Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'earthwork'

English Word: earthwork

Key Russian Translations:

• земляные работы [zɛmˈlʲanɨje raˈbotɨ] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and engineering discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun phrases and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

земляные работы: [zɛmˈlʲanɨje raˈbotɨ]

Note on земляные работы: The stress falls on the second syllable of "земляные" (zɛmˈlʲanɨje), and the word "работы" is plural. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften vowels slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Earthworks in civil engineering (e.g., embankments, excavations, or soil-based constructions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• земляные работы - Used in formal, technical contexts such as construction projects, engineering reports, or discussions about infrastructure development.

Usage Examples:

• Строительство земляных работ требует специального оборудования и квалифицированных инженеров.

  Construction of earthworks requires special equipment and qualified engineers.

• Во время ремонта дороги были выполнены земляные работы для укрепления основания.

  During the road repair, earthworks were carried out to reinforce the foundation.

• Земляные работы в этом проекте включают рытье траншей и возведение насыпей.

  Earthworks in this project include digging trenches and building embankments.

• Инженеры обсудили потенциальные риски, связанные с земляными работами в болотистой местности.

  Engineers discussed potential risks associated with earthworks in swampy terrain.

• Завершение земляных работ позволило начать строительство моста раньше срока.

  Completion of earthworks allowed the bridge construction to start ahead of schedule.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Земляные работы" is a noun phrase where "земляные" is an adjective (from the noun "земля" meaning "earth" or "soil") and "работы" is a plural feminine noun. Adjectives in Russian agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

For "земляные" (adjective):

• It changes based on case and number. For example:

For "работы" (noun, plural only in this context):

• It is invariant in plural form but changes by case as shown above. This phrase is typically used in plural due to the nature of earthworks involving multiple tasks.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • землеройные работы (zemleroynyye raboty) - More specific to excavation; used interchangeably in mining contexts.
  • грунтовые работы (gruntovyye raboty) - Emphasizes soil-based work; subtle difference in focusing on ground materials.
• Antonyms:
  • воздушные работы (vozdushnyye raboty) - Refers to aerial or above-ground work, contrasting with earth-based activities.

Related Phrases:

• укрепление земляных работ - Reinforcement of earthworks; used in contexts discussing stability in construction.
• земляные работы по ландшафтному дизайну - Earthworks for landscape design; applies to gardening or environmental projects.
• подготовка земляных работ - Preparation of earthworks; common in project planning phases.

Usage Notes:

"Земляные работы" directly corresponds to "earthwork" in English, particularly in civil engineering and construction fields. It is a formal term and should be used in professional settings rather than casual conversation. Note that Russian often requires the adjective to agree with the noun in case, number, and gender, so always adjust "земляные" accordingly (e.g., in genitive case: "земляных работ"). When choosing between synonyms like "землеройные работы," opt for it if the focus is on digging or excavation. Be aware of context: in Russian, this phrase implies plural activities, so it's rarely used in singular form unless specifying a single task.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular form "земляная работа" incorrectly, assuming it works like English. Correct: In Russian, "работы" is typically plural for such concepts. Example of error: "Я сделал земляная работа" (incorrect). Correct: "Я сделал земляные работы" – This avoids treating it as a countable singular noun.

• Error: Failing to decline the adjective properly, e.g., saying "земляные работы" in accusative without changing to "земляные работы" if needed. Correct: In a sentence like "Мы завершили земляные работы," it's already correct, but in other cases, ensure agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, earthworks have played a significant role in infrastructure development, such as the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway or Soviet-era dams. The term "земляные работы" often evokes themes of resilience and engineering prowess, reflecting Russia's vast landscapes and the challenges of working with permafrost or rugged terrain. This can add a layer of national pride in discussions of modern projects.

Related Concepts:

• дамба (dam)
• окоп (trench)
• насыпь (embankment)