Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'silk'

English Word: silk

Key Russian Translations:

• шелк /ʂelʲk/ - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions about textiles, fashion, and history, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to materials, accessible to learners with a solid foundation in Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шелк: /ʂelʲk/

Note on шелк: The initial sound 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "she", but softer and more palatalized. Pay attention to the final 'к' which is a hard consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Silk as a fabric or material

Translation(s) & Context:

• шелк - Used in formal or descriptive contexts referring to the silky textile material, such as in clothing, history, or science. Common in both written and spoken Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Это платье сделано из шелка и выглядит очень элегантно.

  This dress is made of silk and looks very elegant. (Demonstrates use in a fashion context with possessive structures.)

• В древнем Китае шелк был ценным товаром для торговли.

  In ancient China, silk was a valuable commodity for trade. (Shows historical usage in a narrative sentence.)

• Шелк часто используется в производстве роскошных постельных принадлежностей.

  Silk is often used in the production of luxurious bedding items. (Illustrates industrial or everyday product context.)

• Она надела шарф из шелка, чтобы защититься от холода.

  She wore a silk scarf to protect herself from the cold. (Displays practical, daily-life application with instrumental case.)

• Шелк имеет гладкую текстуру, что делает его идеальным для летней одежды.

  Silk has a smooth texture, making it ideal for summer clothing. (Emphasizes descriptive qualities in a comparative sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шелк" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has specific changes in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in gender and does not change in adjectival forms unless modified.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • атлас (atlas) - Refers specifically to a shiny, smooth silk fabric; often used interchangeably in fashion contexts.
  • шелковый (shelkovyi) - An adjective form meaning "silken," used for materials with similar qualities.
• Antonyms:
  • хлопок (khlopok) - Cotton; implies a coarser, less luxurious material.
  • шерсть (sherst') - Wool; contrasts with silk's smoothness and lightness.

Related Phrases:

• Шелковый путь - The Silk Road; a historical trade route connecting East and West.
• Из чистого шелка - Made of pure silk; used in product descriptions for emphasis on quality.
• Шелковая нить - Silk thread; common in contexts of sewing or craftsmanship, with connotations of delicacy.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "шелк" directly corresponds to the English "silk" as a noun for the fabric, but it's important to use the correct case based on sentence structure (e.g., genitive for possession). It's generally neutral in register but leans formal in written contexts like literature or history. When choosing between translations, "шелк" is the most precise for the material, while derivatives like "шелковый" can describe textures. Avoid overusing in casual speech; opt for it in educational or descriptive scenarios.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse cases, e.g., saying "из шелк" instead of "из шелка" (correct genitive form). Error: "Платье из шелк." Correct: "Платье из шелка." Explanation: The genitive case is required after prepositions like "из" to indicate material composition.

• Confusing with adjectives, e.g., using "шелк" where "шелковый" is needed. Error: "Шелк платье" (incorrect word order and form). Correct: "Шелковое платье." Explanation: Use the adjectival form for descriptions, ensuring agreement in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шелк" is linked to the historical Silk Road, which facilitated trade between Russia, Asia, and Europe. It symbolizes luxury, refinement, and Eastern influences, often appearing in literature and art to evoke exoticism or wealth, as in references to traditional Russian folklore or imperial history.

Related Concepts:

• ткань (fabric)
• шелковый (silken)
• текстиль (textile)