Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'alpine'

English Word: alpine

Key Russian Translations:

• альпийский [alʲˈpʲijskʲij] - [Adjective, Formal, Used in geographical or sporting contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts like geography, sports, and travel, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding adjective declensions and specific regional terminology; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

альпийский: [alʲˈpʲijskʲij]

Note on альпийский: The stress falls on the second syllable ('pʲij'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'lʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard Russian uses this form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to the Alps or high mountain regions, often in a geographical, environmental, or sporting context.

Translation(s) & Context:

• альпийский - Used for describing features, activities, or environments associated with the Alps or similar high-altitude areas, such as in formal writing, travel guides, or sports discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Альпийских горах снежный покров держится круглый год.

  In the Alpine mountains, the snow cover lasts all year round.

• Альпийский климат идеален для зимних видов спорта.

  The Alpine climate is ideal for winter sports.

• Эта альпийская флора адаптирована к суровым условиям.

  This Alpine flora is adapted to harsh conditions.

• Туристы наслаждаются альпийскими пейзажами летом.

  Tourists enjoy Alpine landscapes in the summer.

• Альпийский стиль архитектуры характерен для европейских горных регионов.

  The Alpine style of architecture is characteristic of European mountain regions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As an adjective, "альпийский" follows the standard Russian adjective declension patterns. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • горный (gornyy) - More general term for "mountainous"; used interchangeably in some contexts but less specific to the Alps.
  • высокогорный (vysokogornyy) - Emphasizes high elevation; suitable for broader mountain descriptions.
• Antonyms:
  • равнинный (ravninnыy) - Refers to flat or lowland areas; highlights the opposite of mountainous terrain.

Related Phrases:

• Альпийский ландшафт - Refers to Alpine landscapes, often used in tourism or environmental discussions.
• Альпийские пастбища - Means Alpine pastures, commonly in contexts of agriculture or nature.
• Альпийский спорт - Denotes Alpine sports like skiing; popular in recreational contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Альпийский" directly corresponds to the English "alpine" when referring to the Alps or high mountain regions, but it's more precise in Russian for European contexts. Use it in formal or written language, such as academic papers or travel descriptions. Be mindful of declensions based on the noun it modifies. If the context is broader (e.g., non-European mountains), "горный" might be a better alternative. Avoid overusing it in casual speech, as it's somewhat specialized.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., using "альпийский" in all cases regardless of gender or case. Correct: In genitive feminine singular, it should be "альпийской горы" (of the Alpine mountain), not "альпийский горы".

• Error: Confusing it with "Альпы" (the Alps proper), leading to misuse in non-European contexts. Correct: Use "альпийский" for attributes, but ensure the sentence context specifies the region; for example, "альпийский регион" instead of just "альпийский" for a generic mountain.

Cultural Notes:

The term "альпийский" is deeply tied to European culture, particularly the Alps, which span countries like Switzerland, Austria, and France. It evokes images of skiing, mountaineering, and traditional Alpine villages, symbolizing adventure and natural beauty in Russian literature and media. In Russian culture, it's often associated with tourism and environmental conservation, reflecting Russia's own mountainous regions like the Caucasus.

Related Concepts:

• горы (mountains)
• Снег (snow)
• Лыжи (skis)
• Европейские регионы (European regions)