Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tambourine'

English Word: tambourine

Key Russian Translations:

• бубен [ˈbu.bʲɪn] - [Neutral, commonly used in musical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversation but appears in discussions about music or instruments.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic, suitable for beginners as it is a straightforward noun, but understanding its cultural context may require intermediate knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бубен: [ˈbu.bʲɪn]

Note on бубен: The stress is on the first syllable. The "бʲ" sound is a palatalized 'b', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'b' in "beauty" but softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The musical instrument (a small hand-held drum with jingles)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бубен - Used in musical performances, folk music, or descriptions of percussion instruments; typically in neutral or formal contexts like concerts or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Музыкант ударял в бубен, создавая ритмичный аккомпанемент.

  The musician struck the tambourine, creating a rhythmic accompaniment.

• В народных танцах часто используют бубен для добавления энергичности.

  In folk dances, the tambourine is often used to add energy.

• Дети в оркестре научились играть на бубене за несколько уроков.

  The children in the orchestra learned to play the tambourine in just a few lessons.

• Бубен звучал громко на фестивале, подчеркивая культуру региона.

  The tambourine sounded loudly at the festival, highlighting the region's culture.

• Во время репетиции, артист аккуратно тряс бубен для эффекта.

  During rehearsal, the artist carefully shook the tambourine for effect.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"бубен" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun patterns with inflections for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun is regular in its declension, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бубенчик (bubenchik) - A smaller or more diminutive version, often used for children's instruments; implies a cuter or less formal connotation.
  • тамбурин (tamburin) - A direct borrowing, used in more modern or international contexts, but less common in traditional Russian.
• Antonyms: N/A (As "бубен" refers to a specific object, it does not have direct antonyms; however, contrasting instruments like "барабан" (drum) could be considered in musical contexts.)

Related Phrases:

• Играть на бубене - To play the tambourine; used in contexts of performance or music lessons.
• Звук бубна - The sound of the tambourine; often describes rhythmic or festive atmospheres.
• Бубен в фольклоре - The tambourine in folklore; refers to its role in traditional Russian or ethnic music.

Usage Notes:

"Бубен" directly corresponds to the English "tambourine" as a percussion instrument, but it's most commonly associated with Russian folk music rather than modern pop. Use it in neutral or formal contexts; avoid in casual slang. When discussing music, pair it with verbs like "играть" (to play) or "ударять" (to strike). If multiple translations exist, choose "бубен" for traditional settings and "тамбурин" for borrowed terms. Grammatically, remember its masculine gender for adjective agreements, e.g., "большой бубен" (big tambourine).

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [buˈben] instead of [ˈbu.bʲɪn]. Correct: Focus on the initial stress and palatalization. Example of error: Saying "buBEN" which sounds unnatural. Correct usage: "ˈbu.bʲɪn" as in "Музыкант играет на бубене."

• Error: Confusing declensions, e.g., using "бубен" in genitive as "бубен" instead of "бубна". Correct: In sentences like "Я взял бубна" (wrong) vs. "Я взял бубен" (for accusative, but properly "бубна" for genitive in phrases like "цвет бубна").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "бубен" is often linked to folk traditions, such as in Slavic pagan rituals or modern ethnic music festivals. It symbolizes joy and rhythm in celebrations, reflecting historical influences from nomadic tribes where similar instruments were used for dances and storytelling.

Related Concepts:

• барабан (drum)
• гитара (guitar)
• народная музыка (folk music)