Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mattress'

English Word: mattress

Key Russian Translations:

• матрас /ˈmat.ras/ - [Standard, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday contexts related to furniture and home, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" (house)).

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level, suitable for beginners learning basic vocabulary for daily life, as it involves straightforward noun usage without complex inflections).

Pronunciation (Russian):

матрас: /ˈmat.ras/ (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in "father," and the 'r' is a rolled Russian 'r').

Note on матрас: Be mindful of the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects, but this is the standard Moscow-based pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A soft, thick pad used for sleeping, often placed on a bed frame.

Translation(s) & Context:

• матрас - Used in neutral, everyday contexts for referring to a bed mattress in homes, stores, or furniture discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новый матрас для кровати, чтобы улучшить сон.

  I bought a new mattress for the bed to improve sleep.

• Этот матрас сделан из ортопедической пены и очень удобный.

  This mattress is made of orthopedic foam and is very comfortable.

• В магазине есть разные размеры матрасов для детских и взрослых кроватей.

  In the store, there are different sizes of mattresses for children's and adult beds.

• После долгого дня я всегда ложусь на мягкий матрас.

  After a long day, I always lie down on a soft mattress.

• Матрас в нашей гостевой комнате нужно заменить, так как он уже износился.

  The mattress in our guest room needs to be replaced because it's worn out.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Матрас" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. In plural forms, the ending changes predictably based on standard Russian declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: подушка (pillow) - More specific to a pillow, but can be used in bedding contexts; надувной мат (air mattress) - Informal variant for inflatable types.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "матрас" is a concrete noun without a clear opposite. However, in broader contexts, something like жесткая поверхность (hard surface) could imply contrast.

Related Phrases:

• надувной матрас - An inflatable mattress; often used for camping or temporary bedding.
• ортопедический матрас - An orthopedic mattress; refers to health-focused designs for better spinal support.
• сменный матрас - A replacement mattress; used when discussing upgrades or repairs.

Usage Notes:

"Матрас" directly corresponds to the English "mattress" in most contexts, making it a straightforward translation for everyday use. It is neutral in register and can be used in both formal (e.g., product descriptions) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations about home furnishings). Be aware of Russian case requirements; for example, use the genitive case in phrases like "цвет матраса" (color of the mattress). When choosing between synonyms like "надувной матрас," opt for it if the context involves portability. This word does not have significant idiomatic variations, so it's ideal for beginners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу матрас" instead of "Я вижу матрас" (correct), but commonly messing up in prepositional phrases like "на матрасе" (on the mattress) by forgetting the prepositional ending.

  Correct: На матрасе удобно спать. (It's comfortable to sleep on the mattress.)

  Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case changes, which are essential for grammatical accuracy.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "мат" (mat or rug), leading to misuse in bedding contexts.

  Correct: Use "матрас" for a bed mattress, not "мат."

  Explanation: These words look similar but have distinct meanings; always check the context to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mattresses are often associated with practicality and comfort in daily life, especially in urban apartments where space is limited. There's no strong historical or symbolic connotation, but in literature like Chekhov's works, references to bedding can symbolize domestic stability or poverty, reflecting broader themes of everyday Russian life.

Related Concepts:

• подушка (pillow)
• кровать (bed)
• постельное белье (bedding)