Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Coastline'

English Word: Coastline

Key Russian Translations:

• береговая линия [bʲɪrʲɪɡɐˈvaja ˈlʲinʲɪja] - [Formal, Neutral]
• побережье [pəbʲɪˈrʲeʐjə] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

береговая линия: [bʲɪrʲɪɡɐˈvaja ˈlʲinʲɪja]

Note on береговая линия: Stress falls on the second syllable of "береговая" and the first syllable of "линия". The "г" is pronounced softly as [ɡ].

побережье: [pəbʲɪˈrʲeʐjə]

Note on побережье: Stress on the second syllable. The "ж" sounds like the 's' in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Geographical boundary of land and sea

Translation(s) & Context:

• береговая линия - Often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe the precise line where land meets sea.
• побережье - More common in everyday speech, refers to the coastal area or region.

Usage Examples:

• Береговая линия этого острова очень изрезана.

  The coastline of this island is very jagged.

• Побережье Черного моря привлекает туристов.

  The Black Sea coastline attracts tourists.

• Ученые изучают изменения береговой линии из-за эрозии.

  Scientists are studying changes in the coastline due to erosion.

• На побережье построили новый курорт.

  A new resort was built on the coastline.

• Побережье здесь каменистое и опасное.

  The coastline here is rocky and dangerous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

береговая линия (feminine noun phrase):

побережье (neuter noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for побережье:

• берег
• прибрежная зона

Note: "берег" is more general and can refer to any shore, while "прибрежная зона" emphasizes the coastal zone.

Antonyms:

• внутренние районы (inland areas)

Related Phrases:

• на побережье - "on the coastline" (used to indicate location)
• побережье моря - "seaside coastline" (specifying a sea coast)
• изменение береговой линии - "change in the coastline" (used in environmental contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "береговая линия" is more precise and often used in scientific or formal discussions about geography or mapping.
• "побережье" is the more commonly used term in casual conversation and can refer to the general coastal area rather than the exact boundary.
• Both terms are neutral in tone and can be used in most contexts, but choosing between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the line (береговая линия) or the region (побережье).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "берег" alone to mean "coastline" when a more specific term is needed. "Берег" can mean any shore or bank, including rivers or lakes.
  Incorrect: Берег Черного моря очень красив.
  Correct: Побережье Черного моря очень красиво.
  Explanation: "Побережье" is more appropriate for a sea coastline.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions. For example, using the wrong case with "на побережье".
  Incorrect: Я живу на побережья.
  Correct: Я живу на побережье.
  Explanation: "На" requires the prepositional case for "побережье".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "побережье" (coastline) often evokes images of popular vacation spots like the Black Sea or Baltic Sea coasts, which are significant for tourism and leisure. Many Russians associate the coastline with summer holidays and relaxation.

Related Concepts:

• море (sea)
• пляж (beach)
• порт (port)