Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'diagonally'

English Word: diagonally

Key Russian Translations:

• диагонально (/dʲɪɐɡɐˈnalʲnə/) - [Formal, used in descriptive or technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in mathematical, geometric, or everyday directional descriptions, but not as frequent as basic prepositions).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of spatial concepts and adverbial forms in Russian, which may challenge beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

диагонально: /dʲɪɐɡɐˈnalʲnə/

Note on диагонально: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("nalʲ"), and the initial "дʲ" is palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers. Practice the soft "д" sound as in "dew".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: In a diagonal manner or direction, referring to lines, movements, or patterns that proceed at an angle rather than straight.

Translation(s) & Context:

• диагонально - Used in contexts involving geometry, navigation, or visual descriptions, such as drawing lines or moving across spaces. It is a neutral, formal adverb suitable for both written and spoken Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Линия проходит диагонально через всю страницу.

  The line goes diagonally across the entire page.

• Игрок пробежал диагонально по полю, избегая защитников.

  The player ran diagonally across the field, avoiding the defenders.

• В дизайне комнаты шторы висят диагонально для создания динамичного эффекта.

  In the room design, the curtains hang diagonally to create a dynamic effect.

• Дорога уходит диагонально вверх по холму, делая подъем более крутым.

  The road goes diagonally uphill, making the ascent steeper.

• В шахматах ферзь может двигаться диагонально на любое расстояние.

  In chess, the queen can move diagonally any distance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Диагонально is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo typical inflections like nouns or adjectives. Adverbs in Russian, especially those derived from adjectives (as in this case from "диагональный"), generally remain unchanged across cases, numbers, or genders. This makes it straightforward to use in various contexts without modification.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: диагонально, под углом (pod uglom - literally "under an angle," often used interchangeably in informal contexts for a similar diagonal effect).
• Antonyms: прямо (pryamo - meaning "straight," implying a direct, non-angled path).

Related Phrases:

• идти диагонально - To go or walk diagonally (used in navigation or movement contexts, implying a purposeful angled path).
• пересекать диагонально - To cross diagonally (common in descriptions of lines or paths intersecting at an angle).
• диагональный узор - A diagonal pattern (often in design or textiles, referring to angled motifs).

Usage Notes:

Диагонально directly corresponds to the English adverb "diagonally" and is used to describe actions or positions that involve an angled direction, much like in English. It is versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in technical or descriptive language. When choosing between synonyms like "под углом," opt for диагонально in precise contexts (e.g., geometry), as it is more specific. Grammatically, it modifies verbs without changing form, so it's easy to integrate into sentences. Be mindful of word order in Russian, where the adverb often follows the verb for emphasis.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "диагонально" with nouns like "диагональ" (meaning "diagonal" as a line), leading to incorrect usage. For example, a common error is saying "Я иду диагональ" instead of "Я иду диагонально," which mixes noun and adverb forms. The correct form is always the adverb "диагонально" for directional actions. Another mistake is overusing it in informal speech; instead, natives might simplify to "под углом" for everyday conversation. Always ensure the context requires an adverbial description to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

While "диагонально" itself is a neutral term without strong cultural connotations, it frequently appears in Russian contexts related to art, architecture, and sports, reflecting Russia's emphasis on geometric precision in design (e.g., in Constructivist art movements). This can help English speakers appreciate how spatial concepts are integral to Russian visual and creative expressions.

Related Concepts:

• вертикально (vertikal'no - vertically)
• горизонтально (gorizontal'no - horizontally)
• под углом (pod uglom - at an angle)