Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'afar'

English Word: afar

Key Russian Translations:

• далеко [ˈdalʲɪkə] - [Adverb, Formal; used to indicate distance in space or time]
• издалека [ɪzˈdalʲɪkə] - [Adverb, Informal; often used in literary or poetic contexts for remote observation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday Russian speech, literature, and descriptions of distance)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adverbs and basic spatial expressions, but straightforward for learners with some vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

далеко: [ˈdalʲɪkə]

издалека: [ɪzˈdalʲɪkə]

Note on далеко: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers as it involves palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Spatial Distance (e.g., from a far place)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Далеко - Used in contexts describing physical distance, such as in travel or geography; common in formal writing or conversations.
• Издалека - Applied in more emotional or observational contexts, like watching something from afar in stories or poetry.

Usage Examples:

• Он живет далеко от города. (He lives far from the city.)

  English Translation: He lives afar from the city. (This example shows 'afar' in a literal spatial sense, emphasizing distance in everyday conversation.)

• Издалека виден горный пик. (The mountain peak is visible from afar.)

  English Translation: The mountain peak is visible from afar. (Here, it illustrates a poetic or descriptive use, common in literature.)

• Мы видим дом далеко на горизонте. (We see the house afar on the horizon.)

  English Translation: We see the house afar on the horizon. (Demonstrates combination with other elements for complex sentences.)

• Издалека слышен шум реки. (The sound of the river can be heard from afar.)

  English Translation: The sound of the river can be heard from afar. (Shows usage in sensory descriptions.)

• Далеко ли до ближайшего магазина? (Is the nearest store afar?)

  English Translation: Is the nearest store afar? (This is a question format, useful in practical dialogues.)

Temporal Distance (e.g., in the distant past or future)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Далеко - Used metaphorically for time, such as events long ago; suitable for formal narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Его детство было далеко в прошлом. (His childhood was afar in the past.)

  English Translation: His childhood was afar in the past. (Illustrates metaphorical extension to time.)

• Далеко впереди ждет будущее. (The future is afar ahead.)

  English Translation: The future is afar ahead. (Shows forward-looking usage in motivational contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'далеко' and 'издалека' are adverbs in Russian, which typically do not inflect for case, number, or gender. However, they can vary slightly in form based on context:

• For 'далеко': It remains unchanged in most cases. In comparative forms, it can become 'дальше' (further), but this is not a direct inflection of 'afar'.
• For 'издалека': Also invariant, but can be used with prepositions to modify meaning, e.g., 'издалека видно' (visible from afar).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Вдали (slightly more poetic, emphasizing visual distance)
  • На расстоянии (more formal, literal translation as 'at a distance')
• Antonyms:
  • Близко (close, opposite of spatial distance)
  • Сейчас (now, for temporal contrast)

Related Phrases:

• Далеко от дома - Far from home; used to describe exile or separation.
• Издалека видно - Visible from afar; common in descriptions of landscapes or events.
• Далеко не так - Not at all like that; a fixed expression for negation or contrast.

Usage Notes:

'Далеко' directly corresponds to 'afar' in English for spatial or temporal distance, making it a versatile choice for learners. However, 'издалека' is more context-specific and often carries a literary connotation, so use it in narrative or emotional settings rather than casual talk. Be mindful of word order in Russian sentences, as adverbs like these typically follow the verb. For multiple translations, choose 'далеко' for straightforward communication and 'издалека' for expressive purposes. Always consider the formality level to match the audience.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'далеко' with 'далёкий' (an adjective meaning 'distant'). Error: Saying "Я иду далеко путь" (incorrect, as it mixes adverb with noun improperly). Correct: "Я иду далеко" (I am going afar). Explanation: 'Далеко' is an adverb and doesn't need additional modifiers unless specifying direction.

• Overusing in informal speech. Error: Using 'издалека' in everyday questions like "Издалека вы?" (awkward). Correct: "Далеко ли вы живете?" (Do you live afar?). Explanation: 'Издалека' sounds overly poetic and can make speech unnatural in casual contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like 'далеко от родины' (afar from the homeland) often evoke themes of nostalgia or exile, as seen in literature by authors like Pushkin. This reflects Russia's vast geography, where distance symbolizes separation, adventure, or longing, making these words common in folk tales and modern media.

Related Concepts:

• Вдали
• Горизонт
• Расстояние