Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pedestal'

English Word: pedestal

Key Russian Translations:

• постамент /pɐs'tamʲɪnt/ - [Formal, used in artistic or architectural contexts]
• пьедестал /pʲɪ'des'tal/ - [Figurative, often in sports or metaphorical contexts, e.g., for a podium or elevated position]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, art discussions, or historical contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and contextual vocabulary; for 'пьедестал', it may vary to B2 due to its metaphorical usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

постамент: /pɐs'tamʲɪnt/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'т' is pronounced softly as in 'table')

пьедестал: /pʲɪ'des'tal/ (Stress on the third syllable; note the palatalized 'пʲ' sound, which can be tricky for beginners)

Note on постамент: The 'ʲ' indicates palatalization, which affects the preceding consonant; practice with native speakers for accurate articulation.

Note on пьедестал: This word often borrows from French influence in Russian, so the pronunciation may vary slightly in formal settings.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A base or support for a statue, column, or similar object (Literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• постамент - Used in formal, historical, or artistic contexts, such as describing museum exhibits or architecture.

Usage Examples:

• Статуя стояла на высоком постаменте в центре площади.

  The statue stood on a high pedestal in the center of the square.

• Художник carefully установил модель на постамент для выставки.

  The artist carefully placed the model on the pedestal for the exhibition.

• Постамент памятника был украшен резьбой, отражая историческое значение.

  The pedestal of the monument was decorated with carvings, reflecting its historical significance.

• Во время реставрации постамент требовалось укрепить, чтобы избежать обрушения.

  During the restoration, the pedestal needed to be reinforced to prevent collapse.

2. A figurative or metaphorical base, implying elevation or high regard (e.g., putting someone on a pedestal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пьедестал - Used in metaphorical contexts, such as in sports (e.g., winners' podium) or personal admiration, often in informal or literary discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Спортсмен взошел на пьедестал почета после победы в соревнованиях.

  The athlete ascended the pedestal of honor after winning the competition.

• Не стоит ставить кого-то на пьедестал; люди не идеальны.

  Don't put someone on a pedestal; people aren't perfect.

• В обществе часто ставят на пьедестал известных личностей, забывая об их недостатках.

  In society, famous individuals are often placed on a pedestal, ignoring their flaws.

• Пьедестал славы может быть хрупким, как и репутация человека.

  The pedestal of fame can be as fragile as a person's reputation.

• После успеха она оказалась на пьедестале, но скромность не оставила ее.

  After her success, she found herself on the pedestal, but humility never left her.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'постамент' and 'пьедестал' are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard masculine declension patterns. 'Постамент' is more commonly used and has regular inflections, while 'пьедестал' is also regular but may vary slightly in poetic or borrowed contexts.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to case endings in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • основание (osnovaniye) - More general base or foundation; used in everyday contexts.
  • подставка (podstavka) - Informal synonym for a simple stand or support.
• Antonyms:
  • верх (verkh) - Top or summit; implies the opposite of a base.
  • основа (osnova) in contrast, but not a direct antonym; it means core or essence.

Related Phrases:

• на постаменте - On the pedestal; used to describe placement in artistic or historical settings. (e.g., "Статуя на постаменте символизирует победу." - The statue on the pedestal symbolizes victory.)
• пьедестал славы - Pedestal of glory; a metaphorical phrase for fame or high achievement.
• взойти на пьедестал - To ascend the pedestal; common in sports or motivational contexts. (e.g., "Спортсмены взошли на пьедестал после упорных тренировок." - Athletes ascended the pedestal after rigorous training.)

Usage Notes:

'Постамент' directly corresponds to the literal English meaning of 'pedestal' as a physical base, making it ideal for formal or descriptive contexts. In contrast, 'пьедестал' aligns more with metaphorical uses, such as in English idioms like 'putting someone on a pedestal.' English learners should note that Russian requires correct case usage—e.g., use the genitive case for possession ('на постаменте'). When choosing between translations, opt for 'постамент' in concrete scenarios and 'пьедестал' for abstract or emotional ones to ensure natural expression.

Common Errors:

• Confusing cases: Learners often use the nominative form 'постамент' in all contexts. Incorrect: 'Я видел статую постамент' (wrong case). Correct: 'Я видел статую на постаменте' (prepositional case). This error stems from English's lack of cases, so always check the sentence structure.
• Misusing in metaphors: Using 'постамент' for figurative meanings, like 'put on a pedestal.' Incorrect: 'Я поставил его на постамент' (too literal). Correct: 'Я поставил его на пьедестал' (more appropriate for admiration). Explanation: 'Пьедестал' carries the idiomatic weight better in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pedestals (постаменты) are often associated with monuments and statues from Soviet-era history, symbolizing heroism or national pride. For instance, many WWII memorials feature statues on pedestals, reflecting themes of sacrifice and glory. The metaphorical 'пьедестал' in sports events, like the Olympics, echoes Western influences but is adapted to Russian contexts, such as in figure skating competitions.

Related Concepts:

• статуя (statue)
• памятник (monument)
• основа (foundation or base in a broader sense)