Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'barrier'

English Word: barrier

Key Russian Translations:

• барьер [bɐˈrʲer] - [Neutral, General Usage]
• преграда [prʲɪˈɡradə] - [Neutral, Often Metaphorical or Physical]
• заграждение [zəɡrɐˈʐdʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Physical or Military]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in various contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies slightly by term)

Pronunciation (Russian):

барьер: [bɐˈrʲer]

Note on барьер: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'r' is rolled softly.

преграда: [prʲɪˈɡradə]

Note on преграда: Stress on the second syllable; the 'г' is pronounced as a voiced fricative.

заграждение: [zəɡrɐˈʐdʲenʲɪjə]

Note on заграждение: Stress on the third syllable; a longer word with softened consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Barrier (e.g., fence, wall)

Translation(s) & Context:

• барьер - Used for general physical obstacles like hurdles or barricades.
• заграждение - Often refers to larger or protective structures, e.g., military barriers.

Usage Examples:

• На дороге установили барьер для безопасности.

  A barrier was set up on the road for safety.

• Заграждение не позволяло пройти к зданию.

  The barrier prevented access to the building.

• Барьер на трассе был повреждён после аварии.

  The barrier on the track was damaged after the accident.

2. Metaphorical Barrier (e.g., obstacle, hindrance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• барьер - Commonly used for abstract barriers like language or cultural barriers.
• преграда - Often implies an obstacle to overcome, either emotional or situational.

Usage Examples:

• Языковой барьер мешал нам общаться.

  The language barrier prevented us from communicating.

• Преграда на пути к успеху только укрепила её решимость.

  The barrier on the path to success only strengthened her determination.

• Социальные барьеры трудно преодолеть без поддержки.

  Social barriers are hard to overcome without support.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

барьер (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	барьер	барьеры
Genitive	барьера	барьеров
Dative	барьеру	барьерам
Accusative	барьер	барьеры
Instrumental	барьером	барьерами
Prepositional	о барьере	о барьерах

преграда (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate): Follows standard feminine declension patterns for singular and plural forms.

заграждение (Noun, Neuter, Inanimate): Follows standard neuter declension patterns for singular and plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for барьер:

• преграда
• препятствие
• ограждение

Note: "препятствие" often implies a challenge or hindrance, while "ограждение" is more physical.

Antonyms for барьер:

• проход
• доступ

Related Phrases:

• языковой барьер - Language barrier
• преодолеть преграду - To overcome a barrier/obstacle
• заградительный барьер - Protective barrier

Usage Notes:

• "барьер" is the most versatile term, used for both physical and abstract barriers, and is the safest choice for general contexts.
• "преграда" often carries a more emotional or metaphorical tone, implying something to be surmounted.
• "заграждение" is more specific to physical or protective structures and is less common in casual speech.
• Pay attention to context when choosing between these terms, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "заграждение" for abstract concepts like "language barrier."
  Incorrect: Языковое заграждение.
  Correct: Языковой барьер.
  Explanation: "заграждение" is typically reserved for tangible, often protective barriers.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions.
  Incorrect: Преодолеть барьер на пути.
  Correct: Преодолеть барьер на пути к успеху.
  Explanation: Ensure proper case usage (e.g., dative with "к") for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "барьер" often extends to social or psychological contexts, reflecting historical and societal divisions. For example, discussions of "барьеры" might evoke ideas of bureaucratic obstacles or historical separations, which are common themes in Russian literature and discourse.

Related Concepts:

• препятствие (obstacle)
• ограничение (restriction)
• разделение (division)