Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'corner'

English Word: corner

Key Russian Translations:

• угол [ˈuɡəl] - [Neutral, Common for physical corners or angles]
• уголок [uɡɐˈlok] - [Informal, Diminutive, Often used for cozy or small corners]
• закоулок [zəkɐˈulək] - [Informal, Often used for hidden or secluded corners]

Frequency: High (especially "угол")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "угол"); B1 (Intermediate for "уголок" and "закоулок")

Pronunciation (Russian):

угол: [ˈuɡəl]

Note on угол: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "г" is pronounced as a hard 'g'.

уголок: [uɡɐˈlok]

Note on уголок: Stress on the last syllable; the diminutive suffix "-ок" softens the tone.

закоулок: [zəkɐˈulək]

Note on закоулок: Stress on the third syllable; often used metaphorically for hidden places.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Corner (e.g., of a room or object)

Translation(s) & Context:

• угол - Most common translation for a physical corner or angle (e.g., corner of a room).
• уголок - Used for a small or cozy corner, often with an affectionate tone.

Usage Examples:

• Книга лежит в углу комнаты.

  The book is lying in the corner of the room.

• Устрой себе уголок для чтения.

  Set up a cozy corner for reading.

• Стол стоит в самом дальнем углу.

  The table is in the farthest corner.

2. Hidden or Secluded Place (figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• закоулок - Refers to a hidden or secluded corner, often in a metaphorical sense.

Usage Examples:

• Мы нашли кафе в тихом закоулке города.

  We found a café in a quiet corner of the city.

• Этот закоулок полон тайн.

  This hidden corner is full of mysteries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

угол (noun, masculine): Regular declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	угол	углы
Genitive	угла	углов
Dative	углу	углам
Accusative	угол	углы
Instrumental	углом	углами
Prepositional	об угле	об углах

уголок (noun, masculine): Follows a similar pattern to "угол" but with the diminutive suffix "-ок".

закоулок (noun, masculine): Follows regular declension rules for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for угол (physical corner):

• край
• часть (in certain contexts)

Note: "край" is broader and can mean "edge" or "border"; use "угол" for precise corners.

Antonyms for угол:

• центр (center)

Related Phrases:

• за углом - "Around the corner" (used for location or metaphorically for something imminent).
• в углу - "In the corner" (common for describing position).
• угол зрения - "Point of view" or "perspective" (figurative use of "угол").

Usage Notes:

• "угол" is the most neutral and widely used term for "corner" in both literal and figurative senses. It is the safest choice for beginners.
• "уголок" carries a diminutive, affectionate tone, often implying a small or cozy space. Avoid using it in formal contexts.
• "закоулок" is more specific to hidden or secluded places and is less common in everyday speech about physical corners.
• Be mindful of prepositions: "в углу" (in the corner) and "за углом" (around the corner) are fixed expressions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "уголок" in formal writing or speech.
  Incorrect: В уголке офиса стоит стол.
  Correct: В углу офиса стоит стол.
  Explanation: "уголок" sounds too informal and diminutive for professional contexts.
• Error: Misusing prepositions with "угол".
  Incorrect: Я стою на углу.
  Correct: Я стою за углом.
  Explanation: "На углу" is typically used for street corners, while "за углом" means "around the corner".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "cozy corner" ("уголок") is often associated with personal space or comfort, reflecting the importance of creating warm, intimate environments in homes, especially in colder climates.

Related Concepts:

• край (edge)
• сторона (side)
• место (place, in a broader sense)