Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'timbre'

English Word: timbre

Key Russian Translations:

• тембр [/tɛmbr/] - [Formal, Used in musical and technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in music, arts, and technical discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of music terminology and Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тембр: /tɛmbr/

Note on тембр: The pronunciation is very similar to the English word, with stress on the first syllable. Be cautious with the rolled 'r' sound in some Russian accents, which may vary regionally.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality or character of a sound, especially in music (e.g., the distinctive tone of a voice or instrument)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тембр - Used in formal music discussions, technical descriptions, or artistic critiques to refer to the unique color or quality of sound. Context: Musical performances, audio engineering.

Usage Examples:

• Голос оперной певицы обладает богатым тембром, который завораживает аудиторию.

  The opera singer's voice has a rich timbre that captivates the audience.

• В этой симфонии тембр скрипки идеально сочетается с тембром виолончели.

  In this symphony, the timbre of the violin perfectly blends with the timbre of the cello.

• Изменение тембра звука гитары зависит от типа струн и усилителя.

  The change in the timbre of the guitar sound depends on the type of strings and amplifier.

• Технический анализ тембра голоса помогает в диагностике речевых расстройств.

  Technical analysis of voice timbre helps in diagnosing speech disorders.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тембр" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It is a regular noun with predictable inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple instances of timbre, such as in a variety of instruments.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: тон (tone - refers to pitch or general sound quality, but less specific to timbre); окраска (coloration - implies a similar auditory nuance)
• Antonyms: монотонность (monotony - implies a lack of variation in sound quality)

Brief note: "Тон" is a common synonym but may not capture the full depth of "тембр," which is more precise in musical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Тембр голоса - (Timbre of the voice; used to describe vocal characteristics in singing or speaking.)
• Богатый тембр - (Rich timbre; refers to a full, varied sound quality, often in positive contexts.)
• Изменение тембра - (Change in timbre; common in discussions of sound modification in music production.)

Usage Notes:

"Тембр" directly corresponds to the English "timbre" in musical and acoustic contexts, making it a precise translation. However, it is primarily used in formal or technical settings, such as music theory, education, or engineering. English learners should note that Russian speakers might emphasize the cultural importance of timbre in classical music traditions. When choosing between translations, stick with "тембр" for accuracy, but be aware of its inflections to ensure grammatical correctness in sentences. For example, use the genitive form "тембра" when indicating possession, as in "качество тембра" (quality of timbre).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "тембр" interchangeably with "тон" without considering context. For instance, a learner might say "У этого инструмента хороший тон" when meaning timbre, but this could imply pitch rather than sound quality.

  Correct Usage: "У этого инструмента хороший тембр" (The instrument has a good timbre). Explanation: "Тон" focuses on pitch, while "тембр" encompasses the overall character, so choose based on the intended meaning to avoid confusion.

• Error: Forgetting to inflect "тембр" in sentences, e.g., saying "Я люблю тембр" instead of "Я люблю тембр инструмента" without proper case.

  Correct Usage: "Я люблю тембр этого инструмента" (I love the timbre of this instrument). Explanation: Always adjust for case, such as genitive "тембра," to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тембр" holds significance in the performing arts, particularly in classical music and opera, influenced by historical figures like Tchaikovsky and the Bolshoi Theater traditions. It reflects the emphasis on emotional depth and expressiveness in Russian music, where timbre can convey national identity or personal sentiment, as seen in folk songs and symphonies.

Related Concepts:

• тон
• аккорд
• интонация