Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Channel'

English Word: Channel

Key Russian Translations:

• канал [kɐˈnal] - [Neutral, Common for TV/radio channels and waterways]
• путь [putʲ] - [Formal, Often metaphorical for 'path' or 'means']

Frequency: High (especially for "канал")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "канал"); B2 (Intermediate for "путь")

Pronunciation (Russian):

канал: [kɐˈnal]

Note on канал: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'a' sounds are reduced in unstressed positions.

путь: [putʲ]

Note on путь: The final consonant is palatalized, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Television or Radio Channel

Translation(s) & Context:

• канал - Refers to a broadcast channel (e.g., TV or radio).

Usage Examples:

• Я смотрю новости на этом канале.

  I watch the news on this channel.

• Какой канал транслирует матч?

  Which channel is broadcasting the match?

• Переключи канал, этот фильм скучный.

  Switch the channel; this movie is boring.

2. Waterway or Passage

Translation(s) & Context:

• канал - Refers to a physical channel like a canal or waterway.

Usage Examples:

• Суэцкий канал очень важен для торговли.

  The Suez Canal is very important for trade.

• Мы проплыли по каналу в Венеции.

  We sailed through a canal in Venice.

3. Means or Path (Metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• путь - Used metaphorically to mean a way or channel of communication/action.

Usage Examples:

• Это единственный путь решить проблему.

  This is the only channel to solve the problem.

• Мы нашли путь для диалога.

  We found a channel for dialogue.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. канал (Noun, Masculine)

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	канал	каналы
Genitive	канала	каналов
Dative	каналу	каналам
Accusative	канал	каналы
Instrumental	каналом	каналами
Prepositional	канале	каналах

2. путь (Noun, Masculine)

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	путь	пути
Genitive	пути	путей
Dative	пути	путям
Accusative	путь	пути
Instrumental	путём	путями
Prepositional	пути	путях

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "канал":

• проток (waterway context)
• русло (natural channel or riverbed)

Note: "проток" is more specific to smaller waterways, while "русло" is used for natural riverbeds.

Antonyms for "канал":

• перекрытие (blockage, in waterway context)

Synonyms for "путь":

• дорога (road or path)
• способ (method or means)

Related Phrases:

• телевизионный канал - Television channel
• канал связи - Communication channel
• путь к успеху - Path to success
• найти путь - Find a way/channel

Usage Notes:

• "канал" is the most common and versatile translation for "channel," covering both literal (waterway) and figurative (TV/radio) meanings.
• "путь" is used in abstract or metaphorical contexts and should not be used for physical or media channels.
• Pay attention to stress in "канал" ([kɐˈnal]) as misplacing stress can lead to misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "путь" for a TV channel. Incorrect: "Я смотрю путь 1." Correct: "Я смотрю канал 1." (I watch Channel 1.)
• Error: Forgetting case endings for "канал." Incorrect: "Я плыву на канал." Correct: "Я плыву по каналу." (I am sailing along the canal.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "канал" often evokes associations with major historical waterways like the Volga-Don Canal or the White Sea-Baltic Canal, which are tied to Soviet engineering feats. Additionally, television channels (e.g., Первый канал - Channel One) play a significant role in media consumption.

Related Concepts:

• телеканал (TV channel specifically)
• программа (program, as in TV program)
• река (river, related to waterways)