Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sill'

English Word: sill

Key Russian Translations:

• подоконник [pədɐˈkonʲɪk] - [Formal, used for window-related contexts]
• порог [ˈporəɡ] - [Formal, used for door or threshold-related contexts]

Frequency: Low (These terms are not everyday vocabulary but appear in specific architectural or household discussions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate for подоконник; B2 for порог, as they involve basic noun inflections and contextual usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

подоконник: [pədɐˈkonʲɪk]

Note on подоконник: The stress falls on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'н' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

порог: [ˈporəɡ]

Note on порог: The initial stress on the first syllable is straightforward, but the 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go" but softer in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A horizontal piece of wood, stone, or metal at the bottom of a window (window sill)

Translation(s) & Context:

• подоконник - Used in formal or everyday descriptions of home interiors, such as in architecture or furniture discussions.

Usage Examples:

• На подоконнике стоят цветы, которые добавляют уюта в комнату.

  On the windowsill, there are flowers that add coziness to the room.

• Дети любят сидеть на подоконнике и смотреть в окно во время дождя.

  Children love sitting on the windowsill and watching out the window during rain.

• В старом доме подоконник был сделан из дуба и сохранился в отличном состоянии.

  In the old house, the windowsill was made of oak and remained in excellent condition.

• Подоконник в нашей квартире используется как дополнительное место для хранения книг.

  The windowsill in our apartment is used as an additional spot for storing books.

Meaning 2: A horizontal piece at the bottom of a door or entrance (door sill or threshold)

Translation(s) & Context:

• порог - Used in contexts involving entrances, safety features, or metaphorical expressions like crossing a threshold.

Usage Examples:

• Порог двери был поврежден, поэтому мы заменили его на новый.

  The door sill was damaged, so we replaced it with a new one.

• Переступив порог, он почувствовал тепло домашнего очага.

  Crossing the threshold, he felt the warmth of the home hearth.

• В традиционных русских домах порог часто украшают резьбой.

  In traditional Russian houses, the threshold is often decorated with carvings.

• Порог гаража был слишком высоким, что затрудняло въезд автомобиля.

  The garage threshold was too high, making it difficult to drive the car in.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are masculine nouns in Russian and follow standard inflection patterns for third-declension nouns. Below is a table outlining their key inflections:

These nouns are regular in their inflections, but pay attention to the vowel changes in genitive and other cases. They do not change in gender but can be pluralized for multiple sills.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for подоконник: карниз (karníz) - Often used interchangeably for window-related ledges, but more specific to decorative elements.
• Synonyms for порог: ступенька (stupénʹka) - Refers to a small step or threshold, with a connotation of elevation.
• Antonyms: потолок (potólok) - Ceiling, as it is the opposite structural element in a room.

Related Phrases:

• Сидеть на подоконнике - To sit on the windowsill; often used in casual or literary contexts to describe contemplation or waiting.
• Переступить порог - To cross the threshold; a phrase implying entering a new phase or home, with a metaphorical sense in Russian culture.
• Подоконник с цветами - Windowsill with flowers; a common expression in home decor discussions, emphasizing aesthetics.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "sill" translations like подоконник and порог are precise but context-dependent. Подоконник is primarily for windows and is neutral in formality, while порог can carry metaphorical meanings (e.g., in literature for life transitions). English speakers should note that Russian nouns require case agreement, so always adjust based on sentence structure. For example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "of" (e.g., "of the sill" becomes "подоконника"). If multiple translations apply, choose based on context: подоконник for indoor windows and порог for doors or symbolic thresholds.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "на подоконник" instead of "на подоконнике" (correct: on the windowsill). Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case for locations, so always check the case ending to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Common Error: Confusing подоконник with порог in metaphorical contexts, e.g., translating "crossing the sill" as "переступить подоконник" instead of "переступить порог". Explanation: Порог has a symbolic connotation for thresholds in life, while подоконник is literal; this mix-up can lead to confusion in idiomatic expressions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the порог (threshold) often symbolizes a significant transition, such as entering a new home or marriage, rooted in folklore where crossing it marks a change in status. For instance, in traditional weddings, the bride might be carried over the порог to ward off evil spirits. Подоконник, while less symbolic, appears in everyday life and literature as a space for reflection, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov.

Related Concepts:

• окно (window)
• дверь (door)
• каркас (frame)