Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obsidian'

English Word: obsidian

Key Russian Translations:

• обсидиан [ɐbˈsʲidʲɪɐn] - [Neutral; Used in scientific, geological, or descriptive contexts]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should be familiar with borrowed words and basic noun declensions, though context-specific vocabulary may require additional study.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

обсидиан: [ɐbˈsʲidʲɪɐn]

Note on обсидиан: The stress falls on the third syllable ("sʲidʲ"), which is a common feature in Russian borrowed words. Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) in "sʲidʲ", which affects pronunciation by palatalizing the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A type of volcanic glass formed from cooled lava.

Translation(s) & Context:

• обсидиан - Used in scientific or educational contexts to describe the mineral, often in geology texts or museum descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Обсидиан часто используется в ювелирных изделиях из-за своей блестящей поверхности.

  Obsidian is often used in jewelry because of its shiny surface.

• Вулканический обсидиан можно найти в горах Камчатки.

  Volcanic obsidian can be found in the mountains of Kamchatka.

• Обсидиан имеет тёмный цвет и острые края, что делает его полезным для инструментов.

  Obsidian has a dark color and sharp edges, making it useful for tools.

• В коллекции музея есть образцы обсидиана из разных регионов России.

  The museum collection includes samples of obsidian from various regions of Russia.

• Обсидиан формируется при быстрой охлаждении лавы, что уникально для вулканических пород.

  Obsidian forms from the rapid cooling of lava, which is unique among volcanic rocks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Обсидиан" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian and follows the standard second-declension pattern for inanimate nouns. It is relatively straightforward but exhibits typical Russian case endings. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it easier for learners, but always check context for correct case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вулканическое стекло (vulcanic glass) - More descriptive and commonly used in scientific contexts.
  • черный камень (black stone) - Informal or poetic alternative, though less precise.
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable, as this is a specific mineral term. However, in a broader geological sense, antonyms might include "мягкие породы" (soft rocks), but this is not direct.

Related Phrases:

• Обсидиан в ювелирке - "Obsidian in jewelry" (Refers to its use in decorative items, common in artisan contexts.)
• Вулканический обсидиан Камчатки - "Volcanic obsidian of Kamchatka" (A phrase used in tourism or geological discussions about Russian regions.)
• Обсидиан как инструмент - "Obsidian as a tool" (Highlights its historical use in prehistoric tools, with cultural implications.)

Usage Notes:

"Обсидиан" directly corresponds to the English "obsidian" as a borrowed term, often used in formal or technical writing. It is neutral in tone and not region-specific within Russian-speaking areas. When choosing this word, ensure it fits the context—opt for more descriptive phrases like "вулканическое стекло" in everyday conversation to avoid sounding overly academic. Grammatically, remember its masculine gender and standard declensions, which align closely with English noun usage but require attention to Russian case systems.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел обсидиан" when it should be "Я видел обсидиан" in accusative (correct as is, but learners might forget in other cases). Correct: In genitive, say "Я нашел кусок обсидиана" instead of "обсидиан". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust endings based on sentence structure to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "обсидиум" (a misspelling or variant). Correct: Stick to "обсидиан" as the standard form. Explanation: This is a direct borrowing, so deviations can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, obsidian (обсидиан) is often associated with ancient history and indigenous crafts, particularly in regions like Siberia and the Far East. It was used by prehistoric peoples for tools and weapons, symbolizing resilience and natural beauty. In modern contexts, it appears in folklore and art, representing the raw power of volcanoes, which ties into Russia's vast geological heritage.

Related Concepts:

• базальт (basalt)
• вулкан (volcano)
• минерал (mineral)
• лава (lava)