Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Circular'

English Word: Circular

Key Russian Translations:

• круглый [ˈkruɡlɨj] - [Adjective, General use for shape]
• циркулярный [tsɪrkʊˈlʲarnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Often used in technical or official contexts]
• круговой [krʊɡɐˈvoj] - [Adjective, Used for motion or figurative circularity]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like geometry, official documents, or descriptions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "круглый"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "циркулярный" and "круговой" due to contextual nuances

Pronunciation (Russian):

круглый: [ˈkruɡlɨj]

Note on круглый: Stress on the first syllable; the final sound "ɨj" is a soft consonant typical in Russian adjectives.

циркулярный: [tsɪrkʊˈlʲarnɨj]

Note on циркулярный: Stress on the third syllable; note the soft "lʲ" sound, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

круговой: [krʊɡɐˈvoj]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Referring to a Round Shape (Physical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• круглый - Used to describe something physically round, like a table or moon.

Usage Examples:

• У нас круглый стол в гостиной.

  We have a round table in the living room.

• Луна сегодня такая круглая!

  The moon is so round tonight!

• Он нарисовал круглый узор на бумаге.

  He drew a circular pattern on the paper.

2. Referring to a Circular Document or Notice (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• циркулярный - Used in formal or bureaucratic contexts to describe circular letters or notices.

Usage Examples:

• Был издан циркулярный приказ по всем отделам.

  A circular order was issued to all departments.

• Циркулярное письмо разослали сотрудникам.

  A circular letter was sent to the employees.

3. Referring to Circular Motion or Path

Translation(s) & Context:

• круговой - Used for describing circular movement, routes, or figurative cycles.

Usage Examples:

• Мы сделали круговой маршрут по парку.

  We took a circular route through the park.

• Это круговой процесс без конца.

  This is a circular process with no end.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

круглый (Adjective): Regular adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	круглый	круглая	круглое	круглые
Genitive	круглого	круглой	круглого	круглых

циркулярный (Adjective): Follows similar declension rules as "круглый."

круговой (Adjective): Follows similar declension rules as above, with stress on the second syllable in all forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for круглый:

• округлый (slightly more literary or poetic)
• овальный (for oval shapes, close in meaning)

Antonyms for круглый:

• квадратный (square)
• прямоугольный (rectangular)

Related Phrases:

• круглый стол - "round table" (discussion or meeting format)
• круговое движение - "circular motion" (often used in traffic contexts)
• циркулярная пила - "circular saw" (tool)

Usage Notes:

• "круглый" is the most versatile and commonly used term for physical roundness, suitable for everyday conversations.
• "циркулярный" is highly formal and specific to written or technical contexts like official notices or tools.
• "круговой" often implies motion or a path and can be used metaphorically (e.g., circular reasoning).
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the form changes based on the noun's gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "циркулярный" to describe a round object like a table. Wrong: Циркулярный стол. Correct: Круглый стол. Explanation: "Циркулярный" is reserved for formal or technical uses, not physical shapes.
• Error: Incorrect adjective endings due to gender mismatch. Wrong: Круглый луна. Correct: Круглая луна. Explanation: "Луна" (moon) is feminine, so the adjective must match.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "круглый стол" (round table) often symbolizes equality and open discussion, much like in Western contexts, and is frequently used in political or academic settings.

Related Concepts:

• окружность (circumference)
• круг (circle)
• сфера (sphere)