Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cosmos'

English Word: cosmos

Key Russian Translations:

• космос [ˈkosmos] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• вселенная [fsʲɪˈlʲennaja] - [Formal, Often Used in Scientific or Philosophical Contexts]

Frequency: Medium (both translations are well-known but context-dependent)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "космос" is easier to learn, while "вселенная" may require more context understanding)

Pronunciation (Russian):

космос: [ˈkosmos]

Note on космос: Stress is on the first syllable. The pronunciation is very close to the English word "cosmos."

вселенная: [fsʲɪˈlʲennaja]

Note on вселенная: Stress is on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound, which is common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Universe or Space (as a physical entity)

Translation(s) & Context:

• космос - Refers to outer space, often used in scientific or everyday contexts related to space exploration.
• вселенная - Refers to the universe as a whole, often in a broader, philosophical, or scientific sense.

Usage Examples:

• Человек впервые полетел в космос в 1961 году.

  Humans first flew into space in 1961.

• Космос полон загадок и тайн.

  Space is full of mysteries and secrets.

• Вселенная бесконечна, и мы лишь малая её часть.

  The universe is infinite, and we are only a small part of it.

• Астрономы изучают вселенную с помощью телескопов.

  Astronomers study the universe using telescopes.

• Мечта о полёте в космос вдохновляет многих.

  The dream of flying into space inspires many people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

космос (Masculine Noun):

Note: "космос" does not typically have a plural form as it refers to a singular concept (space).

вселенная (Feminine Noun):

Note: "вселенная" also typically lacks a plural form as it denotes a unique entity (the universe).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for космос:

• пространство (space, often in a broader sense)
• небеса (heavens, more poetic)

Note: "пространство" can sometimes refer to abstract space, while "небеса" carries a poetic or religious connotation.

Synonyms for вселенная:

• мир (world, in the sense of the entire creation, more literary)

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms, as "cosmos" and "universe" are unique concepts. Contextually, "земля" (Earth) can be contrasted with "космос" (space).

Related Phrases:

• полёт в космос - Flight into space
• исследование космоса - Space exploration
• тайны вселенной - Mysteries of the universe
• происхождение вселенной - Origin of the universe

Usage Notes:

• "космос" is more commonly used when referring to outer space, space travel, or astronauts. It is the go-to term in everyday language.
• "вселенная" is used for broader, often philosophical discussions about the universe as a whole. It is less common in casual conversation.
• Be mindful of context: using "вселенная" when talking about space travel might sound overly formal or misplaced.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "вселенная" to refer to space travel. Incorrect: "Я хочу полететь во вселенную." Correct: "Я хочу полететь в космос." (I want to fly into space.) Explanation: "вселенная" refers to the entire universe, not the immediate outer space.
• Error: Mispronouncing "вселенная" by stressing the wrong syllable. Explanation: Stress must be on the third syllable [fsʲɪˈlʲennaja], not the first or second.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "космос" holds a special place due to the Soviet Union's pioneering role in space exploration. The term is often associated with national pride, referencing figures like Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space. Celebrations like Cosmonautics Day (April 12) highlight the cultural significance of "космос."

Related Concepts:

• космонавт (cosmonaut/astronaut)
• ракета (rocket)
• звезда (star)
• галактика (galaxy)