Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'crane'

English Word: crane

Key Russian Translations:

• кран [kran] - [Formal, Used for mechanical devices like lifting equipment]
• журавль [ʐʊˈravlʲ] - [Formal, Informal, Used specifically for the bird species]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical, engineering, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to tools or nature, varying by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кран: [kran]

Note on кран: The 'r' is a rolled alveolar trill, common in Russian; stress is on the first syllable. This word is straightforward for beginners but can vary in speed in casual speech.

журавль: [ʐʊˈravlʲ]

Note on журавль: The 'ж' is a voiced palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; the soft 'лʲ' adds a palatalized sound. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects (e.g., in construction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кран - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as engineering or industrial settings.

Usage Examples:

• Рабочие используют кран для подъёма тяжёлых грузов на стройке.

  Workers use a crane to lift heavy loads at the construction site.

• В порту кран разгружает контейнеры с корабля.

  In the port, the crane unloads containers from the ship.

• Без крана невозможно построить такое высокое здание.

  Without a crane, it's impossible to build such a tall building.

• Современные краны оснащены автоматикой для повышения безопасности.

  Modern cranes are equipped with automation to improve safety.

Meaning 2: A large bird with long legs and neck, often found in wetlands

Translation(s) & Context:

• журавль - Used in informal, poetic, or natural history contexts; can be metaphorical in literature.

Usage Examples:

• Весной журавли возвращаются в Сибирь из тёплых краёв.

  In spring, cranes return to Siberia from warmer regions.

• Журавль — символ грации и свободы в русской фольклорной поэзии.

  The crane is a symbol of grace and freedom in Russian folk poetry.

• Мы наблюдали, как журавль охотится за рыбой в болоте.

  We watched as the crane hunted for fish in the swamp.

• В зоопарке есть экспозиция с журавлями разных видов.

  In the zoo, there's an exhibit with cranes of different species.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are nouns and follow standard Russian inflection patterns. 'Кран' is a masculine noun with regular declensions, while 'журавль' is also masculine but has irregularities in plural forms.

Note: 'Кран' is invariant in gender and has straightforward pluralization. 'Журавль' may have soft consonant changes in some forms, which is typical for Russian nouns ending in 'ль'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Подъёмник (for кран as machine; means 'lifting device', used in technical contexts)
  • Грузоподъёмная машина (for кран as machine; more descriptive, formal synonym)
  • Птица журавль (for журавль; redundant but emphasizes the bird)
• Antonyms:
  • For журавль: Воробей (sparrow; a small, contrasting bird)

Related Phrases:

• Кран-балка - A bridge crane; used in factories for overhead lifting.
• Журавлиный клин - A flock of cranes; refers to their V-formation in flight, often in migratory contexts.
• Поднять на кран - To lift with a crane; common in construction slang.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'crane' corresponds to different Russian words based on context: 'кран' for mechanical devices and 'журавль' for the bird. Use 'кран' in formal or technical settings to avoid confusion, as it doesn't overlap with animal terminology. 'Журавль' is more poetic and appears in literature or nature discussions. Grammatically, both are masculine nouns, so they follow standard agreement rules (e.g., adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case). When choosing between translations, consider the domain: opt for 'кран' in engineering and 'журавль' in wildlife contexts to ensure precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'журавль' to mean a construction crane, confusing it with the bird. Correct: Use 'кран' for machinery. Example of error: *Я видел журавль на стройке* (incorrect). Correct: Я видел кран на стройке. Explanation: This mix-up stems from false cognates; always check context to differentiate.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., saying *крана* in nominative case. Correct: Use the proper case, like *кран* in nominative. Example of error: *Крана работает* (incorrect). Correct: Кран работает. Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'журавль' (crane as bird) symbolizes longevity, fidelity, and peace, often featured in folklore and art, such as in folk tales where it represents migration and seasonal changes. This contrasts with its mechanical counterpart 'кран', which lacks cultural depth but is prominent in Russia's industrial history, reflecting the country's emphasis on engineering during the Soviet era.

Related Concepts:

• Экскаватор (excavator)
• Птица (bird)
• Миграция (migration)