Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vase'

English Word: vase

Key Russian Translations:

• ваза /ˈva.zə/ - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts related to home decor and descriptions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and cases)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ваза: /ˈva.zə/

Note on вазa: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the 'a' sound, which is a short vowel similar to the 'a' in "father" in English. Regional variations may soften the 'z' sound in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A decorative container for flowers or other items.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ваза - Used in formal and informal settings to describe household items, such as in interior design or casual conversations about home furnishings.

Usage Examples:

• На столе стоит красивая ваза с цветами.

  On the table stands a beautiful vase with flowers.

• Эта ваза сделана из хрусталя и очень ценная.

  This vase is made of crystal and is very valuable.

• Ваза упала и разбилась на мелкие кусочки.

  The vase fell and shattered into small pieces.

• В музее есть коллекция старинных ваз из разных эпох.

  In the museum, there is a collection of antique vases from different eras.

• Она поставила свежие розы в вазу на подоконник.

  She put fresh roses in the vase on the windowsill.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ваза" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but requires attention to vowel changes in certain forms. Below is a table of its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кувшин (kuvshin) - Often used for larger vessels, but less precise for decorative items; урна (urna) - For urn-like containers, with a slight connotation of formality.
• Antonyms: (None directly applicable, as "vase" is a specific object; however, in broader contexts, something like пустота (pustota, emptiness) could imply the absence of such an item.)

Related Phrases:

• Красивая ваза - A beautiful vase (Used in descriptions of decor; implies aesthetic value).
• Ваза с цветами - Vase with flowers (Common in everyday language for floral arrangements).
• Античная ваза - Antique vase (Often in cultural or historical contexts, such as museums).

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "ваза" directly corresponds to the English "vase" in most contexts, but it is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs agreeing with it must be in the feminine form (e.g., "красивая ваза" for "beautiful vase"). It is versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in written or descriptive language. When choosing between translations, "ваза" is the most precise; avoid using synonyms like "кувшин" unless the context involves a pitcher-like shape. Pay attention to case usage in sentences, as Russian requires declension based on grammatical role.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу вазa" instead of "Я вижу вазу" (accusative for direct object). Correct: "Я вижу вазу." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on their role in the sentence; "ваза" in nominative is for subjects, but accusative is needed here.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "красивый ваза" instead of "красивая ваза." Correct: "красивая ваза." Explanation: As a feminine noun, adjectives must end in -ая or appropriate feminine forms.

• Error: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using "вазa" when "кувшин" is more appropriate for a jug. Correct: Contextually choose based on shape and use. Explanation: This can lead to misunderstandings in descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, vases (вазы) often hold historical and artistic significance, such as those from the Fabergé workshops or ancient Slavic pottery. They are commonly featured in literature and art, symbolizing beauty and fragility, as seen in works by authors like Pushkin. This reflects Russia's rich tradition in decorative arts, where vases might be associated with hospitality or family heirlooms.

Related Concepts:

• цветы (flowers)
• музей (museum)
• декор (decor)