Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Constellation'

English Word: Constellation

Key Russian Translations:

• созвездие [səzˈvʲezdʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Scientific, Commonly Used]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

созвездие: [səzˈvʲezdʲɪjə]

Note on созвездие: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable ('vez'). The 'з' is voiced, and 'ие' at the end sounds like 'ya'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern (Astronomy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• созвездие - Used in scientific, educational, and general contexts to refer to a constellation in the sky (e.g., Orion, Ursa Major).

Usage Examples:

• Созвездие Ориона легко найти на ночном небе.

  The constellation of Orion is easy to find in the night sky.

• Астрономы изучили созвездие Большой Медведицы.

  Astronomers studied the constellation of Ursa Major.

• В древности созвездия использовались для навигации.

  In ancient times, constellations were used for navigation.

• Каждое созвездие имеет свою историю и мифы.

  Each constellation has its own history and myths.

• Созвездие Скорпиона видно только в южном полушарии.

  The constellation of Scorpio is only visible in the southern hemisphere.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The Russian word созвездие is a neuter noun. It follows the standard declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in '-ие'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• звёздная группа (less common, literal meaning 'star group')

Note: 'звёздная группа' is rarely used and may sound unnatural in most contexts; 'созвездие' is the standard term.

Antonyms:

• (No direct antonym exists for 'constellation' in Russian)

Related Phrases:

• созвездие Большой Медведицы - 'The constellation of Ursa Major' (literally 'Big Bear')
• созвездие Малой Медведицы - 'The constellation of Ursa Minor' (literally 'Little Bear')
• найти созвездие - 'to find a constellation' (used when stargazing)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian term созвездие directly corresponds to the English 'constellation' and is used in both scientific and casual contexts. There are no significant stylistic variations or alternative translations.
• It is a neuter noun, so it requires appropriate agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., 'красивое созвездие' for 'beautiful constellation').
• Russian often specifies constellations with proper names, such as 'созвездие Ориона' (Orion's constellation), following the genitive case for possession.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect case usage after prepositions or in phrases. For example, saying 'созвездие Орион' instead of 'созвездие Ориона' (genitive case required).
• Correction: Always use the genitive case for the name of the constellation when it follows 'созвездие' (e.g., 'созвездие Ориона').
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress as 'сóзвездие' instead of 'созвéздие'.
• Correction: Stress falls on the second syllable ('vez'). Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, constellations often carry the same mythological significance as in Western traditions, largely due to shared Greco-Roman influences. However, some constellations, like Ursa Major ('Большая Медведица'), are deeply embedded in Slavic folklore and are often referenced in stories or proverbs about navigation and the night sky.

Related Concepts:

• звезда (star)
• небо (sky)
• астрономия (astronomy)
• мифология (mythology)