Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tablecloth'

English Word: tablecloth

Key Russian Translations:

• скатерть /skɐˈtʲertʲ/ - [Neutral, Common for everyday or formal dining contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about household items, dining, and domestic settings, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; The word is straightforward with simple pronunciation and basic grammar, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скатерть: /skɐˈtʲertʲ/

Note on скатерть: The soft sign (тʲ) indicates palatalization, which can be challenging for English speakers; pronounce it with a softened 't' sound, similar to the 't' in "nature" but more subtle. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A piece of cloth used to cover a table, often for meals or decorative purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скатерть - Used in everyday domestic or formal settings, such as family dinners or restaurant tables; neutral in tone and widely applicable.

Usage Examples:

• На столе лежит белая скатерть, украшенная вышивкой.

  On the table lies a white tablecloth, decorated with embroidery.

• Мы накрыли стол скатертью перед праздничным ужином.

  We covered the table with a tablecloth before the festive dinner.

• Скатерть на кухонном столе всегда чистая и аккуратная.

  The tablecloth on the kitchen table is always clean and neat.

• В ресторане используют цветные скатерти для создания атмосферы.

  In the restaurant, they use colorful tablecloths to create an atmosphere.

• Дети разрисовали старую скатерть во время игры.

  The children drew on the old tablecloth during play.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скатерть" is a feminine noun in the third declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender agreement. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it predictable for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: скатерть (main form), столовая скатерть (table cloth for dining; implies a more formal or specific context)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "скатерть" is a specific object; however, in contexts of table settings, contrast might be with "голый стол" (bare table, implying no covering).

Related Phrases:

• Белая скатерть - A white tablecloth; often used in formal or festive settings to symbolize cleanliness and tradition.
• Раздвинутая скатерть - A spread-out tablecloth; refers to one that is laid out for a meal, common in family gatherings.
• Скатерть-самобранка - A magic tablecloth (from folklore); a fairy-tale reference to a cloth that produces food, highlighting Russian cultural stories.

Usage Notes:

"Скатерть" directly corresponds to "tablecloth" in English and is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender (e.g., "красивая скатерть" for "beautiful tablecloth"). It is neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as everyday conversations or written descriptions. When choosing between translations, "скатерть" is the most precise and common; avoid using synonyms unless specifying a subtype. Be mindful of case changes in sentences, as Russian requires nouns to inflect based on their role (e.g., in prepositional phrases like "на скатерти").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, such as saying "Я вижу скатерть" when it should be "Я вижу скатертью" in instrumental contexts (e.g., "I see with the tablecloth"). Correct: Always check the sentence structure; for example, incorrect: "Купить скатерть" (if implying "to buy for the table"), correct: "Купить скатерть для стола".

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, like saying "красивый скатерть" instead of "красивая скатерть". Explanation: "Скатерть" is feminine, so adjectives must end in -ая or appropriate forms; this is a common mistake for English speakers who don't have grammatical gender.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "скатерть" often symbolizes hospitality and family traditions, especially during holidays like New Year's or Orthodox feasts. For instance, in folklore tales like "Скатерть-самобранка," it represents abundance and magic, reflecting historical values of communal meals and resourcefulness in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• стол (table)
• посуда (dishes)
• скатерть-самобранка (magic tablecloth, from folklore)