Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alaska'

English Word: Alaska

Key Russian Translations:

• Аляска /ɐˈlʲaskə/ - [Proper Noun, Used in formal and informal contexts as a geographical name]

Frequency: Low (As a proper noun for a U.S. state, it's not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in educational, travel, or news contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward as a borrowed proper noun with minimal inflection.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Аляска: /ɐˈlʲaskə/

Note on Аляска: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'л' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian, making it sound like "lyaska." Non-native speakers may struggle with the soft 'л' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A state in the northwestern region of North America, part of the United States.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Аляска - Used in geographical, historical, or political discussions; refers specifically to the U.S. state, often in formal writing or educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Аляска — это самый северный штат США, известный своими ледниками и дикой природой.

  Alaska is the northernmost state of the USA, known for its glaciers and wild nature.

• Многие туристы мечтают посетить Аляску, чтобы увидеть северное сияние.

  Many tourists dream of visiting Alaska to see the northern lights.

• Аляска была куплена у России в 1867 году, что стало значимым событием в истории.

  Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, which became a significant event in history.

• Климат на Аляске суровый, с длинными зимами и короткими летами.

  The climate in Alaska is harsh, with long winters and short summers.

• Экономика Аляски в значительной степени зависит от нефти и рыболовства.

  Alaska's economy largely depends on oil and fishing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Аляска" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for proper names borrowed from English. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a proper noun, it does not have plural forms in most contexts. The inflections are regular, making it easy for beginners to learn.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None specific, as "Аляска" is a unique proper noun. However, it may be referred to as "штат Аляска" (state of Alaska) in fuller contexts.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as it is a geographical name without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Штат Аляска - Refers to "the state of Alaska," used in administrative or political discussions.
• Аляска, США - Means "Alaska, USA," commonly used to specify location in international contexts.
• Покупка Аляски - Translates to "the purchase of Alaska," referring to the historical event in 1867.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Аляска" directly corresponds to the English "Alaska" as a proper noun. It is typically used in formal contexts like geography, history, or travel writing. Be mindful of case inflections when using it in sentences; for example, in the genitive case, it becomes "Аляски" to indicate possession (e.g., "жители Аляски" for "residents of Alaska"). There are no significant dialectal variations, but in casual speech, it might be shortened or embedded in phrases like "на Аляске" (in Alaska). When choosing translations, stick to "Аляска" for accuracy, as it's a direct borrowing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /aˈlæskə/ (like the English version) instead of the Russian /ɐˈlʲaskə/.
  Correct Usage: Use the palatalized 'л' sound; for example, say "Аляска" with a soft 'л'.
  Explanation: This error stems from direct English influence, but in Russian, the pronunciation adapts to native phonetics for better integration.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using "Аляска" in the dative case as "Аляска" instead of "Аляске".
  Correct Usage: In a sentence like "Я еду в Аляску," it should be "Я еду в Аляску" (no change needed for accusative in this context), but for "Я думаю об Аляске," use "Я думаю об Аляске" (prepositional case).
  Explanation: Learners often forget Russian case endings, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Cultural Notes:

"Аляска" in Russian often evokes the historical context of its sale from Russia to the United States in 1867, known as "the Alaska Purchase." This event is a point of pride and reflection in Russian culture, symbolizing a lost territory. In modern Russian media, it might represent adventure, wilderness, or U.S.-Russia relations, highlighting themes of exploration and geopolitical history.

Related Concepts:

• Канада (Canada)
• Северная Америка (North America)
• Берингов пролив (Bering Strait)