Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ocher'

English Word: ocher

Key Russian Translations:

• охра /ˈoxrə/ - [Noun, typically used in artistic, geological, or color-related contexts; Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Ocher is not everyday vocabulary but appears in discussions of art, pigments, or earth sciences.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners with basic knowledge of Russian nouns and declensions can grasp it, but familiarity with color terminology helps.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

охра: /ˈoxrə/ (The stress is on the first syllable, with a soft 'r' sound that may be challenging for English speakers.)

Note on охра: The 'х' is pronounced like the 'ch' in Scottish "loch," a guttural sound. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like "хора" (chorus).

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A yellow or orange-brown color, often used in art or as a pigment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• охра - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing paints, minerals, or natural earth tones in artistic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Художник предпочитает использовать охра для создания теплых оттенков в пейзажах.

  The artist prefers to use ocher to create warm tones in landscapes.

• Эта охра добывается из месторождений в Сибири и используется в традиционной русской иконописи.

  This ocher is mined from deposits in Siberia and is used in traditional Russian icon painting.

• В интерьере комнаты охра добавляет уютный, земной колорит.

  In the room's interior, ocher adds a cozy, earthy color.

• При смешивании охра с белой краской получается мягкий пастельный оттенок.

  When mixing ocher with white paint, you get a soft pastel shade.

• В геологии охра часто ассоциируется с окисленными минералами, такими как железо.

  In geology, ocher is often associated with oxidized minerals, such as iron.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Охра" is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard noun declension patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, but pay attention to the vowel changes in certain cases, which is common in Russian feminine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • жёлто-коричневый (yellow-brown; more descriptive and used in everyday color discussions)
  • терракотовый (terracotta; implies a similar earthy tone, often in design contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • белый (white; represents the opposite end of the color spectrum)
  • чёрный (black; contrasts with the warm, light nature of ocher)

Related Phrases:

• охра на холсте (ocher on canvas) - A phrase used in art to describe the application of ocher pigment in paintings; refers to techniques in visual arts.
• натуральная охра (natural ocher) - Refers to unprocessed, earth-derived ocher; commonly used in discussions of eco-friendly pigments or geology.
• смесь с охрой (mixture with ocher) - Indicates blending ocher with other colors; often in contexts like painting or dye-making.

Usage Notes:

Ocher in English directly corresponds to "охра" in Russian, primarily as a noun for the color or mineral. It is most commonly used in formal or specialized contexts like art, design, or science, rather than casual conversation. When selecting between synonyms like "жёлто-коричневый," choose based on specificity: "охра" is more precise for pigment references, while the compound adjective is better for general descriptions. Grammatically, remember that "охра" must agree in case, number, and gender with other elements in the sentence, which is a key feature of Russian noun usage.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using "охра" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я вижу охра" instead of "Я вижу охру" in accusative case.

  Correct Usage: "Я вижу охру в картине." (I see ocher in the painting.) Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; failing to do so can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.

• Common Error: Confusing "охра" with "хора" (chorus), leading to mispronunciation or misuse in sentences.

  Correct Usage: Ensure the context is about color, not music. For example, say "Этот оттенок — охра" instead of accidentally saying "хора." Explanation: The similar pronunciation can trap English learners, so double-check spelling and context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "охра" holds historical significance in traditional iconography and folk art, where natural pigments like ocher were derived from local minerals. For instance, in Orthodox icon painting, ocher symbolizes earthly elements and warmth, reflecting Russia's connection to its vast natural landscapes. This adds a layer of cultural depth, making it more than just a color term.

Related Concepts:

• пигмент (pigment)
• цвет (color)
• минерал (mineral)