Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Backbone'

English Word: Backbone

Key Russian Translations:

• хребет [xrʲɪˈbʲet] - [Formal, Literal (anatomy or metaphor for support)]
• основа [ɐsˈnovə] - [Neutral, Figurative (foundation or core)]
• стержень [ˈstʲerʐɨnʲ] - [Informal, Metaphorical (core strength or character)]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "хребет" and "основа"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "стержень" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

хребет: [xrʲɪˈbʲet]

Note on хребет: The initial "х" is a guttural sound, unfamiliar to many English speakers; stress is on the second syllable.

основа: [ɐsˈnovə]

Note on основа: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "о" in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ].

стержень: [ˈstʲerʐɨnʲ]

Note on стержень: Stress on the first syllable; the "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Anatomy or Physical Structure)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хребет - Used for the spine of a human or animal, or a mountain ridge as a metaphor.

Usage Examples:

• У него болит хребет после тяжелой работы.

  His backbone hurts after hard work.

• Уральский хребет — важная географическая граница.

  The Ural Ridge is an important geographical boundary.

• Хребет рыбы нужно удалить перед приготовлением.

  The fish backbone must be removed before cooking.

2. Figurative Meaning (Foundation or Core)

Translation(s) & Context:

• основа - Refers to the basis or core of something abstract, like an idea or system.
• стержень - Refers to inner strength or the central element of someone's character.

Usage Examples:

• Экономика — основа процветания страны.

  The economy is the backbone of a country's prosperity.

• Его принципы — это стержень его личности.

  His principles are the backbone of his personality.

• Эта идея стала основой нашего проекта.

  This idea became the backbone of our project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хребет (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

основа (Feminine Noun): Follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

стержень (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern, similar to хребет.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for хребет (literal):

• позвоночник
• спина (informal, broader)

Synonyms for основа:

• база
• фундамент

Synonyms for стержень:

• ядро
• суть

Antonyms: (context-dependent, often no direct antonym; could be "периферия" for "основа" in the sense of periphery vs. core)

• периферия

Related Phrases:

• хребет гор - Mountain ridge (literal geographic term).
• основа общества - Backbone of society (core or foundation of a community).
• стержень характера - Backbone of character (inner strength or moral core).

Usage Notes:

• "хребет" is primarily used in literal contexts (spine, ridge) but can metaphorically imply burden or support.
• "основа" is the most neutral and versatile term for "backbone" in a figurative sense, often used in academic or formal discussions.
• "стержень" is more emotionally charged, often used to describe personal strength or the essence of something; it’s less common in formal writing.
• Choose the translation based on context: anatomical or geographical for "хребет", structural or foundational for "основа", and personal or moral for "стержень".

Common Errors:

• Mixing up literal and figurative uses: English speakers might use "хребет" in a figurative sense (e.g., "backbone of the team"), which sounds unnatural. Correct: Use "основа" or "стержень". Example of error: *Хребет команды* (unnatural); Correct: *Основа команды*.
• Incorrect declension: Beginners often forget to decline nouns like "хребет" or "основа" in oblique cases. Example of error: *Я вижу хребет* (correct for accusative), but *Я думаю о хребет* (wrong); Correct: *о хребте*.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "стержень" often carries a deep connotation of resilience and moral fortitude, reflecting historical narratives of endurance through hardship. It’s frequently used in literature and speeches to describe national or personal character.

Related Concepts:

• сила (strength)
• опора (support)
• фундамент (foundation)