Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'demonstration'

English Word: demonstration

Key Russian Translations:

• демонстрация [dʲɪmɐnˈstrat͡sɨjə] - [Formal, General Use]
• показ [pɐˈkaz] - [Neutral, Often Used for Visual or Practical Display]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

демонстрация: [dʲɪmɐnˈstrat͡sɨjə]

Note on демонстрация: Stress falls on the third syllable ("stra"). The "ц" is pronounced as "ts".

показ: [pɐˈkaz]

Note on показ: Stress on the second syllable ("kaz"). Simple and straightforward pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Public Display or Protest

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонстрация - Often used for public protests, marches, or organized displays of opinion.

Usage Examples:

• На улице прошла массовая демонстрация против новых законов.

  A massive demonstration against the new laws took place on the street.

• Демонстрация была мирной, но полиция всё равно вмешалась.

  The demonstration was peaceful, but the police still intervened.

• Мы готовим демонстрацию в поддержку экологии.

  We are preparing a demonstration in support of ecology.

2. Showing or Explaining Something (e.g., a Product or Skill)

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонстрация - Used for formal or technical presentations, like software or equipment.
• показ - More neutral, often used for visual or practical displays, like showing how something works.

Usage Examples:

• На выставке была демонстрация нового робота.

  There was a demonstration of a new robot at the exhibition.

• Учитель провёл показ эксперимента на уроке химии.

  The teacher conducted a demonstration of an experiment in the chemistry class.

• Пожалуйста, организуйте показ работы этого устройства.

  Please arrange a demonstration of how this device works.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

демонстрация (Noun, Feminine): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms.

показ (Noun, Masculine): Follows the second declension pattern. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for демонстрация:

• митинг (protest, rally)
• шествие (march, procession)

Synonyms for показ:

• презентация (presentation)
• демонстрирование (demonstrating)

Antonyms for демонстрация/показ:

• сокрытие (concealment)
• скрытие (hiding)

Related Phrases:

• организовать демонстрацию - Organize a demonstration (protest or display).
• показ мод - Fashion show (display of clothing designs).
• демонстрация силы - Demonstration of strength (showing power or capability).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between демонстрация and показ: Use "демонстрация" for formal contexts, protests, or technical displays. Use "показ" for more neutral or visual demonstrations, like showing a process or object.
• Register: "демонстрация" can sound more official or serious, while "показ" is often lighter and more practical.
• Grammar: Both are nouns and require appropriate case endings based on their role in the sentence.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up contexts: English speakers often use "демонстрация" for any type of showing, but it’s incorrect to use it for casual or simple displays. For example, saying "демонстрация фильма" (demonstration of a movie) is unnatural; use "показ фильма" (screening of a movie) instead.
• Pronunciation mistake: Stress in "демонстрация" is often misplaced by learners. It’s on "stra," not "de" or "tsi."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "демонстрация" often evokes historical associations with Soviet-era public marches or protests, such as those on May 1st (Labor Day) or November 7th (October Revolution Day). Understanding this context can help learners grasp the weight of the term in political or historical discussions.

Related Concepts:

• митинг (rally)
• протест (protest)
• выставка (exhibition)