curtain
gb/kˈɚtən/ us/kˈɚtən/
A1
English
~ 2700
függöny, színpadi függöny, függönnyel eltakar, befüggönyöz, függönnyel elválaszt
NOUN
A1
1
függöny
A2
Usage pattern:
a curtain [covers/hangs/closes over] [something]
She pulled the curtain to block out the sunlight.
Behúzta a függönyt, hogy ne süssön be a nap.
The stage curtain slowly rose, revealing the performers.
A színpadi függöny lassan felgördült, és láthatóvá váltak az előadók.
They chose light blue curtains for the living room.
He peeked through the curtain to see who was outside.
Learner examples
I closed the curtain before going to bed.
Lefekvés előtt behúztam a függönyt.
The curtain is red and white.
A függöny piros-fehér.
She opened the curtain to see the garden.
They bought new curtains for the bedroom.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'curtain' with 'blind'. A curtain is usually fabric that hangs down, while a blind can be rolled or folded up.
Meaning
fabric panel for covering or dividing
Collocations
draw the curtain
|close the curtain
|open the curtain
|behind the curtain
|curtain fabric
Synonyms
drape (Often refers to heavier, decorative curtains, especially in formal settings.)
Antonyms
blind (A window covering made of slats or a single piece of material that rolls up, not fabric panels.)
Themes
daily life
|home
|furniture
|housing
|daily_life
Definition
A piece of cloth you hang to cover a window or divide a space.
A piece of fabric or other material hung to cover a window, stage, or to separate areas in a room.
NOUN
A2
2
The curtain fell as the audience applauded.
Legördült a függöny, miközben a közönség tapsolt.
The play began as soon as the curtain went up.
Amint felgördült a függöny, elkezdődött a darab.
They waited nervously behind the curtain.
Learner examples
The curtain went up and the play started.
Felgördült a függöny, és elkezdődött a darab.
We stood behind the curtain before our part.
A függöny mögött álltunk a jelenetünk előtt.
The curtain came down after the last scene.
Meaning
theater fabric screen
Collocations
raise the curtain
|lower the curtain
|curtain call
Synonyms
stage drape (Specifically refers to theater curtains, often heavier and sound-absorbing.)
Themes
arts
|theater
|arts_entertainment
Definition
A big cloth in a theater that hides the stage until the show starts.
A large piece of fabric in a theater that hangs in front of the stage and is raised or opened at the start and end of performances.
NOUN
B1
3
függöny
B2
A curtain of rain hid the mountains from view.
Sűrű esőfüggöny takarta el a hegyeket a szemünk elől.
The valley was covered by a thick curtain of fog.
A völgyet sűrű ködfüggöny borította.
Smoke formed a dark curtain over the city.
Learner examples
A curtain of rain fell all day.
Egész nap függönyszerűen zuhogott az eső.
We could not see through the curtain of smoke.
Nem láttunk át a füstfüggönyön.
The mountain was behind a curtain of fog.
Meaning
hanging layer resembling fabric
Collocations
a curtain of rain
|a curtain of smoke
|behind a curtain of fog
Synonyms
veil (Suggests a thin, delicate covering; 'curtain' can be thicker or more opaque.)
Themes
nature
|weather
Definition
Something like rain or smoke that looks like a sheet hanging in the air.
A mass or layer of something, such as rain, smoke, or fog, that hangs or spreads in the air like a piece of cloth.
VERB
B2
4
Usage pattern:
to curtain [something] with [material]
They curtained off part of the room for privacy.
A szoba egy részét függönnyel választották le, hogy legyen egy kis magánszférájuk.
The windows were curtained with heavy velvet.
Az ablakokat nehéz bársonyfüggönyök takarták.
The bed was curtained to keep out drafts.
Learner examples
We curtained the window to keep out light.
Befüggönyöztük az ablakot, hogy ne jöjjön be a fény.
They curtained off the small area.
A kis részt függönnyel választották le.
The bed was curtained with blue cloth.
Meaning
to cover with fabric hanging
Collocations
curtain off an area
|curtain the window
Synonyms
drape ('Drape' can imply arranging fabric loosely and decoratively, while 'curtain' suggests functional coverage.)
Themes
daily life
|daily_life
|housing
Definition
To put a cloth over something so it hangs down and covers it.
To cover or surround something with a hanging cloth or similar material.
Grammar
Dictionary form
curtain
IPA
GB/kˈɚtən/
US/kˈɚtən/
Syllables & stress
cur - tain (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cur)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: curtain
- Plural: curtains
Verb
- Base: curtain
- 3rd Person Singular: curtains
- Present Participle: curtaining
- Past: curtained
Word family
Forms
curtains
noun
curtaining
verb
curtained
verb
Negative and opposite forms
curtainless
adjective
Expressions
behind closed curtains
3/bɪhˈaɪnd klˈoʊzd kˈɚtənz/
fixed phrase
in private with curtains shut
Happening privately in a place where curtains are closed so no one can see inside.
Examples
- They met behind closed curtains to discuss the matter.
- The family celebrated behind closed curtains.
curtain call
2/kˈɚtən kˈɔl/
fixed phrase
performers' appearance after show ends
When actors come back on stage after a play ends so people can clap for them.
Examples
- The actors returned for a final curtain call.
- She received flowers during the curtain call.
draw the curtain(s)
1/dɹˈɔ ðə kˈɚtənz/
fixed phrase
close curtains over an opening
To pull curtains together so they cover a window or space.
Examples
- She drew the curtains to keep out the cold.
- Please draw the curtains before you go to bed.
end of the curtain
4/ˈɛnd əv ðə kˈɚtən/
idiom
literary
final part of an event or show
The last part of an event, like when a theater play finishes.
Examples
- It was the end of the curtain for his long career.
- At the end of the curtain, they bowed one last time.