Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mosaic'

English Word: mosaic

Key Russian Translations:

• мозаика [mɐˈzajkə] - [Neutral, commonly used in artistic and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions about art, design, and culture, but not in daily casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp basic noun forms and usage, though mastering inflections requires practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мозаика: [mɐˈzajkə]

Note on мозаика: The stress falls on the second syllable ("za"), which is common in Russian nouns. Be careful with the soft "a" sound, as it can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: Listen to pronunciation

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A picture or decorative design made by setting small colored pieces of hard material into a surface.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мозаика - Used in contexts related to art, architecture, or crafts, such as describing wall decorations or floor patterns in museums or homes.

Usage Examples:

• В музее экспонируется древняя мозаика, созданная в византийскую эпоху.

  In the museum, an ancient mosaic created in the Byzantine era is on display.

• Она решила украсить сад мозаикой из цветного камня.

  She decided to decorate the garden with a mosaic made of colored stones.

• Мозаика на фасаде здания отразила историю города в ярких красках.

  The mosaic on the building's facade reflected the city's history in vibrant colors.

• Дети в школе изучили, как создавать простую мозаику из мозаичных плиток.

  The children at school learned how to create a simple mosaic using mosaic tiles.

• Эта мозаика, сделанная из разбитого стекла, символизирует возрождение.

  This mosaic, made from broken glass, symbolizes renewal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мозаика" is a feminine noun (third declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: панно (panno - a panel or mural, often used for larger decorative works); инкрустация (inkrustatsiya - inlay or intricate decoration)
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as "мозаика" is a specific artistic term, but it could contrast with "монохромный дизайн" (monokhromnyy dizayn - monochromatic design) in creative contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Мозаичный пол - A mosaic floor; commonly used in architecture to describe patterned flooring in historic buildings.
• Мозаика из смальты - Mosaic made of smalt (colored glass); refers to a specific material used in traditional Russian art.
• Создать мозаику - To create a mosaic; a phrase for artistic projects or crafts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "мозаика" directly corresponds to the English "mosaic" in artistic and decorative contexts, but it can also metaphorically imply complexity or diversity, similar to English usage (e.g., "a mosaic of cultures"). It is neutral in register and suitable for both formal writing and informal conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "панно," opt for "мозаика" if the emphasis is on small, pieced-together elements. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case to avoid errors in Russian sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect stress placement, such as pronouncing it as [ˈmɐzajkə] instead of [mɐˈzajkə]. Correct: Focus on the second syllable to match native pronunciation. Example of error: "Я видел мозаика" (incorrect due to missing case agreement); Correct: "Я видел мозаику" (accusative case).

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., using "мозаика" in all cases. Correct: Use appropriate forms like "мозаике" in prepositional phrases. This is common among beginners who treat it as an invariable word.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mosaics hold significant historical and artistic value, often seen in Orthodox churches and Soviet-era public art. For instance, mosaics in places like the Moscow Metro symbolize national heritage and were popularized during the Byzantine influence on Russian art, adding a layer of cultural depth beyond their literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• фреска (fresco - a mural painting on wet plaster)
• витраж (vitrazh - stained glass)
• мозаичный узор (mosaic pattern - related decorative motifs)