Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'embankment'

English Word: embankment

Key Russian Translations:

• набережная [nəbɪ'rʲeʐnəjə] - [Formal, often used for urban or riverside structures]
• дамба [ˈdamba] - [Formal, typically for functional flood defenses]

Frequency: Medium (These terms appear regularly in discussions about geography, urban planning, and environmental contexts, but are not as common as everyday words like "дом" for house.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; Involves understanding noun declensions and contextual usage, which can be challenging for learners due to Russian's complex case system.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

набережная: [nəbɪ'rʲeʐnəjə]

Note on набережная: The stress falls on the third syllable ("re"), and the "ж" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which may be tricky for English speakers. Pronounce it with a flowing rhythm to mimic natural speech.

Audio: []

дамба: [ˈdamba]

Note on дамба: The stress is on the first syllable, with a hard "d" sound. This word has a straightforward pronunciation, but ensure the final "a" is not elongated.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A raised bank of earth or stone built to prevent water from flooding land (e.g., flood defense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• дамба - Used in contexts involving engineering or environmental protection, such as flood-prone areas.

Usage Examples:

• Во время наводнения дамба защитила деревню от затопления.

  During the flood, the embankment protected the village from inundation.

• Инженеры построили дамбу вдоль реки, чтобы предотвратить эрозию почвы.

  Engineers built the embankment along the river to prevent soil erosion.

• Дамба была усилена бетоном для большей устойчивости.

  The embankment was reinforced with concrete for greater stability.

• После строительства дамбы уровень воды в поле стабилизировался.

  After the embankment was built, the water level in the field stabilized.

• Локальные власти инвестируют в дамбу, чтобы бороться с климатическими изменениями.

  Local authorities are investing in the embankment to combat climate change.

2. A wall or bank beside a river or sea, often for promenades or urban development.

Translation(s) & Context:

• набережная - Commonly used for scenic or public areas, such as in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Usage Examples:

• Набережная Москвы-реки полна кафе и прогулочных зон.

  The embankment of the Moscow River is full of cafes and walking areas.

• Люди гуляют по набережной вечером, наслаждаясь видом на воду.

  People walk along the embankment in the evening, enjoying the view of the water.

• Набережная была реконструирована для туристического притяжения.

  The embankment was reconstructed to attract tourists.

• Дети играют на набережной, пока родители отдыхают на скамейках.

  Children play on the embankment while parents rest on benches.

• Набережная соединяет несколько исторических мостов в городе.

  The embankment connects several historical bridges in the city.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "набережная" and "дамба" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard feminine declension patterns. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender. These words are regular but exhibit typical Slavic inflections.

For "набережная" (feminine, singular):

For "дамба" (feminine, singular; it follows a similar pattern but is more straightforward):

These inflections are regular for feminine nouns, but always pay attention to context for correct case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: берег (shore, similar but more natural and less man-made); насыпь (mound, often used for artificial earthworks) - "Берег" is more general and implies a natural edge, while "насыпь" emphasizes elevation.
• Antonyms: впадина (hollow or depression) - Refers to a low area contrasting with an elevated structure.

Related Phrases:

• Речная набережная - Riverside embankment; A common phrase for urban riverfronts, often implying recreational spaces.
• Защитная дамба - Protective embankment; Used in contexts of flood control or environmental engineering.
• Городская набережная - City embankment; Refers to promenades in metropolitan areas, highlighting cultural and social aspects.

Usage Notes:

"Набережная" is the preferred translation for "embankment" in urban or scenic contexts, such as riverside walks, and carries a connotation of public accessibility. In contrast, "дамба" is more functional and is used for protective structures against water. English learners should note that Russian nouns require case agreement; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "на" (on). When choosing between translations, opt for "набережная" in cultural or tourist-related scenarios and "дамба" for engineering discussions. These words are neutral in register but can vary by context.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "набережная" with "берег": Learners might use "берег" (shore) interchangeably, but "берег" implies a natural feature, while "набережная" is man-made. Incorrect: "Я гулял по берег" (I walked along the shore, but implying an embankment). Correct: "Я гулял по набережной". Explanation: Always check for human construction in context.

• Forgetting case inflections: A common mistake is using the nominative form in all sentences, e.g., saying "на набережная" instead of "на набережной". Correct: "на набережной реке" (on the river embankment). Explanation: Russian prepositions dictate case changes, so practice with full sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "набережная" often evokes cultural significance, such as the famous embankments in St. Petersburg along the Neva River, which are hubs for leisure, festivals, and historical sites. These areas reflect Russia's imperial heritage and modern urban life, symbolizing resilience against floods and a space for community gathering.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• мост (bridge)
• берег (shore)