Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Courtyard'

English Word: courtyard

Key Russian Translations:

• двор [dvor] - [Neutral, Common]
• внутренний двор [vnutrénniy dvor] - [Formal, Specific to enclosed spaces]

Frequency: High (especially "двор")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "двор"); B1 (Intermediate for "внутренний двор")

Pronunciation (Russian):

двор: [dvor]

Note on двор: The stress is on the single syllable. It is a short, sharp sound with a rolled 'r'.

внутренний двор: [vnutrénniy dvor]

Note on внутренний двор: Stress falls on the second syllable of "внутренний" (vnu-TRÉN-niy). The 'r' in "двор" is rolled.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Open area surrounded by buildings or walls

Translation(s) & Context:

• двор - Commonly used for any yard or courtyard, especially in residential areas.
• внутренний двор - Refers specifically to an enclosed or inner courtyard, often in formal or architectural contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Дети играют во дворе.

  The children are playing in the courtyard.

• Во внутреннем дворе замка был красивый сад.

  There was a beautiful garden in the inner courtyard of the castle.

• Мы припарковали машину во дворе дома.

  We parked the car in the courtyard of the house.

• Этот внутренний двор закрыт для посетителей.

  This inner courtyard is closed to visitors.

• Во дворе всегда много людей по вечерам.

  There are always many people in the courtyard in the evenings.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

двор (noun, masculine): Regular declension in all cases.

внутренний двор (compound noun, masculine): Both words decline. "внутренний" is an adjective and agrees with "двор" in case, number, and gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for двор:

• дворик (diminutive, affectionate form)
• площадка (more general, can mean "area" or "site")

Note: "дворик" often implies a smaller or cozier courtyard compared to "двор".

Antonyms for двор:

• улица (street, as opposed to an enclosed area)

Related Phrases:

• во дворе дома - "in the courtyard of the house" (common expression for residential areas)
• двор замка - "castle courtyard" (historical or formal context)
• выйти во двор - "to go out into the courtyard" (everyday usage)

Usage Notes:

• "двор" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "courtyard" or "yard" in Russian. It can refer to any open space near a building, often where children play or cars are parked.
• "внутренний двор" is more specific and formal, emphasizing an enclosed or inner space, often in historical buildings, castles, or architectural contexts.
• Be mindful of the context: using "внутренний двор" in casual conversation about a residential yard might sound overly formal or out of place.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "внутренний двор" for any courtyard. Incorrect: "Мы играли во внутреннем дворе школы." Correct: "Мы играли во дворе школы." (Explanation: "внутренний двор" is too formal for a schoolyard context.)
• Error: Incorrect case usage with prepositions. Incorrect: "Я во двор." Correct: "Я во дворе." (Explanation: The preposition "во" requires the prepositional case for location.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "двор" (courtyard) often holds a significant social role, especially in urban apartment blocks. It serves as a communal space where neighbors meet, children play, and community life unfolds. The concept of "двор" may evoke nostalgia for many Russians, as it is tied to childhood memories and Soviet-era housing designs.

Related Concepts:

• подъезд (entrance or stairwell of an apartment building, often connected to the courtyard)
• улица (street, as an outside contrast to the courtyard)
• сад (garden, sometimes found within a courtyard)