Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'waxy'

English Word: waxy

Key Russian Translations:

• восковый [vɐˈskovɨj] - [Formal; used in descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, appearing more in technical or descriptive texts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjectives and basic descriptive vocabulary, but not overly complex for learners at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

восковый: [vɐˈskovɨj]

Note on восковой: The stress falls on the second syllable ('sko'), and the 'ы' sound is a distinct back vowel in Russian, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Resembling wax in texture, appearance, or consistency (e.g., smooth and shiny like wax).

Translation(s) & Context:

• восковый - Used in formal or technical descriptions, such as in medicine or material science, to describe surfaces or substances with a waxy feel.

Usage Examples:

• У него восковая кожа после долгого пребывания на солнце.

  He has waxy skin after prolonged sun exposure.

• Фрукты были покрыты восковым слоем для лучшей сохранности.

  The fruits were covered with a waxy layer for better preservation.

• Восковый цветок выглядел искусственным из-за своей гладкости.

  The waxy flower looked artificial due to its smoothness.

• Её волосы приобрели восковую текстуру от использования специального бальзама.

  Her hair acquired a waxy texture from using a special balm.

• В музее выставлены восковые фигуры знаменитостей.

  In the museum, there are waxy figures of celebrities on display.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Восковый" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый. It inflects based on gender, number, and case, as per Russian grammar rules. This is a regular adjective, so it changes predictably.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • восковидный (voskovidnyy) - Similar meaning, but more scientific, implying a wax-like quality without being exact.
  • похожий на воск (pokhozhiy na vosk) - Literal phrase, used in informal contexts for emphasis.
• Antonyms:
  • шероховатый (sherokhovatyi) - Rough or uneven, contrasting the smooth waxy texture.
  • гладкий (gladkiy) - Smooth, but without the specific waxy connotation; can be neutral.

Related Phrases:

• Восковая бумага - Waxy paper; used for wrapping food to keep it fresh.
• Восковое покрытие - Waxy coating; refers to a protective layer on fruits or surfaces.
• Восковая фигура - Waxy figure; commonly used in the context of wax museums.

Usage Notes:

"Восковый" directly corresponds to the English "waxy" in its descriptive sense, but it's more commonly used in formal, technical, or literary contexts rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical difference. For example, choose "восковая" for feminine nouns like "кожа" (skin). When multiple translations exist, prefer "восковый" for precise matches and "восковидный" for looser, scientific descriptions.

• It's often paired with nouns in medical or artistic contexts.
• Avoid overusing in casual conversation, as it may sound overly formal.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake the case agreement of "восковый." For instance, they might say "восковый кожа" (incorrect) instead of "восковая кожа" (correct), forgetting that "кожа" is feminine. Error: "У него восковой кожа." (Wrong: missing gender agreement.) Correct: "У него восковая кожа." Explanation: Always adjust the adjective ending based on the noun's gender and case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "waxy" translations like "восковая фигура" are often associated with wax museums (e.g., Madame Tussauds equivalents in Russia), which are popular for entertainment and education. This reflects a broader cultural fascination with realistic representations in art, stemming from historical traditions in sculpture and theater.

Related Concepts:

• воск (vosk) - Wax
• пчелиный воск (pchelinyy vosk) - Beeswax
• свечной воск (svechnoy vosk) - Candle wax