Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'powder'

English Word: powder

Key Russian Translations:

• порошок /pɐˈroʂək/ - [Formal, Common noun for substances in powder form]
• пудра /ˈpudrə/ - [Informal, Specifically for face powder or cosmetic powder]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday contexts like household items, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; requires familiarity with basic noun declensions. For 'пудра', it may be slightly easier at A2 for beginners due to its regularity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

порошок: /pɐˈroʂək/

пудра: /ˈpudrə/

Note on порошок: The 'ш' sound (/ʂ/) can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a retroflex fricative; practice it like the 'sh' in 'she' but with a rolled tongue. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A fine, dry substance in powder form (e.g., dust, gunpowder, or washing powder)

Translation(s) & Context:

• порошок - Used in general contexts for any fine powder, such as medicinal or industrial substances; common in formal and everyday speech.
• пудра - Applied specifically to cosmetic or face powder; often in informal or beauty-related contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я насыпал порошок в машину для стирки, чтобы одежда была чистой.

  I poured the powder into the washing machine to make the clothes clean.

• Этот порошок от головной боли нужно развести в воде перед употреблением.

  This headache powder needs to be dissolved in water before use.

• Она нанесла пудру на лицо, чтобы скрыть imperfections.

  She applied powder to her face to cover imperfections.

• В лаборатории мы работали с химическим порошком, который мог вызвать аллергию.

  In the lab, we worked with a chemical powder that could cause allergies.

• Дети играли с порошком из старой коробки, разбрасывая его по всему дому.

  The children played with the powder from an old box, scattering it all over the house.

Makeup or cosmetic powder (specific usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пудра - Primarily used in personal care or beauty contexts; informal and gender-specific in marketing.

Usage Examples:

• Пудра в компактной коробочке идеально подходит для ежедневного макияжа.

  The powder in the compact case is perfect for everyday makeup.

• Она предпочитает натуральную пудру без химических добавок.

  She prefers natural powder without chemical additives.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'порошок' and 'пудра' are nouns, with 'порошок' being masculine and 'пудра' being feminine. Russian nouns inflect based on case, number, and gender. 'Порошок' follows the standard masculine declension pattern, while 'пудра' follows feminine patterns. Below is a table for key inflections:

Note: These are regular inflections; no irregularities for these words. Always adjust based on sentence context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пудра (for cosmetic contexts; more specific than порошок)
  • пыль (for dust-like powder; implies finer particles and is often used interchangeably in informal speech)
• Antonyms:
  • жидкость (liquid; as it contrasts with powder form)
  • твердость (solid; more general, but not a direct antonym)

Note: Synonyms like 'пыль' may carry a connotation of something airborne or dirty, differing slightly from 'порошок' which is more neutral.

Related Phrases:

• Стиральный порошок - Washing powder; used for laundry detergents in household contexts.
• Лицевой пудра - Face powder; common in beauty and cosmetics routines.
• Медицинский порошок - Medicinal powder; refers to powdered drugs or supplements.
• Порошок для выпечки - Baking powder; a fixed phrase in cooking.

Usage Notes:

'Порошок' is the most direct translation for 'powder' in general contexts, but choose 'пудра' for cosmetic applications to ensure precision. In Russian, these words are influenced by gender and case, so always decline them correctly based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). 'Порошок' is versatile across formal and informal settings, while 'пудра' is more casual. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs these with adjectives for specificity, like 'химический порошок' for chemical powder.

• Avoid direct word-for-word translation; context matters (e.g., 'powder' as a verb in English has no direct Russian equivalent here).
• In scientific or technical fields, 'порошок' is preferred for accuracy.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as saying 'Я имею порошок' instead of 'У меня есть порошок' (I have powder), which incorrectly uses the accusative. Correct usage: Always apply the proper case, e.g., genitive in 'Без порошка ничего не выйдет' (Without powder, nothing will work). Another error is confusing 'пудра' with 'порошок' in non-cosmetic contexts, leading to phrases like 'Стиральная пудра' (incorrect) vs. 'Стиральный порошок' (correct), as it sounds unnatural and changes the meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'пудра' is often associated with traditional beauty routines, harking back to Soviet-era cosmetics, symbolizing simplicity and accessibility. 'Порошок' in everyday life might evoke images of communal living, like shared washing powder in apartments, reflecting historical resourcefulness during shortages.

Related Concepts:

• пыль
• мука
• краска