Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plush'

English Word: plush

Key Russian Translations:

• плюш [ˈpluʃ] - [Noun, referring to a soft, thick fabric like velvet; Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in contexts like fashion, textiles, or interior design, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level, suitable for beginners learning specific vocabulary related to materials and objects)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плюш: [ˈpluʃ]

Note on плюш: The final 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "shoe." Stress falls on the first syllable, and the word is pronounced with a soft, flowing quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A soft, thick fabric used for upholstery, clothing, or toys.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плюш - Used in formal or everyday contexts describing luxurious or soft materials, such as in fashion descriptions or product specifications.

Usage Examples:

• Этот диван обит плюшем, что делает его очень комфортным.

  This sofa is upholstered in plush, which makes it very comfortable.

• Дети любят игрушки из плюша из-за их мягкости.

  Children love plush toys because of their softness.

• В магазине продают куртки с подкладкой из плюша для зимы.

  The store sells jackets with a plush lining for winter.

• Плюш часто используется в театральных костюмах для создания роскошного эффекта.

  Plush is often used in theatrical costumes to create a luxurious effect.

• Ее платье было сделано из гладкого плюша, идеального для вечернего мероприятия.

  Her dress was made from smooth plush, perfect for an evening event.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плюш" is a masculine noun in the third declension group in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "плюш" often refers to the material in general. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: бархат (velvet; similar soft fabric, but often shinier), велюр (velour; a type of plush-like fabric with a nap)
• Antonyms: шероховатый (rough; opposite texture), гладкий (smooth; lacks the pile but not a direct antonym)

Related Phrases:

• мягкий плюш - Soft plush; A common phrase for describing fabrics in clothing or home decor contexts.
• плюшевый медведь - Plush bear; Refers to a stuffed toy, often used in children's items or gifts.
• обивка из плюша - Upholstery in plush; Used in interior design for furniture like sofas or chairs.

Usage Notes:

"Плюш" directly corresponds to the English "plush" as a noun for a specific type of fabric, but it's more commonly used in Russian for tangible items like toys or upholstery rather than abstract descriptions. Be mindful of context: in formal writing or product descriptions, it's straightforward, but in informal speech, alternatives like "мягкая ткань" might be used if precision isn't needed. When choosing between synonyms, "плюш" emphasizes the luxurious, pile-like quality, making it ideal for fashion or design topics. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to fit the sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Learners often confuse "плюш" with "бархат" (velvet), assuming they are identical. Incorrect: "Этот плюш похож на бархат." (This plush is like velvet – but they are distinct fabrics.) Correct: "Этот плюш мягче, чем бархат." (This plush is softer than velvet.) Explanation: While both are soft fabrics, "плюш" has a thicker pile, so use it specifically for that texture to avoid inaccuracy.

• Another error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences. Incorrect: "Я купил плюш для куртки." (in a context requiring genitive, e.g., "for the jacket"). Correct: "Я купил плюш для куртки" is actually nominative; in dative context: "Я шью одежду из плюша." Explanation: Always check the case based on the preposition or verb; improper declension can make the sentence sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "плюш" is often associated with comfort and nostalgia, particularly in the form of plush toys like teddy bears, which are popular gifts for children. Historically, plush fabrics were symbols of luxury in Soviet-era fashion and home decor, reflecting a desire for warmth in harsh winters. This cultural connotation adds an emotional layer, making it more than just a material—it's linked to coziness and childhood memories in Russian literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• ткань (fabric)
• мягкий (soft)
• игрушка (toy)