luxury.

• Этот мрамор добывается в итальянских карьерах.

  This marble is quarried in Italian mines.

• Пол в зале выложен полированным мрамором.

  The floor in the hall is laid with polished marble.

• Художник предпочитает работать с мрамором из-за его текстуры.

  The artist prefers working with marble due to its texture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мрамор" is a masculine noun of the first declension group in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in common usage as it often refers to the material in general. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not change in plural forms typically, as it is uncountable in most contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • камень (stone, but more general; used when emphasizing material type)
  • брекчия (breccia, a similar rock type)
• Antonyms:
  • дерево (wood; opposite in terms of material properties)

Related Phrases:

• Белый мрамор - White marble; often used in descriptions of classical architecture.
• Мраморный пол - Marble floor; a common phrase in interior design contexts.
• Работа с мрамором - Working with marble; refers to sculpting or construction techniques.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "мрамор" directly corresponds to the English "marble" as a material, but it's important to note its formal usage in technical or artistic discussions. Unlike English, Russian nouns like this must agree in case with other words in the sentence, so learners should pay attention to declensions. For example, use the genitive case when indicating possession, as in "из мрамора" (made of marble). If you're referring to the toy version of marble, "шарик" is more appropriate in informal settings, but it's not a perfect match.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мрамор" without proper declension, e.g., saying "с мрамор" instead of "с мрамором" in instrumental case. Correct: с мрамором (with marble). This happens because English doesn't have cases, so learners forget to adjust for context.

• Error: Confusing "мрамор" with "мраморный" (marble-like or made of marble as an adjective). Correct: Use "мраморный" for adjectives, e.g., "мраморный стол" (marble table), not just "мрамор стол".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, marble is often associated with grandeur and historical significance, as seen in iconic structures like the Moscow Metro stations or the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It symbolizes luxury and permanence, reflecting Russia's imperial past and architectural heritage.

Related Concepts:

• гранит (granite)
• известняк (limestone)
• скульптура (sculpture)