Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Compass'

English Word: Compass

Key Russian Translations:

• компас [ˈkompəs] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компас: [ˈkompəs]

Note on компас: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'o' is pronounced as a clear [o] sound, not reduced as in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Navigational Instrument

Translation(s) & Context:

• компас - Refers to a device used for navigation and orientation, showing directions like north, south, east, and west.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть компас, чтобы не заблудиться в лесу.

  I have a compass so as not to get lost in the forest.

• Компас показывает, где север.

  The compass shows where north is.

• Моряки всегда используют компас для навигации.

  Sailors always use a compass for navigation.

• Этот компас очень старый, но всё ещё работает.

  This compass is very old, but it still works.

• Без компаса мы бы не нашли дорогу обратно.

  Without a compass, we wouldn’t have found our way back.

2. Figurative Sense (Moral or Guiding Principle)

Translation(s) & Context:

• компас - Rarely used metaphorically to mean a guiding principle or moral direction, though this usage is less common than in English.

Usage Examples:

• Его совесть была его компасом в жизни.

  His conscience was his compass in life.

• У каждого человека должен быть внутренний компас.

  Every person should have an inner compass.

• Её принципы служили ей компасом в трудные времена.

  Her principles served as her compass in difficult times.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

компас is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• ориентир (landmark or reference point, broader in meaning)

Note: Synonyms for 'компас' are limited since it is a specific term. 'ориентир' can sometimes overlap in metaphorical contexts.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (no direct opposite for a physical compass).

Related Phrases:

• магнитный компас - Magnetic compass (a specific type of compass).
• потерять компас - To lose the compass (literal or figurative, meaning losing direction).
• следовать компасу - To follow the compass (to navigate using a compass).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word 'компас' directly corresponds to the English 'compass' in the literal sense of a navigational tool. It is a loanword from European languages and is universally understood in Russian.
• In metaphorical contexts (e.g., moral compass), 'компас' can be used but is less common. Russians might prefer other expressions like 'ориентир' (reference point) or 'путеводная звезда' (guiding star) for figurative meanings.
• The word is neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing 'компас' in metaphorical contexts without proper context. For example, saying 'Мой компас в жизни' (My compass in life) might sound unnatural to native speakers without additional explanation.
  Correct Usage: Use phrases like 'Мой внутренний компас' (My inner compass) or opt for a more idiomatic Russian expression like 'Моя совесть' (My conscience).
  Incorrect Example: Компас сказал мне, что делать. (The compass told me what to do.)
  Correct Example: Моя совесть подсказала мне, что делать. (My conscience told me what to do.)
• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using 'компасу' in the accusative case instead of 'компас'.
  Correct Usage: Я вижу компас. (I see the compass.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a compass is strongly associated with exploration, travel, and military history, especially in the context of the Soviet era when navigation skills were emphasized in education and scouting programs. Metaphorical usage is less ingrained compared to English, so native speakers might not immediately associate 'компас' with moral guidance.

Related Concepts:

• карта (map)
• навигация (navigation)
• ориентирование (orientation)
• север (north)