Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'silversmith'

English Word: silversmith

Key Russian Translations:

• ювелир [ˈju.vʲɪ.lʲɪr] - [Formal, Professional context, Singular]
• серебряник [sʲɪˈrʲe.brʲə.nʲɪk] - [Less common, Informal or historical context, Singular]
• мастер по серебру [ˈmas.tʲɪr pɐ sʲɪˈrʲe.brʊ] - [Descriptive phrase, Formal, Used in modern contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in professional, artisanal, or historical discussions in Russian.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with occupational terms and basic noun inflections, though 'ювелир' is straightforward for learners at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ювелир: [ˈju.vʲɪ.lʲɪr]

серебряник: [sʲɪˈrʲe.brʲə.nʲɪk]

мастер по серебру: [ˈmas.tʲɪr pɐ sʲɪˈrʲe.brʊ]

Note on ювелир: The stress is on the first syllable; be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who makes or repairs silver objects (primary meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ювелир - Used in formal or professional settings, such as describing artisans in jewelry stores or historical crafts.
• серебряник - Applied in informal or archaic contexts, often in literature or folklore about traditional Russian silverwork.
• мастер по серебру - A more descriptive phrase for modern contexts, emphasizing expertise in silver specifically.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве есть известный ювелир, который создаёт уникальные серебряные изделия.

  In Moscow, there is a famous silversmith who creates unique silver items.

• Этот серебряник работает в старом стиле, используя традиционные техники.

  This silversmith works in an old style, using traditional techniques.

• Она наняла мастера по серебру, чтобы отреставрировать семейные украшения.

  She hired a silversmith to restore the family jewelry.

• Ювелир в музее демонстрирует, как из серебра делают старинные монеты.

  The silversmith at the museum demonstrates how ancient coins are made from silver.

• Молодой мастер по серебру учится у опытного ремесленника в мастерской.

  The young silversmith is learning from an experienced craftsman in the workshop.

Extended meaning: A craftsman specializing in precious metals (if context broadens beyond silver).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ювелир - In broader contexts, referring to general metalwork, but still formal.
• мастер по серебру - Emphasizes silver focus, used in educational or vocational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Ювелир часто работает с золотом и серебром, но этот специалист предпочитает серебро.

  A silversmith often works with gold and silver, but this specialist prefers silver.

• В ремесленной ярмарке мастер по серебру продаёт свои изделия туристам.

  At the craft fair, the silversmith sells his items to tourists.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Ювелир' is a masculine noun (2nd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. 'Серебряник' is also masculine and inflects similarly. 'Мастер по серебру' is a phrase where 'мастер' inflects, but 'по серебру' remains relatively stable.

For 'серебряник': Similar inflections (e.g., Nominative: серебряник; Genitive: серебряника). 'Мастер по серебру' inflects as: Nominative: мастер по серебру; Genitive: мастера по серебру. These are regular patterns with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • серебряный мастер (slight nuance: emphasizes the material more explicitly, often in poetic or descriptive contexts)
  • ремесленник по серебру (focuses on the craft aspect, used in vocational discussions)
• Antonyms:
  • не ремесленник (not a craftsman; general opposite, but not specific)

Related Phrases:

• ювелир по серебру - A silversmith specializing in silver; used in professional certifications or job titles.
• мастерская ювелира - The workshop of a silversmith; common in contexts describing artisan spaces.
• серебряное ремесло - The craft of silversmithing; refers to the trade as a whole, often in historical narratives.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'ювелир' is the most precise equivalent to 'silversmith' in formal contexts, but it can encompass broader jewelry work. Choose 'серебряник' for historical or folkloric accuracy. Be aware of gender agreements: it’s masculine, so adjectives and verbs must align (e.g., 'хороший ювелир' for 'good silversmith'). In everyday speech, 'мастер по серебру' might be preferred for clarity. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; consider the context to select the best fit.

• Grammar note: Always inflect based on case, as Russian requires this for proper sentence structure.
• Context guidance: Use 'ювелир' in urban or modern settings; 'серебряник' in rural or traditional ones.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'ювелир' with 'ювелирный магазин' (a jewelry store), leading to misuse in sentences. For example:

• Error: "Я видел ювелир" (incorrect, as it implies just seeing the word without context).
• Correct: "Я видел ювелира на ярмарке" (I saw the silversmith at the fair). Explanation: Add the proper case and article for completeness.
• Another error: Using 'серебряник' interchangeably with 'ювелир' in formal writing, which can sound outdated. Correct by opting for 'ювелир' in professional contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, silversmithing has deep roots in traditions like Fabergé craftsmanship, often linked to imperial history. Terms like 'ювелир' evoke the opulence of Russian Orthodox jewelry and Soviet-era artisan guilds, symbolizing heritage and skill in precious metals.

Related Concepts:

• золотых дел мастер (goldsmith)
• ремесленник (craftsman)
• ювелирная работа (jewelry work)