Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crane'

English Word: Crane

Key Russian Translations:

• кран [kran] - [Technical, Machinery]
• журавль [ʐʊˈravlʲ] - [Bird, Natural Context]
• подъёмный кран [pɐdʲˈjomnɨj kran] - [Formal, Construction Equipment]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "кран" and "журавль" are more common)

Difficulty: A2 for "кран" and "журавль" (Beginner-Intermediate); B1 for "подъёмный кран" (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кран: [kran]

Note on кран: Stress on the single syllable; pronounced with a rolled 'r' typical in Russian.

журавль: [ʐʊˈravlʲ]

Note on журавль: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

подъёмный кран: [pɐdʲˈjomnɨj kran]

Note on подъёмный кран: Stress on "ём" in "подъёмный"; ensure soft pronunciation of 'д' due to the following 'ё'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Crane as Machinery (Lifting Device)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кран - Commonly used for any type of crane in technical or everyday contexts.
• подъёмный кран - Formal term, often used in construction or industrial settings.

Usage Examples:

• На стройке работает огромный кран.

  A huge crane is operating at the construction site.

• Подъёмный кран поднял тяжёлый груз.

  The lifting crane hoisted a heavy load.

• Этот кран сломался вчера.

  This crane broke down yesterday.

2. Crane as a Bird

Translation(s) & Context:

• журавль - Refers exclusively to the bird species, often in natural or poetic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Журавль пролетел над озером.

  A crane flew over the lake.

• Журавли возвращаются весной.

  Cranes return in spring.

• В русской культуре журавль символизирует надежду.

  In Russian culture, the crane symbolizes hope.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. кран (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

2. журавль (Noun, Masculine, Animate): Follows similar declension patterns as "кран" but with animate accusative matching genitive (e.g., Acc. Sing. = журавля).

3. подъёмный кран: Compound phrase; "подъёмный" (adjective) agrees with "кран" in case, number, and gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кран (Machinery):

• подъёмник (less common, broader term for lifting device)

Synonyms for журавль (Bird):

• None widely used; highly specific term.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either meaning.

Related Phrases:

• башенный кран - Tower crane; used in high-rise construction.
• журавлиный клин - Wedge of cranes; refers to the V-shaped flight formation of cranes, often poetic.
• кран-балка - Overhead crane; used in industrial settings.

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "кран" and "подъёмный кран" depends on formality and specificity. Use "кран" for general or casual references and "подъёмный кран" in technical or formal documentation.
• "журавль" is strictly for the bird and cannot be used interchangeably with "кран." Context usually clarifies the meaning of "crane" in English translations.
• Russian speakers may use "кран" metaphorically in rare cases (e.g., for a faucet/tap), so be cautious with ambiguous contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "журавль" to refer to a machine. Incorrect: "На стройке стоит журавль." Correct: "На стройке стоит кран." Explanation: "журавль" only means the bird, not machinery.
• Error: Omitting "подъёмный" in formal contexts where specificity is needed. Less precise: "кран" in technical reports. Better: "подъёмный кран."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore and literature, the crane ("журавль") often symbolizes longing, hope, or migration. A well-known proverb, "Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе" (Better a titmouse in hand than a crane in the sky), reflects the value of certainty over distant dreams, akin to the English "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

Related Concepts:

• стройка (construction site)
• груз (load/cargo)
• перелётные птицы (migratory birds)