Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plinth'

English Word: plinth

Key Russian Translations:

• цоколь /tsɐˈkolʲ/ - [Formal, Architectural term]
• постамент /pɐstɐˈmʲɛnt/ - [Formal, Used for statue bases or pedestals]

Frequency: Low (Specialized term in architecture and construction; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary, but can be learned with context in intermediate Russian studies)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цоколь: /tsɐˈkolʲ/

постамент: /pɐstɐˈmʲɛnt/

Note on цоколь: The stress is on the second syllable; the "ц" sound is a voiceless alveolar affricate, which may be challenging for English speakers similar to the "ts" in "cats".

Note on постамент: Pronounce with a soft "мʲ" sound, which involves palatalization; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The base or supporting platform of a structure (e.g., in architecture)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цоколь - Used in formal architectural descriptions, such as the base of a building or column; common in professional contexts like engineering or design.
• постамент - Applied specifically to the pedestal of a statue or monument; often in historical or artistic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В древнегреческой архитектуре цоколь колонны был сделан из мрамора.

  English: In ancient Greek architecture, the plinth of the column was made of marble.

• Русский: Постамент статуи был украшен резьбой, подчеркивая ее значимость.

  English: The plinth of the statue was adorned with carvings, emphasizing its importance.

• Русский: Современные здания часто имеют цоколь из бетона для устойчивости.

  English: Modern buildings often have a plinth made of concrete for stability.

• Русский: Художник установил свою работу на постамент, чтобы она возвышалась над толпой.

  English: The artist placed their work on a plinth to elevate it above the crowd.

• Русский: Цоколь дома должен быть защищен от влаги, чтобы предотвратить повреждения.

  English: The plinth of the house must be protected from moisture to prevent damage.

Figurative or extended use (e.g., metaphorical base in descriptions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цоколь - Rarely used metaphorically, but can imply a foundational element in abstract contexts, such as in literature or philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В его теории цоколь идей опирается на классические тексты.

  English: In his theory, the plinth of ideas is based on classical texts.

• Русский: Постамент успеха в бизнесе — это упорный труд и инновации.

  English: The plinth of success in business is hard work and innovation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "цоколь" and "постамент" are masculine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for inanimate objects. They exhibit regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table for "цоколь" as an example; "постамент" follows a similar pattern with slight variations in some forms.

For "постамент": It is also masculine and regular, e.g., Nominative: постамент, Genitive: постамента. No irregular forms; these nouns do not change in gender or have suppletive forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подножие (podnozhiye) - More general term for base or foot; often used interchangeably in casual contexts.
  • основание (osnovaniye) - Emphasizes the foundational aspect; subtle difference in implying structural support.
• Antonyms:
  • верхушка (verkhushka) - Refers to the top or apex, contrasting with the base.
  • крыша (krysha) - Literal top or roof, used in architectural contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Нижний цоколь (Nizhniy tsokol) - Lower plinth; refers to the bottom base in multi-level structures; used in construction to describe foundational layers.
• Цокольный этаж (Tsokolnyy etazh) - Basement level or ground floor; a common phrase in real estate and architecture.
• Постамент памятника (Postament pamyatnika) - Monument plinth; typically used for historical statues; implies cultural or memorial significance.

Usage Notes:

"Цоколь" directly corresponds to "plinth" in architectural contexts and is preferred for technical discussions, while "постамент" is more specific to elevated bases like those for statues. Use "цоколь" in formal or professional settings, such as engineering reports, to maintain precision. Be mindful of case changes in Russian sentences; for example, in prepositional phrases, it becomes "на цоколе" (on the plinth). When choosing between translations, opt for "постамент" if the context involves art or monuments. These terms are neutral in tone but may carry a formal connotation, so avoid in casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "цоколь" with "цокольный" (an adjective meaning "basement-level"): Incorrect: "Я живу в цоколь" (I live in the plinth) – This implies living inside the base, which is nonsensical. Correct: "Я живу в цокольном этаже" (I live in the basement level). Explanation: Always pair with appropriate nouns or use in the correct case to specify location.
• Overusing "постамент" for general bases: Incorrect: "Книга стоит на постаменте" (The book is on a plinth), when a simple table is meant. Correct: "Книга стоит на подставке" (The book is on a stand). Explanation: "Постамент" implies grandeur; reserve it for artistic or monumental contexts to avoid exaggeration.
• Ignoring declension: Incorrect: "Я вижу цоколь" in a sentence requiring genitive, e.g., "Рядом с цоколь" instead of "Рядом с цоколем". Correct: Always decline based on sentence structure. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "цоколь" and "постамент" often appear in discussions of historical architecture, such as in Moscow's Kremlin or St. Petersburg's palaces, where plinths symbolize stability and endurance. For instance, the plinths of Soviet-era monuments reflect themes of resilience, highlighting how architecture embodies national identity and history.

Related Concepts:

• фундамент (fundament) - Foundation
• колонна (kolonna) - Column
• памятник (pamyatnik) - Monument