Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'porcelain'

English Word: porcelain

Key Russian Translations:

• фарфор [ˈfarfər] - [Formal, used in general and artistic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about art, home goods, and culture, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to materials and objects)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фарфор: [ˈfarfər]

Note on фарфор: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'ф' is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English "fun". Be mindful of the soft 'р' sound in some regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The fine, white, translucent ceramic material used for tableware, art, and decorative items.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фарфор - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as discussing ceramics, antiques, or daily household items. It emphasizes the high-quality, refined nature of the material.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил красивую вазу из фарфора на рынке антиквариата.

  I bought a beautiful vase made of porcelain at the antique market.

• Фарфоровые чашки всегда выглядят элегантно на столе.

  Porcelain cups always look elegant on the table.

• В музее есть экспозиция старинного фарфора из Китая.

  The museum has an exhibition of ancient porcelain from China.

• Её коллекция фарфора включает редкие предметы XVIII века.

  Her collection of porcelain includes rare items from the 18th century.

• Фарфор легко повредить, поэтому обращайтесь с ним осторожно.

  Porcelain is easily damaged, so handle it with care.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фарфор" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • керамика (keramika) - More general term for ceramics; used when not emphasizing the fine quality.
  • фаянс (fayans) - Similar to porcelain but typically less refined; applicable in contexts of everyday ceramics.
• Antonyms:
  • пластик (plastik) - Refers to plastic materials, contrasting with the natural, fragile nature of porcelain.
  • металл (metall) - Used for metal objects, highlighting durability over delicacy.

Related Phrases:

• китайский фарфор (kitayskiy farfor) - Chinese porcelain; a common phrase referring to historically significant imports.
• изделия из фарфора (izdeliya iz farfora) - Porcelain products; used in shopping or manufacturing contexts.
• старинный фарфор (starinnyy farfor) - Antique porcelain; often discussed in cultural or collectible settings.

Usage Notes:

"Фарфор" directly corresponds to "porcelain" in English, emphasizing its aesthetic and material qualities. It is typically used in formal or descriptive language, such as in art, history, or commerce. When choosing between synonyms like "керамика", opt for "фарфор" if the context highlights fragility and elegance. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., красивый фарфор - beautiful porcelain). Be aware of cultural contexts where it might imply luxury or tradition.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "фарфор" with "керамика": Learners might overuse "керамика" for all ceramics, but "фарфор" is more precise for fine porcelain. Incorrect: "Я имею керамику в доме" (meaning porcelain specifically). Correct: "Я имею фарфор в доме". Explanation: "Керамика" is broader, so use "фарфор" to avoid generality.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in genitive case, e.g., saying "фарфор" instead of "фарфора" in phrases like "ваза из фарфора". Correct: Always decline based on case for proper sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "фарфор" is often associated with the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg, established in the 18th century. It symbolizes luxury and artistic heritage, frequently featured in literature and museums, reflecting Russia's historical ties to European craftsmanship.

Related Concepts:

• керамика
• стекло (steklo)
• антиквариат (antikvariat)