Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'violin'

English Word: violin

Key Russian Translations:

• скрипка [ˈskripkə] - [Formal, used in general and musical contexts]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; involves basic noun declensions, which may challenge beginners, but the word itself is straightforward)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скрипка: [ˈskripkə]

Note on скрипка: The stress is on the first syllable ('skrip-'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, with a softer 'r' in some areas.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The stringed musical instrument (a bowed string instrument used in orchestras and solo performances)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скрипка - Used in formal and informal contexts related to music, such as concerts, lessons, or descriptions of instruments. It is the standard term in Russian for 'violin'.

Usage Examples:

• Он мастерски играет на скрипке в симфоническом оркестре.

  He plays the violin masterfully in a symphony orchestra.

• Скрипка — это один из самых выразительных инструментов в классической музыке.

  The violin is one of the most expressive instruments in classical music.

• Дети учатся играть на скрипке в музыкальной школе.

  Children learn to play the violin at music school.

• Её скрипка звучит так, будто поёт душа.

  Her violin sounds as if it's singing from the soul.

• В русской народной музыке скрипка часто сопровождает песни и танцы.

  In Russian folk music, the violin often accompanies songs and dances.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скрипка" is a feminine noun (first declension in Russian). It follows standard feminine noun patterns with changes in cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: There are no irregular forms for this noun, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фиолин (rare, more technical or borrowed term, used in specific musical contexts)
  • скрипач (refers to a violinist, not the instrument itself, but related)
  Note: "Фиолин" is less common and often used in formal or historical discussions, while "скрипка" is the everyday standard.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "скрипка" is a specific instrument (antonyms might include other instrument types like "барабан" for drum, but not precise opposites).

Related Phrases:

• Играть на скрипке - To play the violin (used in contexts of performance or practice).
• Скрипичный концерт - Violin concerto (refers to a musical composition featuring the violin).
• Русская скрипка - Russian violin (often implies folk-style playing in cultural contexts).

Usage Notes:

"Скрипка" directly corresponds to "violin" in English and is used across various contexts, from classical to folk music. It is neutral in terms of formality but may carry a cultural connotation in Russian settings. When discussing music, pair it with verbs like "играть" (to play) for accurate expression. For learners, note that Russian nouns require case agreement, so always adjust based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). If multiple translations exist, prefer "скрипка" for general use over rarer terms like "фиолин".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "скрипка" interchangeably with "скрипач" (which means violinist, not the instrument).
  Correct: Скрипач играет на скрипке. (The violinist plays the violin.)
  Explanation: "Скрипач" refers to a person, not the object, so context is key to avoid confusion.
• Error: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "играть скрипка" instead of "играть на скрипке".
  Correct: Играть на скрипке.
  Explanation: Prepositions like "на" require the correct case (prepositional or instrumental), which is common in Russian but absent in English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "скрипка" holds a special place in both classical and folk traditions. It is prominent in works by composers like Tchaikovsky and in folk ensembles, symbolizing emotion and expressiveness. Historically, it was adapted into Russian folk music, often evoking themes of longing or joy in rural settings, reflecting the instrument's role in storytelling and national identity.

Related Concepts:

• пианино (piano)
• виолончель (cello)
• музыкальный инструмент (musical instrument)