Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Binoculars'

English Word: Binoculars

Key Russian Translations:

• бинокль [bʲɪˈnoklʲ] - [Singular, Neutral]
• бинокли [bʲɪˈnoklʲɪ] - [Plural]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бинокль: [bʲɪˈnoklʲ]

Note on бинокль: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "л" sound is palatalized, which is common in Russian.

бинокли: [bʲɪˈnoklʲɪ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Optical Instrument for Viewing Distant Objects

Translation(s) & Context:

• бинокль - Used in general contexts to refer to a single pair of binoculars, often in formal or neutral settings (e.g., theater, birdwatching).
• бинокли - Refers to multiple pairs of binoculars, used in plural contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял бинокль, чтобы рассмотреть птиц в лесу.

  I took binoculars to observe birds in the forest.

• В театре многие используют бинокль, чтобы лучше видеть сцену.

  In the theater, many people use binoculars to see the stage better.

• На экскурсии нам выдали бинокли для наблюдения за животными.

  During the excursion, we were given binoculars to observe animals.

• У тебя есть бинокль для похода?

  Do you have binoculars for the hike?

• Эти бинокли очень мощные, можно увидеть даже звёзды.

  These binoculars are very powerful; you can even see the stars.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word бинокль is a masculine noun in Russian and follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• оптический прибор (optical device - broader term, less specific)

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as "binoculars" is a specific tool without an opposite concept.

Related Phrases:

• театральный бинокль - Theater binoculars (used specifically for viewing performances in theaters).
• военный бинокль - Military binoculars (used in military or tactical contexts).
• смотреть в бинокль - To look through binoculars (common expression for using binoculars).

Usage Notes:

• The word "бинокль" is the most common and neutral term for "binoculars" in Russian. It is used across various contexts, from casual to formal.
• Remember to use the singular form "бинокль" when referring to one pair of binoculars and the plural "бинокли" when referring to multiple pairs.
• Russian does not have a separate term for a single lens device (like a monocular); "бинокль" strictly implies a dual-lens instrument.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular "бинокль" when referring to multiple pairs.
  Incorrect: У нас есть один бинокль для всей группы.
  Correct: У нас есть несколько биноклей для всей группы.
  Explanation: Use the plural "бинокли" when referring to more than one pair of binoculars.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation.
  Incorrect: Stress on the first syllable [ˈbʲɪnoklʲ].
  Correct: Stress on the second syllable [bʲɪˈnoklʲ].
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, binoculars are often associated with specific activities such as birdwatching, theater-going, or military use. The term "театральный бинокль" (theater binoculars) evokes a sense of sophistication and is tied to the tradition of attending operas or plays, especially in historic theaters like the Bolshoi in Moscow.

Related Concepts:

• телескоп (telescope)
• микроскоп (microscope)
• оптика (optics)