Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dam'

English Word: dam

Key Russian Translations:

• дамба [ˈdambə] - [Formal, Often used for large structures]
• плотина [plɐˈtʲinə] - [Neutral, Common for water dams]
• запруда [zəˈprudə] - [Informal, Often for smaller or temporary dams]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in contexts related to water management or engineering)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies slightly by term)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дамба: [ˈdambə]

Note on дамба: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'а' sounds like the 'a' in "father."

плотина: [plɐˈtʲinə]

Note on плотина: Stress on the second syllable. The 'и' is a soft vowel, pronounced with a slight 'y' glide before it.

запруда: [zəˈprudə]

Note on запруда: Stress on the second syllable. The initial 'за' is unstressed and reduced.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A barrier to obstruct the flow of water (e.g., in rivers)

Translation(s) & Context:

• плотина - Most common term for a water dam, often used in technical or general contexts.
• дамба - Refers to a dike or embankment, often used for larger structures or flood control.

Usage Examples:

• Плотина на реке предотвращает наводнения.

  The dam on the river prevents flooding.

• Эта дамба была построена для защиты города.

  This dike was built to protect the city.

• Плотина обеспечивает электроэнергию для региона.

  The dam provides electricity for the region.

2. A small or temporary barrier (often in rural contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• запруда - Used for smaller, often temporary or natural dams, common in rural settings.

Usage Examples:

• Дети сделали запруду на ручье, чтобы ловить рыбу.

  The children made a small dam on the stream to catch fish.

• Запруда из веток и камней быстро разрушилась.

  The makeshift dam of branches and stones quickly broke down.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дамба (feminine noun, 1st declension):

плотина (feminine noun, 1st declension) and запруда (feminine noun, 1st declension) follow similar declension patterns as shown above for дамба.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for плотина (dam):

• дамба (more specific to embankments)
• заграждение (general term for barrier)

Note: "дамба" often implies a structure for flood control, while "плотина" is more associated with water retention for power or irrigation.

Antonyms for плотина (dam):

• русло (riverbed, implying natural flow)

Related Phrases:

• гидроэлектрическая плотина - Hydroelectric dam
• прорыв дамбы - Breach of a dike
• построить запруду - To build a small dam (often temporary)

Usage Notes:

• "плотина" is the most neutral and widely recognized term for a dam, especially in the context of water management or hydroelectric power.
• "дамба" often refers to structures built for flood prevention or as embankments, and it may carry a slightly more technical or formal tone.
• "запруда" is less formal and usually describes smaller or temporary barriers, often in natural or rural settings.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these terms, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дамба" for any type of dam. Explanation: "дамба" specifically refers to embankments or dikes, not necessarily water-retaining structures like "плотина." For example, saying "дамба для гидроэлектростанции" sounds odd; use "плотина" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "плотина" with stress on the first syllable. Explanation: The stress is on the second syllable [plɐˈtʲinə]. Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, dams like the ones on the Volga River (e.g., Волжская ГЭС) are often associated with Soviet-era industrialization and national pride. The term "плотина" frequently appears in discussions of engineering feats or environmental impact, reflecting both progress and controversy.

Related Concepts:

• гидроэлектростанция (hydroelectric power station)
• водохранилище (reservoir)
• наводнение (flood)