Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tapestry'

English Word: tapestry

Key Russian Translations:

• гобелен [ɡɐˈbʲe.lʲɪn] - [Formal, used in artistic or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more prevalent in discussions about art, history, or decor.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian nouns and vocabulary related to culture and materials.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гобелен: [ɡɐˈbʲe.lʲɪn]

Note on гобелен: The stress is on the second syllable. Pay attention to the palatalized 'b' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'l' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs formed by weaving colored threads, often used as a wall hanging or for decoration.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гобелен - Typically used in formal, artistic, or historical contexts, such as describing museum pieces or interior design.

Usage Examples:

• В музее висит старинный гобелен, изображающий сцены из русской истории.

  In the museum, an ancient tapestry depicting scenes from Russian history is hanging.

• Она купила гобелен для украшения гостиной, чтобы добавить уюта в дом.

  She bought a tapestry to decorate the living room, adding coziness to the house.

• Гобелен на стене отражал богатство и культурное наследие семьи.

  The tapestry on the wall reflected the family's wealth and cultural heritage.

• Художник создал гобелен с использованием традиционных русских мотивов.

  The artist created a tapestry using traditional Russian motifs.

• Этот гобелен был подарен на свадьбу, символизируя переплетение судеб.

  This tapestry was given as a wedding gift, symbolizing the intertwining of destinies.

Meaning 2: A metaphorical representation of something complexly woven together, like a narrative or historical events.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гобелен (metaphorically) - Used in literary or poetic contexts to describe intricate stories or histories, though less common than in English.

Usage Examples:

• Его жизнь была как гобелен, где каждое событие переплеталось с предыдущим.

  His life was like a tapestry, where each event intertwined with the previous one.

• Роман представляет историю как гобелен культурных традиций.

  The novel portrays history as a tapestry of cultural traditions.

• Гобелен из воспоминаний сделал её прошлое ярким и многогранным.

  The tapestry of memories made her past vivid and multifaceted.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гобелен" is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard second-declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table showing its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ковёр (kover) - More general, often refers to carpets, but can be used loosely for woven fabrics; differs by implying floor use rather than wall hanging.
  • ткань (tkan') - Broad term for fabric; less specific to decorative items.
• Antonyms:
  • пустота (pustota) - Emptiness, implying the opposite of something richly woven or detailed.

Related Phrases:

• Выткать гобелен (Vytkat' gobelen) - To weave a tapestry; used in contexts of creation or craftsmanship.
• Гобелен истории (Gobelen istorii) - Tapestry of history; a metaphorical phrase for complex historical narratives.
• Декоративный гобелен (Dekorativnyy gobelen) - Decorative tapestry; common in interior design discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гобелен" directly corresponds to the English "tapestry" in its literal sense, especially for artistic or historical items. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as art galleries or literature, and carries a connotation of cultural sophistication. Be mindful of gender agreement when using it in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with its masculine form). When choosing between translations like "гобелен" and "ковёр," opt for "гобелен" if the emphasis is on woven artwork rather than everyday fabrics. In metaphorical uses, Russian speakers might prefer more native idioms, so context is key for natural expression.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "гобелен" with "ковёр" and using it for simple rugs. Correct: Use "гобелен" only for intricate, decorative wall hangings. Example of error: "Я купил гобелен для пола" (I bought a tapestry for the floor) – Incorrect because it implies a floor covering. Correct: "Я купил ковёр для пола" (I bought a carpet for the floor).

• Error: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., saying "в гобелен" instead of "в гобелене" in prepositional case. Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "Я смотрю на гобелене" (I am looking at the tapestry).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, tapestries like "гобелен" are often associated with historical artifacts from the imperial era, such as those found in the Kremlin or the Hermitage Museum. They symbolize wealth, artistry, and storytelling, reflecting Russia's rich textile traditions influenced by Byzantine and European styles. For English speakers, understanding this can enhance appreciation of Russian literature, where tapestries might metaphorically represent the nation's complex history.

Related Concepts:

• искусство (iskusstvo) - Art
• текстиль (tekstil') - Textile
• история (istoriya) - History