Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'block'

English Word: block

Key Russian Translations:

• блок [blɒk] - [Formal, Neutral, Often used for physical or conceptual blocks]
• квартал [kvɐrˈtal] - [Neutral, Used for city block or neighborhood]
• преграда [prʲɪˈɡradə] - [Formal, Used for barrier or obstacle]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, varies by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

блок: [blɒk]

Note on блок: The stress is on the single syllable, pronounced similarly to the English word "block."

квартал: [kvɐrˈtal]

Note on квартал: Stress falls on the second syllable; ensure the "r" is rolled slightly.

преграда: [prʲɪˈɡradə]

Note on преграда: Stress on the second syllable; the "e" is pronounced as "ye."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A physical or structural block (e.g., building block, blockade)

Translation(s) & Context:

• блок - Used for physical blocks like concrete blocks or conceptual blocks like memory blocks in computing.

Usage Examples:

• Этот блок используется для строительства стены.

  This block is used for building a wall.

• Компьютерный блок памяти повреждён.

  The computer memory block is damaged.

• Мы установили блок на дороге.

  We set up a block on the road.

2. A city block or neighborhood area

Translation(s) & Context:

• квартал - Refers to a city block or district, often used in urban planning or directions.

Usage Examples:

• Магазин находится через два квартала.

  The store is two blocks away.

• Этот квартал очень тихий.

  This block (neighborhood) is very quiet.

3. An obstacle or barrier

Translation(s) & Context:

• преграда - Used for physical or metaphorical barriers, often in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• На пути возникла преграда.

  A barrier appeared in the way.

• Язык не должен быть преградой для дружбы.

  Language should not be a block to friendship.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

блок (blok) - Noun, Masculine, Inanimate

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	блок	блоки
Genitive	блока	блоков
Dative	блоку	блокам
Accusative	блок	блоки
Instrumental	блоком	блоками
Prepositional	о блоке	о блоках

квартал (kvartal) - Noun, Masculine, Inanimate: Follows similar declension patterns as "блок." Stress remains on the second syllable in all forms.

преграда (pregrada) - Noun, Feminine, Inanimate: Follows standard feminine noun declension with stress on the second syllable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for блок:

• кусок (piece, chunk - for physical blocks)
• модуль (module - in technical contexts)

Synonyms for квартал:

• район (district - broader area)

Synonyms for преграда:

• препятствие (obstacle - more general)
• барьер (barrier - often interchangeable)

Antonyms for преграда:

• проход (passage)
• доступ (access)

Related Phrases:

• блок питания - Power block/unit (used in electronics).
• жилой квартал - Residential block/neighborhood (common in urban contexts).
• преграда на пути - A block/barrier in the way (often metaphorical).

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "блок," "квартал," and "преграда" depends heavily on context. "Блок" is the most versatile, covering physical and abstract concepts, while "квартал" is strictly for geographical or urban blocks.
• "Преграда" is more formal and often used in written or literary contexts to denote obstacles or barriers.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender when using these nouns in sentences (блок - masculine, преграда - feminine, квартал - masculine).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "блок" for a city block. Correct: Use "квартал" instead. Example of error: *Я живу в этом блоке* (Incorrect). Correct: Я живу в этом квартале.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "квартал" (e.g., stressing the first syllable). Correct: Stress is always on the second syllable [kvɐrˈtal].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian urban culture, "квартал" often refers to a planned city block, reflecting Soviet-era urban design where neighborhoods were systematically divided. Understanding this term can provide insight into how Russians describe locations or give directions in cities.

Related Concepts:

• улица (street)
• микрорайон (microdistrict)
• здание (building)