Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caravan'

English Word: caravan

Key Russian Translations:

• караван [kɐrɐˈvan] - [Neutral, Common Usage]
• фургон [fʊrˈgon] - [Informal, Often Refers to a Single Vehicle]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "караван"); B1 (Intermediate for "фургон")

Pronunciation (Russian):

караван: [kɐrɐˈvan]

Note on караван: Stress falls on the last syllable, which is common for many borrowed words in Russian.

фургон: [fʊrˈgon]

Note on фургон: The stress is on the second syllable; the "г" is pronounced as a hard [g].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Group of Travelers or Vehicles (Historical or Modern Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• караван - Often used for a group of travelers, camels, or vehicles moving together, especially in historical or desert contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Караван верблюдов медленно двигался через пустыню.

  A caravan of camels slowly moved through the desert.

• В старину караваны шли по Шёлковому пути.

  In ancient times, caravans traveled along the Silk Road.

• Караван машин остановился на ночлег у реки.

  A caravan of cars stopped for the night by the river.

2. A Single Vehicle or Trailer (Modern Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фургон - Refers to a single vehicle, often a van or trailer used for travel or living.

Usage Examples:

• Мы купили фургон для путешествий по стране.

  We bought a caravan for traveling around the country.

• Этот фургон оборудован всем необходимым для жизни.

  This caravan is equipped with everything needed for living.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

караван (Masculine Noun):

фургон (Masculine Noun): Follows similar declension patterns as "караван."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for караван:

• кортеж (used for a procession or convoy, often formal)
• обоз (historical term for a supply train or caravan)

Synonyms for фургон:

• автодом (specifically a motorhome)
• трейлер (trailer or mobile home)

Antonyms: None directly applicable in common usage.

Related Phrases:

• караван верблюдов - "caravan of camels" (historical or desert context)
• караван машин - "caravan of cars" (modern convoy)
• жить в фургоне - "to live in a caravan" (modern lifestyle context)

Usage Notes:

• "караван" is the more traditional and widely recognized term for a group of travelers or vehicles, often with historical or cultural connotations.
• "фургон" is more specific to a single vehicle or trailer, commonly used in modern contexts for camping or travel.
• Choose "караван" when referring to a convoy or group, and "фургон" when discussing an individual mobile home or van.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "фургон" to describe a historical caravan of camels or travelers.
  Incorrect: Фургон верблюдов шёл через пустыню.
  Correct: Караван верблюдов шёл через пустыню.
  Explanation: "фургон" refers to a vehicle, not a group or procession.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of "караван").
  Explanation: Stress must be on the last syllable [kɐrɐˈvan].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "караван" often evokes imagery of historical trade routes like the Silk Road, or nomadic lifestyles in Central Asia. It carries a sense of adventure and history, unlike the more utilitarian "фургон," which is purely modern and practical.

Related Concepts:

• пустыня (desert)
• путешествие (journey)
• кемпинг (camping)