Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'piano'

English Word: piano

Key Russian Translations:

• пианино [pi.a.'ni.no] - [Formal; commonly used in everyday and musical contexts]
• фортепиано [far.tʲi'pja.no] - [Formal; more precise for grand or classical piano, often in professional settings]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in music-related discussions, education, and cultural contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic familiarity with Russian nouns and vocabulary, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пианино: [pi.a.'ni.no]

фортепиано: [far.tʲi'pja.no]

Note on пианино: The stress is on the third syllable ('ni'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'n' sound (palatalized). Pronounce it with a clear, flowing rhythm.

Note on фортепиано: The 'тʲ' represents a soft 't' sound, common in Russian; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The musical instrument (a keyboard instrument used for playing music)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пианино - Used in general, everyday contexts, such as referring to a home piano or in educational settings.
• фортепиано - Used in more formal or professional contexts, like concerts, classical music, or when emphasizing the instrument's technical aspects.

Usage Examples:

• Я учусь играть на пианино каждый день.

  I am learning to play the piano every day. (This example shows the verb 'учиться' in a daily routine context.)

• В концерте он мастерски играл на фортепиано.

  In the concert, he played the piano masterfully. (Illustrates use in a formal, performance-oriented setting with the verb 'играть'.)

• Пианино в гостиной нуждается в настройке.

  The piano in the living room needs tuning. (Demonstrates the noun in a possessive structure, referring to maintenance.)

• Она предпочитает фортепиано для классической музыки.

  She prefers the piano for classical music. (Highlights preference and comparison in a cultural context.)

• Дети в школе изучают пианино как хобби.

  Children at school study the piano as a hobby. (Shows the instrument in an educational, informal learning environment.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "пианино" and "фортепиано" are neuter nouns in Russian, belonging to the second declension. They follow standard noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. "Пианино" is invariant in its plural form and does not change in the nominative case, but it inflects in other cases. "Фортепиано" has similar patterns but is less commonly inflected in everyday use.

Note: These words are often used without inflection in modern Russian, especially in fixed phrases, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пианино - Similar to фортепиано, but more casual; no significant differences in meaning.
  • клавишный инструмент (klavishnyy instrument) - A broader term for keyboard instruments, used in technical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Нету прямых антонимов (No direct antonyms, as these are specific nouns; contrast might be with non-musical instruments like "гитара" for guitar).

Related Phrases:

• Играть на пианино - To play the piano; used in recreational or educational contexts.
• Настроить фортепиано - To tune the piano; refers to maintenance in musical settings.
• Классическое пианино - Classical piano; implies a style or type in music discussions.

Usage Notes:

Use "пианино" for informal or everyday references to the piano, as it directly corresponds to the English "piano" in most contexts. "Фортепиано" is preferred in formal, classical, or professional scenarios to emphasize the instrument's historical and technical aspects. Be mindful of Russian's neuter gender when constructing sentences, and note that these words often appear in instrumental phrases with prepositions like "на" (on). When choosing between translations, opt for "пианино" for beginners' contexts and "фортепиано" for advanced music discussions to match the appropriate register.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "пианино" with "фортепиано" and using them interchangeably without context. For example, a learner might say "Я играю на фортепиано" when referring to a simple home piano, which sounds overly formal.

  Correct: Use "пианино" in casual settings. Example: Incorrect - "Фортепиано в моей комнате сломано." Correct - "Пианино в моей комнате сломано." (Explanation: "Фортепиано" implies a grand instrument, while "пианино" fits a home context.)

• Error: Forgetting the stress in pronunciation, leading to miscommunication. For instance, stressing the wrong syllable in "пианино."

  Correct: Practice with audio; the correct stress is on "ni." (Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or misunderstood in conversation.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the piano holds significant historical importance, often linked to classical composers like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. "Пианино" is commonly associated with home music education in Russia, reflecting the country's rich tradition of piano in folk and classical music. Using these terms can evoke cultural pride, especially in contexts like music festivals or family gatherings.

Related Concepts:

• скрипка (violin)
• гитара (guitar)
• музыкальный инструмент (musical instrument)