Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cube'

English Word: Cube

Key Russian Translations:

• куб [kub] - [Formal, Singular, Used in mathematical and geometric contexts]
• кубик [ˈkubik] - [Informal, Diminutive, Often used for small cubes like dice or sugar cubes]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like mathematics or everyday items)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "куб"; A1 for "кубик" due to its simpler usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

куб: [kub]

Note on куб: Stress is on the single syllable. Pronounce with a clear, short 'u' sound.

кубик: [ˈkubik]

Note on кубик: Stress on the first syllable. The diminutive ending '-ик' softens the tone.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Geometric Shape (3D object with equal sides)

Translation(s) & Context:

• куб - Used in formal, academic, or technical contexts to refer to a geometric cube.

Usage Examples:

• Куб имеет шесть равных граней.

  A cube has six equal faces.

• Объём куба равен стороне в третьей степени.

  The volume of a cube equals the side cubed.

• Нарисуйте куб на бумаге.

  Draw a cube on the paper.

2. Small Cube-Shaped Object (e.g., dice, sugar cube)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кубик - Informal, often refers to small cubes like dice or sugar cubes in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Брось кубик, чтобы начать игру.

  Roll the die to start the game.

• Положи два кубика сахара в чай.

  Put two sugar cubes in the tea.

• У ребёнка есть яркие пластмассовые кубики.

  The child has bright plastic cubes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

куб (Cube - Geometric): Masculine noun, follows the second declension pattern.

кубик (Small Cube): Masculine noun, diminutive form, follows a similar second declension pattern with softened endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for куб:

• гексаэдр (formal, rare, specifically geometric)

Note: "гексаэдр" is rarely used outside academic contexts, while "куб" is the standard term.

Synonyms for кубик:

• кубишка (colloquial, very rare)

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms exist for a geometric cube.

Related Phrases:

• кубический метр - Cubic meter (unit of volume measurement).
• игральный кубик - Die (used in games for rolling numbers).
• кубик льда - Ice cube (small piece of ice for drinks).

Usage Notes:

• "куб" is the primary term for a geometric or abstract cube and is used in formal and technical contexts. It directly corresponds to the English "cube" in mathematics or architecture.
• "кубик" is a diminutive form and implies a smaller or more casual reference to a cube-shaped object, such as dice or sugar cubes. It is more common in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between "куб" and "кубик". Using "кубик" in a formal geometric discussion would sound inappropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кубик" to refer to a geometric cube in a formal context.
  Incorrect: "Объём кубика равен стороне в третьей степени."
  Correct: "Объём куба равен стороне в третьей степени."
  Explanation: "кубик" sounds childish or informal and is unsuitable for technical discussions.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions.
  Incorrect: "Я думаю о куб." (wrong case)
  Correct: "Я думаю о кубе."
  Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case after "о" when meaning "about".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "кубик" often evokes playful or domestic imagery, such as children's toys (building blocks) or sugar cubes commonly used in tea. The term "куб" may also be associated with Soviet-era architecture or design discussions due to its frequent use in technical contexts.

Related Concepts:

• квадрат (square - a related 2D shape)
• объём (volume - often discussed with cubes)
• грань (face - a component of a cube)