Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spangle'

English Word: spangle

Key Russian Translations:

• блестка [ˈblʲeskə] - [Formal, used for decorative sparkling objects]
• страз [stras] - [Informal, often in fashion or jewelry contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in specialized contexts like fashion or arts.)

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (Requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and declensions; 'блестка' is straightforward for intermediates, while 'страз' may vary slightly in usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

блестка: [ˈblʲeskə]

страз: [stras]

Note on блестка: The stress falls on the first syllable; be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. For страз, the pronunciation is more straightforward but may have regional variations in emphasis.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: A small, glittering piece of material used for decoration (e.g., on clothing or accessories).

Translation(s) & Context:

• блестка - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing jewelry or festive attire, often in written or artistic language.
• страз - Applied in informal, everyday contexts like fashion discussions, implying a synthetic or affordable sparkling element.

Usage Examples:

• Ее вечернее платье украшено множеством блесток, которые переливаются в свете ламп.

  Her evening dress is adorned with numerous spangles that shimmer in the lamplight.

• В магазине продаются стразы для декора костюмов на карнавал.

  The store sells spangles for decorating carnival costumes.

• Дети любят играть с блестками, найденными в старом ящике.

  Children love playing with spangles found in an old box.

• Эта брошь с стразом добавляет блеска простому свитеру.

  This brooch with a spangle adds sparkle to a simple sweater.

• Художник использовал блестки, чтобы сделать картину более яркой и привлекательной.

  The artist used spangles to make the painting brighter and more appealing.

As a verb: To decorate or adorn with sparkling objects.

Translation(s) & Context:

• украшать блестками - Used in creative or descriptive contexts, emphasizing the action of adding decoration.

Usage Examples:

• Дизайнер решил украсить блестками всю коллекцию одежды.

  The designer decided to spangle the entire clothing collection.

• Для праздника мы украсили блестками комнату, чтобы создать festive атмосферу.

  For the holiday, we spangled the room with decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'блестка' (feminine noun, first declension): This word follows regular feminine noun patterns in Russian. It changes based on case and number.

For 'страз' (also a masculine noun, but often used as indeclinable in modern Russian): It is typically invariant in informal usage, meaning it does not change forms (e.g., remains 'страз' in most cases). However, in formal contexts, it may follow standard masculine patterns if treated as fully declinable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: блеск (general shine), пайетка (specific type of sequin) - Note: 'пайетка' is more precise for fabric decorations and is often interchangeable in fashion contexts.
• Antonyms: матовый (matte, lacking shine) - Used to describe non-glittering surfaces.

Related Phrases:

• Блестки на одежде - Refers to spangles on clothing, commonly used in fashion descriptions.
• Украшать стразом - Means to adorn with spangles, often in DIY or crafting contexts; implies adding sparkle for visual appeal.
• Факел с блестками - A torch or light with spangles, used metaphorically in festive or theatrical settings.

Usage Notes:

'Блестка' directly corresponds to 'spangle' as a noun, emphasizing a small decorative element, while 'страз' is more specific to synthetic gems. In Russian, these terms are context-dependent: use 'блестка' for natural or artistic descriptions and 'страз' in everyday or commercial contexts. Be cautious with gender agreements in sentences, as 'блестка' is feminine. For verb forms like 'украшать блестками', ensure proper prepositional phrases to maintain fluency. English learners should choose the translation based on formality—'страз' is less formal and more colloquial.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Confusing 'блестка' with 'блеск' (which means 'shine' or 'glitter' as a general quality, not a physical object). Incorrect: "Я видел блеск на платье" (implying just shine). Correct: "Я видел блестку на платье" (specifically a spangle). Explanation: 'Блеск' refers to light reflection, while 'блестка' is the object itself.

• Another error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., saying "Я взял блестка" instead of "Я взял блестку" (accusative case). Correct usage: Always adjust for case to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, spangles like 'блестка' or 'страз' are often associated with festive attire during events such as Maslenitsa or New Year's celebrations, symbolizing joy and extravagance. They reflect a historical influence from European fashion, where such decorations were popular in imperial Russia, adding a layer of opulence to traditional clothing.

Related Concepts:

• украшение (decoration)
• блеск (shine)
• пайетка (sequin)