Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wallpaper'

English Word: wallpaper

Key Russian Translations:

• Обои [ɐˈboɪ] - [Neutral, Plural form commonly used]
• Поклеить обои [pɐˈkleʲɪt ɐˈboɪ] - [Informal, Used as a verb phrase for applying wallpaper]

Frequency: Medium (The term is commonly encountered in everyday contexts related to home improvement and decoration in Russian-speaking regions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level, as it involves basic vocabulary for household items; for the verb form, it may reach B1 due to simple verb conjugation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Обои: [ɐˈboɪ] (The stress is on the second syllable; the "о" sounds like a short "a" in "about".)

Поклеить обои: [pɐˈkleʲɪt ɐˈboɪ] (The "е" in "клеить" is pronounced as a soft "ye" sound, common in Russian verbs.)

Note on Обои: This word is often mispronounced by learners due to the soft consonants; practice the palatalized "й" for accuracy.

Note on Поклеить обои: The verb "поклеить" has a perfective aspect, which can be tricky for beginners; the infinitive form ends with a soft "ить".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Noun: Material used to cover and decorate walls in homes or buildings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Обои - Typically used in neutral, everyday contexts for interior design and home renovation.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей квартире висят старые обои, которые нужно заменить.

  In our apartment, there are old wallpapers that need to be replaced.

• Я выбрал обои с цветочным узором для спальни.

  I chose wallpaper with a floral pattern for the bedroom.

• Обои в этом магазине стоят недорого, но качество хорошее.

  The wallpaper in this store is inexpensive, but the quality is good.

• После ремонта мы поклеили новые обои в коридоре.

  After the renovation, we put up new wallpaper in the hallway.

• Современные обои часто бывают водостойкими и легко моются.

  Modern wallpapers are often waterproof and easy to clean.

Verb: To apply or install wallpaper on walls.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Поклеить обои - Used in informal or practical contexts, such as DIY projects or professional services.

Usage Examples:

• Мы решили поклеить обои самостоятельно, чтобы сэкономить деньги.

  We decided to put up wallpaper ourselves to save money.

• Ему пришлось поклеить обои заново, потому что они отстали от стены.

  He had to apply the wallpaper again because it peeled off the wall.

• Поклеить обои – это несложная задача, если следовать инструкции.

  Putting up wallpaper is not a difficult task if you follow the instructions.

• В выходные я планирую поклеить обои в детской комнате.

  On the weekend, I plan to install wallpaper in the children's room.

• Профессионалы могут поклеить обои быстро и без пузырей.

  Professionals can apply wallpaper quickly and without bubbles.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation "Обои" is a plural-only noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It does not change for number (always plural) but inflects for case. The verb form "Поклеить" is a perfective verb derived from "клеить" (to glue), and it follows standard conjugation patterns for first-conjugation verbs.

For the verb "Поклеить": It is irregular in aspect but conjugates regularly, e.g., past tense: поклеил (he pasted), поклеила (she pasted); future: поклею (I will paste).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Обойный материал (Wallpaper material; more general term for the substance)
  • Декоративная облицовка (Decorative covering; used in formal or architectural contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Краска (Paint; implies a liquid coating rather than a sheet material)
  • Плитка (Tiles; for wall coverings that are rigid and non-fabric)

Note: Synonyms like "Обойный материал" are more descriptive and may be used in technical discussions, while antonyms highlight alternative methods of wall decoration.

Related Phrases:

• Клеить обои - To paste wallpaper; commonly used in DIY instructions.
• Сменить обои - To change wallpaper; refers to updating home decor.
• Обои под покраску - Washable wallpaper; a practical phrase for moisture-resistant types.
• Выбрать обои - To choose wallpaper; often in shopping contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Обои" directly corresponds to the English "wallpaper" as a noun and is the most common term in Russian for this concept. It is neutral and widely used in both formal (e.g., interior design) and informal settings (e.g., everyday conversation). For the verb form, "Поклеить обои" is preferred over simple "клеить" to indicate completion. Be cautious with gender agreement: "Обои" is plural, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly. When multiple translations exist, choose "Обои" for general references and "Поклеить обои" for action-oriented contexts.

• In formal writing, pair it with prepositions like "на обоях" (on the wallpaper).
• Grammar note: As a plural noun, it always takes plural verbs, e.g., "Обои висят" (The wallpapers are hanging).

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake "Обои" for a singular noun and use it with singular verbs, e.g., incorrect: "Обои висит" (The wallpaper hangs) – correct: "Обои висят". Another error is confusing it with "обои" in the genitive case without proper context, leading to phrases like "Купить обои" instead of the accurate "Купить обои" (which is correct, but learners might overuse it). To avoid this, remember to check case endings in sentences. For the verb, learners might say "Клеить обои" when "Поклеить обои" is needed for perfective aspect, as in: Incorrect: "Я клею обои каждый день" (implying ongoing action) – Correct: "Я поклеил обои вчера" (completed action).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Обои" are a staple in home decoration, reflecting the historical emphasis on cozy, personalized living spaces in apartments. During Soviet times, wallpaper was a symbol of status and renovation (remont), often featured in literature and films as a sign of domestic improvement. Today, it carries connotations of family-oriented activities, like communal wallpapering during holidays, highlighting the value of practicality and aesthetics in Russian daily life.

Related Concepts:

• Краска (Paint)
• Ремонт (Repair or renovation)
• Декор (Decor)
• Плитка (Tiles)