Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crater'

English Word: Crater

Key Russian Translations:

• кратер [ˈkratʲɪr] - [Formal, Scientific, Common]

Frequency: Medium (often used in scientific and geographical contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - due to specific context and pronunciation

Pronunciation (Russian):

кратер: [ˈkratʲɪr]

Note on кратер: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'р' is rolled, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A bowl-shaped depression caused by volcanic activity or meteor impact

Translation(s) & Context:

• кратер - Used in scientific contexts to describe volcanic craters or impact craters on celestial bodies.

Usage Examples:

• На Луне много кратеров, образованных метеоритами.

  There are many craters on the Moon formed by meteorites.

• Этот кратер вулкана всё ещё активен.

  This volcano's crater is still active.

• Учёные изучают кратер, чтобы понять историю планеты.

  Scientists are studying the crater to understand the planet's history.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кратер is a masculine noun. It follows the regular declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• впадина (depression, hollow - used in broader contexts)

Note: 'впадина' is less specific and can refer to any depression, not necessarily a crater.

Antonyms:

• возвышенность (elevation, height)

Related Phrases:

• лунный кратер - lunar crater (refers to craters on the Moon)
• вулканический кратер - volcanic crater (specific to volcanic formations)
• ударный кратер - impact crater (caused by meteorite impact)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word 'кратер' directly corresponds to the English 'crater' and is used almost exclusively in scientific or geographical contexts.
• It is a loanword from Latin/Greek via other European languages, so its pronunciation and spelling are similar to English, making it easier to remember.
• Unlike English, 'кратер' is not commonly used metaphorically in Russian. For metaphorical depressions or lows, other words like 'яма' (pit) might be used.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing 'кратер' by stressing the second syllable (kra-TER instead of KRA-ter).
  Correct Usage: Stress is on the first syllable: [ˈkratʲɪr].
• Error: Using 'кратер' in non-scientific contexts or metaphorically.
  Incorrect Example: "У меня кратер в душе" (I have a crater in my soul).
  Correct Usage: Use 'яма' or 'пустота' for metaphorical lows, e.g., "У меня пустота в душе" (I have an emptiness in my soul).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of craters often relate to space exploration and the study of the Moon or Mars, reflecting the Soviet Union's historical focus on space science. The word 'кратер' may evoke associations with famous lunar craters named after Russian scientists.

Related Concepts:

• вулкан (volcano)
• метеорит (meteorite)
• лунный ландшафт (lunar landscape)