Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bridge'

English Word: bridge

Key Russian Translations:

• мост [most] - [Common, General Use]
• переправа [pʲɪrʲɪˈpravə] - [Less Common, Often Metaphorical or Temporary Crossing]

Frequency: High (for "мост"); Medium (for "переправа")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "мост"); B1 (Intermediate for "переправа")

Pronunciation (Russian):

мост: [most]

Note on мост: The stress is on the single syllable. It is a straightforward word to pronounce for English speakers.

переправа: [pʲɪrʲɪˈpravə]

Note on переправа: Stress falls on the third syllable ("pra"). The soft "р" sound might be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Structure Over Water or Gap

Translation(s) & Context:

• мост - Used for permanent structures like road or railway bridges.

Usage Examples:

• Через реку построили новый мост.

  A new bridge was built over the river.

• Этот мост очень старый, но всё ещё крепкий.

  This bridge is very old, but still sturdy.

• Мы перешли мост и оказались в центре города.

  We crossed the bridge and found ourselves in the city center.

2. Temporary or Metaphorical Crossing

Translation(s) & Context:

• переправа - Often refers to a temporary crossing or ferry, or metaphorically to a transition.

Usage Examples:

• Во время войны использовали временную переправу.

  During the war, a temporary crossing was used.

• Переправа через реку заняла полчаса.

  The crossing over the river took half an hour.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мост (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

переправа (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate): Follows regular feminine noun declension patterns. Key forms include Nominative Singular: переправа, Genitive Singular: переправы, Nominative Plural: переправы.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for мост:

• виадук (viaduct, specific type of bridge)
• переход (crossing, often pedestrian)

Note: "виадук" is more technical, while "переход" often implies a smaller or pedestrian structure.

Antonyms for мост:

• пропасть (abyss, gap)

Related Phrases:

• разводной мост - Drawbridge (a bridge that can be raised or lowered).
• мост дружбы - Bridge of friendship (metaphorical, symbolizing connection between people or nations).
• переправа на лодке - Crossing by boat (temporary or alternative to a bridge).

Usage Notes:

• "мост" is the primary and most commonly used term for a physical bridge and should be your default choice unless context specifies otherwise.
• "переправа" often implies a less permanent or more effortful crossing, such as a ferry or a ford, and can be used metaphorically for transitions or challenges.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as "переправа" may not always fit when referring to a modern, permanent structure.

Common Errors:

1. Misusing "переправа" for a permanent bridge: English learners often use "переправа" when referring to any bridge, but it’s incorrect for a permanent structure. Correct: "мост" for a city bridge. Incorrect: "переправа" for a structure like the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Wrong case usage with prepositions: Learners often forget to use the correct case after prepositions like "через" (through/across), which requires the accusative case. Correct: "через мост" (across the bridge). Incorrect: "через моста".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, bridges often carry symbolic meaning, representing connection or overcoming obstacles. Many Russian cities, like St. Petersburg, are famous for their iconic bridges (e.g., разводные мосты - drawbridges), which are celebrated in literature and art. The term "мост дружбы" (bridge of friendship) is often used in diplomatic contexts to symbolize unity.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• дорога (road)
• переход (crossing)