Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sculpture'

English Word: sculpture

Key Russian Translations:

• скульптура /skulʹptura/ - [Formal, used in artistic and cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in art, literature, and educational discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves basic vocabulary for art enthusiasts, with straightforward pronunciation but requires familiarity with loanwords)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скульптура: /skulʹptura/

Note on скульптура: The stress falls on the second syllable ('пту'). Be mindful of the soft sign (ʹ) which indicates a palatalized 'l' sound, common in Russian loanwords from Latin/Greek roots.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A three-dimensional work of art created by carving, modeling, or casting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скульптура - Used in formal contexts like art history, museum descriptions, or cultural discussions; refers to sculptures in general or as a medium.

Usage Examples:

• Эта скульптура в парке представляет собой произведение известного русского художника.

  This sculpture in the park is a work by a famous Russian artist.

• Музей современного искусства выставляет множество скульптур из бронзы и мрамора.

  The museum of modern art displays many sculptures made of bronze and marble.

• В России скульптура часто используется для мемориальных памятников, отражающих исторические события.

  In Russia, sculpture is often used for memorial monuments that reflect historical events.

• Я изучаю историю скульптуры как часть курса по искусству.

  I am studying the history of sculpture as part of my art course.

• Современная скульптура в России сочетает традиционные техники с инновационными материалами.

  Contemporary sculpture in Russia combines traditional techniques with innovative materials.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скульптура" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases and numbers, but as a loanword, it doesn't have irregular forms. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word is invariant in terms of gender and does not change in the plural for basic usage, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • статуя (statue) - Often used interchangeably but implies a more figurative or human-like form; suitable for specific sculptures like monuments.
  • изваяние (izvajanie) - A more poetic or archaic term, emphasizing the act of carving.
• Antonyms:
  • картина (kartina) - Refers to two-dimensional paintings, contrasting with three-dimensional art forms.

Related Phrases:

• современная скульптура (sovremennaya skul'ptura) - Modern sculpture; used in discussions about contemporary art trends.
• памятник скульптуры (pamyatnik skul'ptury) - Monumental sculpture; refers to large-scale public artworks with historical significance.
• скульптурная выставка (skul'pturnaya vystavka) - Sculpture exhibition; common in museum or gallery contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Скульптура" directly corresponds to the English "sculpture" as a general term for three-dimensional art. It is typically used in formal or educational settings rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "статуя," opt for "скульптура" for broader applications. Grammatically, always treat it as a feminine noun, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "красивая скульптура" for "beautiful sculpture"). Be aware of cultural contexts where sculpture plays a role in Russian history, such as Soviet-era monuments.

• In phrases, it often pairs with adjectives to specify style or material, e.g., "абстрактная скульптура" (abstract sculpture).
• Avoid using it in informal speech; instead, English speakers might encounter it in guided tours or academic texts.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "скульптура" with "статуя," thinking they are identical. For example:

• Error: Using "статуя" for any sculpture, even abstract ones. Incorrect Russian: "Эта статуя очень абстрактная." (This implies a figurative statue, which may not fit.)
• Correct: "Эта скульптура очень абстрактная." (This is more accurate for non-figurative works.) Explanation: "Скульптура" is broader, while "статуя" specifies human or animal forms; always check the context to avoid narrowing the meaning.
• Another Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect Russian: "О скульптура" instead of "О скульптуре." Correct: Use the proper prepositional case for phrases like "говорить о скульптуре" (to talk about sculpture).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, sculpture holds significant historical importance, often linked to national identity and Soviet-era art. For instance, many public sculptures in cities like Moscow commemorate historical figures or events, such as the statues in Victory Park. This reflects Russia's rich tradition in visual arts, influenced by figures like Vera Mukhina, whose works symbolize the intersection of art and propaganda in the 20th century.

Related Concepts:

• живопись (zhivopis')
• архитектура (arkhitektura)
• изобразительное искусство (izobrazitel'noe iskusstvo)