Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'environs'

English Word: environs

Key Russian Translations:

• Окрестности /ɐˈkrʲestnəstʲi/ - [Neutral; commonly used in geographical or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in everyday language, especially in discussions about geography, travel, or urban planning, but not as common as basic nouns.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should recognize it in context, though mastering its declensions may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Окрестности: /ɐˈkrʲestnəstʲi/

Note on Окрестности: The stress falls on the third syllable (/ˈkrʲest/). Be mindful of the palatalized 'r' sound (/rʲ/), which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronounce it smoothly without overemphasizing the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The surrounding areas or suburbs of a place (e.g., the regions immediately outside a city or town)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Окрестности - Used in neutral or formal contexts to describe geographical proximity, such as in travel guides or historical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Мы живём в окрестностях Москвы, где природа очень красивая.

  We live in the environs of Moscow, where the nature is very beautiful.

• Туристы любят исследовать окрестности Санкт-Петербурга, чтобы увидеть исторические усадьбы.

  Tourists love to explore the environs of St. Petersburg to see historical estates.

• В окрестностях города есть несколько озёр, идеальных для пикников.

  In the environs of the city, there are several lakes perfect for picnics.

• Окрестности Парижа привлекают художников благодаря своему живописному ландшафту.

  The environs of Paris attract artists due to their picturesque landscape.

• Из-за быстрого роста, окрестности мегаполиса превращаются в жилые районы.

  Due to rapid growth, the environs of the metropolis are turning into residential areas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Окрестности" is a feminine plural noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension group. It follows standard plural noun patterns and does not have irregular forms, but it changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic declensions:

Note: This word is almost always used in plural form. If a singular context is needed, alternatives like "окрестность" (rare) might be used, but it's uncommon.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Предместья (predmest'ya) - More specific to suburbs, often implying urban outskirts.
  • Окраины (okrainy) - Similar, but can connote less developed or peripheral areas.
• Antonyms:
  • Центр (tsentr) - Refers to the central area of a city, contrasting with outer regions.

Related Phrases:

• В окрестностях - In the environs; used to describe locations near a main area (e.g., "В окрестностях реки" means "In the environs of the river").
• Вокруг города - Around the city; a phrase that implies surrounding areas, similar to environs.
• Ближние окрестности - Immediate environs; emphasizes proximity to a central point.

Usage Notes:

"Окрестности" directly corresponds to "environs" in English, focusing on the geographical areas surrounding a place rather than the broader concept of "environment" (which is "окружающая среда"). It is typically used in formal or written contexts, such as literature, travel descriptions, or news articles. When choosing between synonyms like "предместья," opt for it if the context is more urban; "окрестности" is more neutral. Grammatically, always use it in plural and pair it with prepositions like "в" (in) or "около" (near) for accurate phrasing. English learners should note that Russian often requires specifying the case, so practice declensions to avoid errors in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "окрестности" with "окружающая среда": Learners might mistakenly use "окрестности" to mean "environment" (e.g., ecological context). Incorrect: "Окрестности загрязнены" (implying geographical mess). Correct: "Окружающая среда загрязнена" for environmental pollution. Explanation: "Окрестности" is spatial, not ecological.
• Using it in singular form: Incorrect: "Эта окрестность красивая" (grammatically wrong). Correct: "Эти окрестности красивые." Explanation: It's inherently plural, so always decline as such.
• Overlooking case agreement: Incorrect: "Путешествие по окрестностям" (correct), but errors like "Путешествие в окрестность" ignore plural. Explanation: Ensure the noun agrees with prepositions and adjectives in case and number.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "окрестности" often appear in literature and folklore to evoke a sense of exploration or nostalgia for rural areas surrounding cities. For instance, in works by authors like Chekhov, the environs represent a contrast to urban life, symbolizing simplicity or hidden beauty. This reflects Russia's vast landscapes, where the transition from city to countryside is a common theme in poetry and travel narratives.

Related Concepts:

• Природа (priroda) - Nature
• Ландшафт (landschaft) - Landscape
• Город (gorod) - City