Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'upholstery'

English Word: upholstery

Key Russian Translations:

• обивка /ɐˈbʲivkə/ - [Formal, Singular, Used in contexts related to furniture design and repair]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about furniture, home decor, and craftsmanship, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to household items, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

обивка: /ɐˈbʲivkə/

Note on обивка: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈbʲiv/). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) which affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant, making it palatalized. This can be tricky for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian phonetics.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The material or process of covering furniture with fabric, padding, or other soft materials to make it comfortable and decorative.

Translation(s) & Context:

• обивка - Typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as furniture manufacturing, interior design, or repair services. It refers specifically to the covering of items like sofas, chairs, or car seats.

Usage Examples:

• Новая обивка на диване добавляет комфорта и стиля интерьеру.

  The new upholstery on the sofa adds comfort and style to the interior.

• Мастер по ремонту мебели заменил старую обивку на свежую ткань.

  The furniture repair specialist replaced the old upholstery with fresh fabric.

• В магазине продают различные варианты обивки для персонализации кресел.

  The store sells various upholstery options for customizing chairs.

• Обивка автомобиля должна быть износостойкой, чтобы выдерживать ежедневное использование.

  The upholstery of a car should be durable to withstand daily use.

• Дизайнеры часто экспериментируют с цветами обивки, чтобы создать уникальный дизайн комнаты.

  Designers often experiment with upholstery colors to create a unique room design.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Обивка" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns of Russian noun inflection for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once the basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обтяжка (slightly more specific to stretching fabric over a frame, often used interchangeably but with a nuance toward tautness)
  • покрытие (broader term for any covering, but less precise for soft furnishings)
• Antonyms:
  • скелет (refers to the bare frame or skeleton of furniture, emphasizing the opposite of soft covering)

Related Phrases:

• ремонт обивки - Repair of upholstery; commonly used in service contexts for fixing worn-out furniture coverings.
• выбор обивки - Selection of upholstery; refers to choosing materials for custom furniture design.
• обивка мебели - Upholstery of furniture; a standard phrase in interior design and manufacturing discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Обивка" directly corresponds to the English "upholstery" in most contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal or professional settings rather than casual conversation. English learners should note that Russian often requires the noun to be inflected based on its role in the sentence (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "обтяжка," opt for "обивка" if the focus is on comfort and padding. Avoid using it in plural forms unless referring to multiple items or types.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "обивка" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я купил обивка" instead of "Я купил обивку" (accusative for direct object).
  Correct: "Я купил обивку." (Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; "обивку" is the accusative form.)
• Mistake: Confusing "обивка" with "обувь" (which means "footwear").
  Correct: Use "обивка" only for furniture; "обувь" is for shoes. (Explanation: This mix-up often occurs due to similar-sounding roots, but context clarifies.)
• Mistake: Forgetting to inflect in phrases, e.g., "цвет обивка" instead of "цвет обивки."
  Correct: "Цвет обивки." (Explanation: In genitive constructions, the noun must change to show possession or description.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, upholstery like that on traditional furniture (e.g., in dacha homes or antique pieces) often reflects historical craftsmanship. For instance, Soviet-era furniture frequently featured durable, patterned upholstery, symbolizing practicality and endurance. This can add a layer of nostalgia when discussing "обивка" in modern contexts, emphasizing Russia's appreciation for functional design over purely aesthetic trends.

Related Concepts:

• мебель (furniture)
• дизайн (design)
• ткань (fabric)