Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contest'

English Word: contest

Key Russian Translations:

• конкурс [ˈkonkurs] - [Formal, Often used for competitions or contests]
• соревнование [sərʲɪvˈnovanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Used for sports or general competitions]
• состязание [səstʲɪˈzanʲɪjə] - [Formal/Literary, Often used in intellectual or skill-based contests]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like competitions)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies slightly by term)

Pronunciation (Russian):

конкурс: [ˈkonkurs]

Note on конкурс: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "r" is rolled slightly.

соревнование: [sərʲɪvˈnovanʲɪjə]

Note on соревнование: Stress on the fourth syllable; the "e" sounds like "ye".

состязание: [səstʲɪˈzanʲɪjə]

Note on состязание: Stress on the third syllable; similar to "соревнование" in pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A competition to win a prize or title

Translation(s) & Context:

• конкурс - Often used for formal competitions, beauty contests, or talent shows.

Usage Examples:

• В этом году я участвую в музыкальном конкурсе.

  This year, I am participating in a music contest.

• Конкурс красоты привлёк много зрителей.

  The beauty contest attracted many spectators.

• Победитель конкурса получит денежный приз.

  The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize.

2. A competitive event, often physical or skill-based

Translation(s) & Context:

• соревнование - Commonly used for sports or general competitive events.
• состязание - More formal or literary, often for intellectual or traditional contests.

Usage Examples:

• На этих выходных будет соревнование по плаванию.

  There will be a swimming contest this weekend.

• Состязание умов всегда привлекает студентов.

  A contest of wits always attracts students.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

конкурс (noun, masculine):

соревнование/состязание (noun, neuter): Both follow similar declension patterns for neuter nouns in Russian, with regular endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for конкурс:

• соревнование
• состязание
• турнир (more specific to tournaments)

Note: "турнир" often implies a structured competition with multiple rounds, unlike the broader "конкурс".

Antonyms:

• сотрудничество (cooperation)

Related Phrases:

• участвовать в конкурсе - to participate in a contest
• победить в соревновании - to win a competition
• организовать состязание - to organize a contest

Usage Notes:

• "конкурс" is the most versatile term and often used in formal or organized settings like talent or beauty contests.
• "соревнование" is more common in casual or sports-related contexts.
• "состязание" has a literary or formal tone and is less frequently used in everyday speech.
• Pay attention to the context of the contest to choose the appropriate Russian term.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "конкурс" for informal or sports competitions. Example: *Я участвую в конкурсе по футболу* (incorrect).
• Correction: Use "соревнование" instead: Я участвую в соревновании по футболу (correct).
• Explanation: "конкурс" implies a formal or prize-based event, while "соревнование" fits better for sports or casual competitions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "конкурс" is often associated with highly publicized or prestigious events, such as academic olympiads or talent shows. Competitions like "Конкурс Чайковского" (Tchaikovsky Competition) are world-renowned and carry significant cultural weight.

Related Concepts:

• победа (victory)
• приз (prize)
• участник (participant)