Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'velvet'

English Word: velvet

Key Russian Translations:

• бархат [ˈbarkət] - [Common usage; typically refers to the fabric in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium - 'бархат' is encountered in discussions about clothing, textiles, and descriptions, but not as frequently as basic everyday words.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Involves understanding noun declensions and vocabulary related to materials, which may challenge beginners but is manageable for intermediate learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

бархат: [ˈbarkət]

Note on бархат: The stress falls on the first syllable; the 'х' is pronounced as a guttural 'kh' sound, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch". Be mindful of the soft 'a' in the second syllable for a more authentic pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The soft, smooth fabric made from fibers, often used in clothing or upholstery

Translation(s) & Context:

• бархат - Used in contexts describing luxurious or soft materials, such as in fashion, interior design, or metaphorical expressions (e.g., for something smooth or elegant).

Usage Examples:

• Её платье сделано из бархата, что придаёт ему роскошный вид.

  Her dress is made of velvet, which gives it a luxurious look.

• Бархатные подушки на диване делают комнату уютной.

  The velvet cushions on the sofa make the room cozy.

• В театре часто используют бархат для занавесов.

  In the theater, velvet is often used for curtains.

• Этот бархат мягкий на ощупь, идеален для зимней одежды.

  This velvet is soft to the touch, ideal for winter clothing.

• Художник сравнил закат с бархатом неба.

  The artist compared the sunset to the velvet of the sky (metaphorical usage).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Бархат' is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple pieces or types of velvet.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • велюр (velyur) - Similar to velvet but often used for a slightly coarser fabric; more common in modern contexts.
  • шелк (shelk) - Not exact, but used metaphorically for smoothness, though it means 'silk'.
• Antonyms:
  • шероховатый (sherokhovatyi) - Meaning 'rough' or 'coarse', contrasting with the smooth texture of velvet.
  • жесткий (zhestkii) - Meaning 'stiff' or 'rigid', often used for materials lacking softness.

Related Phrases:

• чёрный бархат (chyornyi barkhat) - Black velvet; often used in fashion or to describe a dark, luxurious shade. (Refers to a specific color variant in clothing or decor.)
• бархатный сезон (barkhatnyi sezon) - Velvet season; a term for the mild autumn weather in resort areas, metaphorically implying comfort. (Common in travel contexts.)
• бархатная революция (barkhatnaya revolyutsiya) - Velvet revolution; historically refers to non-violent political changes, like in Czechoslovakia. (Cultural and historical usage.)

Usage Notes:

'Бархат' directly corresponds to 'velvet' as a noun for the fabric, but in Russian, it's important to decline it according to the sentence structure to indicate case (e.g., genitive for possession). It's neutral in formality and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts, such as in shopping or literature. When choosing between synonyms like 'велюр', opt for 'бархат' if emphasizing a smoother, more luxurious feel. Be aware that metaphorical uses, like in 'бархатный сезон', extend beyond literal fabric to evoke comfort or smoothness.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the genitive case, saying "из бархат" instead of "из бархата" when meaning "made of velvet". Correct usage: "Платье из бархата" (Dress made of velvet). Error explanation: Forgetting declension leads to grammatical errors; always check the case based on the preposition.

• Confusing pronunciation by softening the 'х' sound too much, making it sound like 'h' in English "hat" instead of the proper guttural 'kh'. Correct: Practice [ˈbarkət] to avoid this.

• Overusing the plural form unnecessarily, e.g., saying "бархаты" for a single item. Correct: Use singular unless referring to multiple items, as in "бархаты тканей" for "velvet fabrics".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'бархат' often symbolizes luxury and elegance, appearing in literature and art to describe opulence, as in classic Russian novels where it might adorn aristocratic clothing. The phrase 'бархатная революция' refers to peaceful political transitions, like the 1989 events in Eastern Europe, highlighting Russia's historical connections to broader European changes.

Related Concepts:

• шелк (silk)
• кожа (leather)
• ткань (fabric)
• роскошь (luxury)