Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'watermark'

English Word: watermark

Key Russian Translations:

• водяной знак [vɐˈdʲjanəj znak] - [Formal, used in contexts like security and printing]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in technical, legal, or financial discussions but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of compound nouns and basic Russian grammar, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

водяной знак: [vɐˈdʲjanəj znak]

Note on водяной знак: The stress falls on the second syllable of "водяной" (/vɐˈdʲjanəj/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonant sounds. Pronounce it with a clear separation between the adjective and noun.

Audio: Listen to pronunciation

Meanings and Usage:

A faint design or pattern embedded in paper or digital media, visible only under certain conditions, often for authentication purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• водяной знак - Used in formal contexts like currency, official documents, or digital security to verify authenticity.

Usage Examples:

• На этой банкноте четко виден водяной знак, который подтверждает ее подлинность.

  On this banknote, the watermark is clearly visible, confirming its authenticity.

• Дизайнеры часто добавляют водяной знак к изображениям, чтобы предотвратить несанкционированное использование.

  Designers often add a watermark to images to prevent unauthorized use.

• Проверьте водяной знак на паспорте перед путешествием за границу.

  Check the watermark on your passport before traveling abroad.

• Водяной знак на официальных документах служит мерой защиты от подделок.

  The watermark on official documents serves as a measure of protection against counterfeits.

• Современные принтеры могут создавать водяной знак для персонализации фотографий.

  Modern printers can create a watermark for personalizing photos.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Водяной знак" is a noun phrase consisting of the adjective "водяной" (watery) and the masculine noun "знак" (mark/sign). "Знак" is a third-declension masculine noun and inflects regularly by case and number, while "водяной" agrees with it as an adjective.

Note: The adjective "водяной" changes to agree with "знак" in gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: филигрань (filigree - used for intricate designs, with a subtle difference in implying more decorative elements), метка (mark - more general, less specific to watermarks)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "watermark" is a specific concept rather than a polar opposite; however, in contexts of visibility, something like "невидимый элемент" (invisible element) could be contrasted informally.

Related Phrases:

• Проверять водяной знак - To check the watermark (used in security checks, e.g., for verifying documents).
• Добавить водяной знак - To add a watermark (common in digital editing or printing contexts).
• Водяной знак на банкноте - Watermark on a banknote (refers to currency authentication).

Usage Notes:

"Водяной знак" directly corresponds to the English "watermark" in both physical and digital contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal or technical settings in Russian. Be cautious with word order, as Russian adjectives typically precede the noun. When choosing this translation, ensure the context involves authentication or branding; for digital media, it might be interchangeable with "метка" in informal speech. Grammatically, always decline the phrase according to the noun's case for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "вода знак" instead of "водяной знак" (omitting the adjective form). Correct: "водяной знак". Explanation: "Водяной" is the proper adjectival form derived from "вода" (water), and using "вода" directly creates a non-idiomatic phrase that sounds unnatural to native speakers.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я вижу водяной знак" in a genitive context. Correct: "Я вижу на водяном знаке" (I see on the watermark). Explanation: Russian requires agreement in case, so learners must adjust for prepositions or sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, watermarks have historical significance in preventing forgery, especially on official documents and currency like the ruble. They symbolize authenticity and trust in institutions, reflecting Russia's emphasis on security in everyday life, such as in banking and identity verification.

Related Concepts:

• голограмма (hologram)
• печать (seal or stamp)
• метка (mark or label)