Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dome'

English Word: dome

Key Russian Translations:

• купол [ˈkupəl] - [Formal, Architectural context]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions about architecture, history, or geography, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with basic Russian nouns and their inflections, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

купол: [ˈkupəl]

Note on купол: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'o' sound can vary slightly in informal speech, sometimes sounding closer to [o] rather than [u]. Pay attention to the soft 'л' at the end, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A rounded, vault-like structure, often on top of a building.

Translation(s) & Context:

• купол - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as architecture or descriptions of landmarks (e.g., in historical or scientific writing).

Usage Examples:

• В соборе Святого Петра есть огромный купол, который виден издалека.

  In St. Peter's Basilica, there is a huge dome that can be seen from afar.

• Архитектор спроектировал купол для нового планетария.

  The architect designed a dome for the new planetarium.

• Купол обсерватории позволяет наблюдать за звездами в ясную ночь.

  The observatory's dome allows for stargazing on clear nights.

• В музее есть модель купола, иллюстрирующая древнеримскую инженерию.

  In the museum, there is a model of a dome illustrating ancient Roman engineering.

• Купол стадиона был построен из современных материалов для защиты от непогоды.

  The stadium's dome was built from modern materials to protect against bad weather.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Купол" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • свод (svod) - Often used interchangeably in architectural contexts, but implies a more general arched structure.
  • арка (arka) - Refers to an arch, which can be part of a dome; used when emphasizing curvature.
• Antonyms:
  • фундамент (fundament) - Refers to the foundation or base, contrasting with the elevated structure of a dome.
  • стена (stena) - Means wall, representing a flat or vertical structure as opposed to a rounded one.

Related Phrases:

• Золотой купол (zolotoy kupol) - Literally "golden dome"; refers to iconic domes like those on Russian Orthodox churches; used in cultural or historical contexts.
• Купол неба (kupol neba) - "Dome of the sky"; a poetic phrase for the sky or heavens, often in literature.
• Под куполом (pod kupolom) - "Under the dome"; describes being inside a domed structure, e.g., a stadium or cathedral.

Usage Notes:

"Купол" directly corresponds to the English "dome" in architectural and scientific contexts but is less common in everyday Russian speech. Use it in formal writing or discussions about buildings, as it's neutral in tone. When choosing between synonyms like "свод", opt for "купол" if the structure is specifically rounded and elevated. Be mindful of case inflections, as Russian requires agreement with prepositions (e.g., "в куполе" for "in the dome"). For English learners, remember that Russian nouns like this don't have articles, so avoid adding equivalents like "the" unnecessarily.

Common Errors:

• Using the wrong case: English speakers might say "в купол" instead of "в куполе" when meaning "in the dome". Correct usage: "в куполе" (prepositional case). This error occurs because English doesn't have cases, leading to confusion with prepositions.

• Confusing with synonyms: Learners might misuse "купол" for any arched structure, but it's best for domes specifically. For example, incorrect: "арка для церкви" (meaning a dome for a church); correct: "купол для церкви".

• Overlooking gender: As a masculine noun, it must agree with adjectives (e.g., "большой купол" not "большая купол"). This can lead to grammatical errors in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, domes are symbolically significant, especially in Orthodox architecture. For instance, the golden domes of churches like St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow represent heavenly light and divine protection. This cultural connotation adds a layer of spirituality to the word "купол", which might not be as pronounced in English usage.

Related Concepts:

• собор (sobor) - Cathedral
• архитектура (arkhitektura) - Architecture
• памятник (pamyatnik) - Monument