Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Circle'

English Word: Circle

Key Russian Translations:

• круг [kruɡ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• окружность [ɐˈkruʐnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Geometric Context]
• кружок [kruˈʒok] - [Informal, Often Refers to Small Groups or Clubs]

Frequency: High (especially "круг")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "круг"); B1 (Intermediate for "окружность" and "кружок")

Pronunciation (Russian):

круг: [kruɡ]

Note on круг: The "р" is rolled, and the "у" sounds like the "oo" in "food".

окружность: [ɐˈkruʐnəsʲtʲ]

Note on окружность: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ж" is a voiced fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure".

кружок: [kruˈʒok]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Geometric Shape (A round shape)

Translation(s) & Context:

• круг - General term for a circle or round shape in everyday language.
• окружность - Specifically used in mathematical or technical contexts to refer to the circumference or boundary of a circle.

Usage Examples:

• Нарисуй круг на бумаге.

  Draw a circle on the paper.

• Окружность круга равна 2πr.

  The circumference of a circle is 2πr.

• Дети сидели в кругу.

  The children sat in a circle.

2. Group or Community (A social or interest group)

Translation(s) & Context:

• круг - Refers to a social circle or group of people.
• кружок - Refers to a small club or hobby group, often informal.

Usage Examples:

• У меня узкий круг друзей.

  I have a small circle of friends.

• Мы записались в кружок рисования.

  We joined a drawing club.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

круг (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

окружность (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate): Follows standard feminine declension patterns (e.g., Nominative: окружность, Genitive: окружности).

кружок (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): Similar to "круг" but with a diminutive suffix, follows standard masculine declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "круг":

• кольцо (ring, often for physical objects like a wedding ring)
• обруч (hoop, often for physical rings or hoops)

Antonyms for "круг":

• квадрат (square)
• прямоугольник (rectangle)

Related Phrases:

• круг общения - Circle of communication (refers to one's social circle).
• замкнутый круг - Vicious circle (a situation with no way out).
• кружок по интересам - Interest club (a small group for shared hobbies).

Usage Notes:

• "круг" is the most versatile and common translation for "circle", used in both literal (shape) and figurative (social group) senses.
• "окружность" is strictly used in technical or mathematical contexts, often referring to the boundary or perimeter of a circle rather than the shape itself.
• "кружок" often carries a diminutive or informal tone and is frequently used to describe small organized groups or clubs.
• Be mindful of context when choosing the appropriate Russian word, as using "окружность" in a casual conversation about a drawn circle would sound overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "окружность" when referring to a social circle.
  Incorrect: У меня большая окружность друзей.
  Correct: У меня большой круг друзей.
  Explanation: "окружность" is a technical term for circumference and should not be used metaphorically for groups of people.
• Error: Misusing "кружок" for a geometric circle.
  Incorrect: Нарисуй кружок на чертеже.
  Correct: Нарисуй круг на чертеже.
  Explanation: "кружок" implies a small or informal group rather than a precise geometric shape.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "круг общения" (circle of communication) is significant, reflecting the importance of close-knit social groups and trusted relationships. Russians often emphasize personal connections within their "круг", which may differ from broader Western notions of social networks.

Related Concepts:

• кольцо (ring)
• сфера (sphere)
• диск (disk)