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русский
зеркало — meaning in English: mirror
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mirror
зеркало
zerkalo
час
chas
грудь
grud'
Длина
Dlina
Конституция
Konstitutsiya
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word "зеркало" when talking about personal grooming in the morning, such as checking their appearance before heading out. It's also used in discussions about home decor, where a mirror can enhance the aesthetics of a room, especially when chatting about modern interior design.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is "отражение" (otrazhenie), which means 'reflection' rather than 'mirror.' While "зеркало" refers specifically to the object that reflects, "отражение" can refer to the image itself, so you'd use "зеркало" when discussing the physical item, but "отражение" when describing what you see in it.
Culture
The word "зеркало" comes from the Old Slavic root "zerkati" meaning 'to shine' or 'to reflect.' In Russian culture, mirrors are often associated with superstitions; for instance, breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, making it a topic of both practical and mystical conversation among Russians.
FAQ
