Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dike'

English Word: dike

Key Russian Translations:

• дамба [ˈdambə] - [Formal, Common]
• насыпь [ˈnasɨpʲ] - [Formal, Often used for embankments]
• вал [val] - [Neutral, Can refer to natural or man-made barriers]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like engineering or geography)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "дамба" and "насыпь"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "вал"

Pronunciation (Russian):

дамба: [ˈdambə]

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

насыпь: [ˈnasɨpʲ]

Note on насыпь: Stress on the first syllable. The soft "пь" requires a slight palatalization.

вал: [val]

Note on вал: A short, simple word with stress on the single syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A barrier to prevent flooding (e.g., a dam or levee)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дамба - Used specifically for man-made structures to control water flow, often in engineering contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Новая дамба защищает город от наводнений.

  The new dike protects the city from floods.

• Строительство дамбы заняло три года.

  The construction of the dike took three years.

• Дамба была повреждена во время шторма.

  The dike was damaged during the storm.

2. An embankment or ridge (e.g., for roads or defense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• насыпь - Refers to a raised earth structure, often for railways or roads.
• вал - Can refer to natural or defensive embankments, sometimes historical.

Usage Examples:

• Железнодорожная насыпь проходит через поле.

  The railway dike runs through the field.

• Старый вал защищал крепость от врагов.

  The old dike protected the fortress from enemies.

• Насыпь укрепили для предотвращения оползней.

  The dike was reinforced to prevent landslides.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дамба (feminine noun):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	дамба	дамбы
Genitive	дамбы	дамб
Dative	дамбе	дамбам
Accusative	дамбу	дамбы
Instrumental	дамбой	дамбами
Prepositional	дамбе	дамбах

насыпь (feminine noun): Follows similar declension patterns to "дамба." Stress remains on the first syllable across forms.

вал (masculine noun): Follows standard masculine declension with animate/inanimate distinction in accusative case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дамба:

• плотина (often used for dams specifically)
• перемычка (less common, technical term)

Note: "плотина" often implies a larger structure than "дамба."

Antonyms for дамба/вал:

• ров (ditch or trench, the opposite of a raised barrier)

Related Phrases:

• строить дамбу - "to build a dike" (used in engineering or flood prevention contexts)
• прорыв дамбы - "breach of a dike" (refers to a failure or collapse of the structure)
• земляной вал - "earthen dike" (a natural or defensive embankment)

Usage Notes:

• "дамба" is the most precise translation for a man-made dike or levee designed to control water flow. It is often used in technical or formal contexts.
• "насыпь" is more general and often refers to embankments for infrastructure like roads or railways, not always related to water control.
• "вал" can be used metaphorically or historically (e.g., defensive barriers) and is less specific to flood prevention.
• Choose the translation based on context: use "дамба" for flood barriers, "насыпь" for infrastructure, and "вал" for natural or historical ridges.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "плотина" (dam) interchangeably with "дамба." While related, "плотина" often implies a larger structure for water retention, not just a barrier.
• Incorrect: Эта плотина защищает от наводнения (when referring to a small dike).
• Correct: Эта дамба защищает от наводнения.
• Explanation: Reserve "плотина" for larger dams, especially those associated with hydroelectric power or reservoirs.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking regions, especially in areas prone to flooding (e.g., near the Volga River), the concept of a "дамба" carries significant importance due to historical and ongoing efforts to manage water levels. Discussions about "дамба" may evoke associations with Soviet-era engineering projects or environmental challenges.

Related Concepts:

• плотина (dam)
• канал (canal)
• берег (shore or bank)