Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'battleship'

English Word: battleship

Key Russian Translations:

• линкор [ˈlʲinkər] - [Formal; Used in military and historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and primarily used in discussions of naval history, military strategy, or technical contexts, rather than everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should understand military terminology, but familiarity with Russian naval history may be required for nuanced usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

линкор: [ˈlʲinkər]

Note on линкор: The initial 'л' is a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the English 'l' in "link." Pronounce it with a slight 'y' glide, as in "lyin-kor." Variations may occur in regional accents, but this is the standard Moscow-based pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A large armored warship equipped for heavy gunfire, typically from the pre-World War II era.

Translation(s) & Context:

• линкор - Used in formal, historical, or military discussions; often refers to ships from the early 20th century, such as those in the Russian Imperial Navy.

Usage Examples:

• В Первой мировой войне линкоры играли ключевую роль в морских сражениях.

  In World War I, battleships played a key role in naval battles.

• Современные флоты редко используют линкоры из-за развития авиации.

  Modern navies rarely use battleships due to the development of aviation.

• Линкор "Гангут" был гордостью русского флота в начале XX века.

  The battleship "Gangut" was the pride of the Russian fleet in the early 20th century.

• Во время учений линкор маневрировал, чтобы избежать вражеских торпед.

  During exercises, the battleship maneuvered to avoid enemy torpedoes.

• Музей в Санкт-Петербурге выставляет модель исторического линкора для посетителей.

  The museum in St. Petersburg displays a model of a historical battleship for visitors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Линкор" is a masculine noun in the third declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • броненосец (bronenosets) - Similar, but often refers to earlier ironclad ships; used interchangeably in some historical contexts.
  • тяжёлый крейсер (tyazhyolyy kreyser) - Refers to heavy cruisers, which are related but slightly less armored.
• Antonyms:
  • фрегат (fregat) - A smaller, faster warship, typically used for escort or reconnaissance.
  • эсминец (esminec) - A destroyer, which is lighter and more maneuverable than a battleship.

Related Phrases:

• Линкор класса "Императрица Мария" - Refers to a specific class of battleships; used in historical discussions (e.g., "Battleship of the 'Empress Maria' class").
• Боевой линкор - Means "combat battleship"; emphasizes its role in active warfare.
• Исторический линкор - Translates to "historical battleship"; often used in museum or educational contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "линкор" directly corresponds to the English "battleship" and is the most precise translation for large, heavily armored warships from the pre-modern era. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as military history books, documentaries, or naval discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly specific. When choosing between synonyms like "броненосец," opt for "линкор" if referring to World War I-era ships. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой линкор for "big battleship").

• Scene restrictions: Common in educational or military settings; less frequent in everyday language.
• Special notes: In contemporary Russian, this term is mostly historical, as modern navies use terms like "авианосец" for aircraft carriers.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "линкор" with "крейсер" (cruiser): English learners might mistakenly use "крейсер" for any warship. Error example: "Это крейсер" instead of "Это линкор" when referring to a battleship. Correct usage: "Это линкор" for accuracy, as "крейсер" implies a lighter, faster vessel. Explanation: "Крейсер" is not as heavily armored, so context matters.
• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "линкор" in the genitive case instead of "линкора." Error example: "Я видел линкор" (correct for nominative) vs. incorrect "Я видел линкор" in a phrase like "фото линкор" (should be "фото линкора"). Explanation: Always decline based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "линкор" evokes memories of the Imperial Russian Navy and key events like the Russo-Japanese War or World War I, where ships like the "Gangut" class played significant roles. It symbolizes national pride and military heritage, often featured in literature and films about Russia's naval history, such as in works by authors like Alexander Stepanov. Understanding this term can deepen appreciation for Russia's strategic maritime past.

Related Concepts:

• авианосец (avianosets) - Aircraft carrier
• подводная лодка (podvodnaya lodka) - Submarine
• эсминец (esminec) - Destroyer