Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Canyon'

English Word: Canyon

Key Russian Translations:

• каньон [ˈkanʲjɵn] - [Formal, Neutral]
• ущелье [ʊˈɕːelʲje] - [Neutral, Often used for narrower or deeper formations]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts related to geography or travel)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, due to specific usage and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

каньон: [ˈkanʲjɵn]

Note on каньон: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the "ь" softens the preceding "н".

ущелье: [ʊˈɕːelʲje]

Note on ущелье: Pay attention to the soft "л" and the stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A deep, narrow valley with steep sides (Geographical term)

Translation(s) & Context:

• каньон - Typically used in scientific or formal contexts to describe large geological formations like the Grand Canyon.
• ущелье - More commonly used for narrower valleys or gorges, often in literary or descriptive contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Гранд-Каньон — одно из самых удивительных мест в мире.

  The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing places in the world.

• Мы путешествовали по каньону и восхищались его красотой.

  We traveled through the canyon and admired its beauty.

• Глубокое ущелье разделяло две горы.

  A deep gorge separated the two mountains.

• В этом ущелье текла бурная река.

  A turbulent river flowed through this canyon.

• Ущелье было настолько узким, что солнце едва проникало туда.

  The gorge was so narrow that the sun barely penetrated it.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

каньон (Masculine Noun):

ущелье (Neuter Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for каньон/ущелье:

• овраг (ravine, smaller in scale)
• пропасть (abyss, often metaphorical)

Note: "овраг" is usually smaller and less dramatic than "ущелье", while "пропасть" may carry a sense of danger or depth.

Antonyms for каньон/ущелье:

• возвышенность (elevation)
• холм (hill)

Related Phrases:

• глубокий каньон - deep canyon
• узкое ущелье - narrow gorge
• путешествие по каньону - journey through a canyon

Usage Notes:

• "каньон" is a direct borrowing from English and is mostly used for large, iconic formations like the Grand Canyon. It is more formal or scientific.
• "ущелье" is a native Russian word and is more versatile, often used for narrower or less grand formations. It is common in everyday speech or literature.
• When choosing between the two, consider the scale and context: use "каньон" for vast, famous formations and "ущелье" for smaller or more generic gorges.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "каньон" for any small gorge or valley.
  Incorrect: В лесу был маленький каньон.
  Correct: В лесу было маленькое ущелье.
  Explanation: "каньон" implies a large, significant formation, while "ущелье" is more appropriate for smaller or less dramatic features.
• Error: Mispronouncing "ущелье" with stress on the first syllable.
  Incorrect: [ˈuɕːelʲje]
  Correct: [ʊˈɕːelʲje]
  Explanation: The stress is on the second syllable, and incorrect stress can lead to misunderstanding.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "canyon" or "ущелье" often evokes imagery of remote, wild, or mountainous regions, such as the Caucasus Mountains, which are rich in gorges and ravines. The word "ущелье" may appear in folklore or poetry to describe dramatic natural landscapes.

Related Concepts:

• гора (mountain)
• долина (valley)
• река (river)