Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Centimetre'

English Word: Centimetre

Key Russian Translations:

• сантиметр [sənʲtʲɪˈmʲetr] - [Formal, Neutral, Commonly Used]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сантиметр: [sənʲtʲɪˈmʲetr]

Note on сантиметр: The stress is on the second syllable ("ти"). The "р" at the end is pronounced softly in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Unit of Length (Metric System)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сантиметр - Used in scientific, educational, and everyday contexts to refer to a unit of length equal to one-hundredth of a meter.

Usage Examples:

• Этот стол имеет ширину 50 сантиметров.

  This table has a width of 50 centimeters.

• Мне нужно измерить длину в сантиметрах, а не в дюймах.

  I need to measure the length in centimeters, not in inches.

• Рост ребёнка увеличился на 5 сантиметров за год.

  The child’s height increased by 5 centimeters over the year.

• Линейка показывает 10 сантиметров.

  The ruler shows 10 centimeters.

• Расстояние между точками составляет 3 сантиметра.

  The distance between the points is 3 centimeters.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word сантиметр is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the regular declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• см (abbreviation of сантиметр, commonly used in writing and speech)

Note: "см" is simply a shorthand for "сантиметр" and is interchangeable in most contexts, especially in technical or written forms.

Antonyms:

• метр (meter, a larger unit of measurement)
• километр (kilometer, a much larger unit of measurement)

Related Phrases:

• в сантиметрах - "in centimeters" (used when specifying measurement units)
• несколько сантиметров - "a few centimeters" (used to describe small distances or lengths)
• измерить в сантиметрах - "to measure in centimeters" (used in contexts of measurement)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "сантиметр" directly corresponds to the English "centimetre" (or "centimeter" in American English) and is used in identical contexts, such as measurements of length in the metric system.
• The abbreviation "см" is very common in written Russian (e.g., on rulers, technical drawings, or product descriptions) and is understood by all native speakers.
• When using numbers with "сантиметр," the noun changes form based on the number (e.g., 1 сантиметр, 2 сантиметра, 5 сантиметров). This follows standard Russian numeral-noun agreement rules.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect declension after numbers. English learners often use the nominative singular form "сантиметр" after any number, e.g., "5 сантиметр" (wrong).
  Correct Usage: After numbers like 2, 3, 4, use the genitive singular "сантиметра" (e.g., 2 сантиметра). After 5 and above, use the genitive plural "сантиметров" (e.g., 5 сантиметров).
• Error: Mispronunciation by placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., stressing "сан" instead of "ти."
  Correct Usage: Stress the second syllable: [sənʲtʲɪˈmʲetr].

Cultural Notes:

In Russia and other Russian-speaking countries, the metric system is the standard for measurements, so "сантиметр" is a fundamental unit in everyday life, education, and science. Unlike in some English-speaking countries where inches and feet may be more common, centimeters are universally used for small-scale measurements in Russian contexts.

Related Concepts:

• метр (meter)
• миллиметр (millimeter)
• километр (kilometer)
• измерение (measurement)