Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'era'

English Word: era

Key Russian Translations:

• эра [ˈɛrə] - [Formal, used in historical, scientific, or literary contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in historical, academic, and journalistic texts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves basic noun inflections, suitable for learners with foundational Russian grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эра: [ˈɛrə]

Note on эра: The stress is on the first syllable. The "э" sound is similar to the "e" in "bed," and the final "a" is a soft, unstressed vowel. Be cautious with the rolled "r" in some Russian accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Historical or geological period (e.g., a significant span of time marked by distinctive characteristics)

Translation(s) & Context:

• эра - Used in formal contexts such as history books, scientific discussions, or when referring to eras like the Renaissance; implies a broad, epochal timeframe.

Usage Examples:

• В эпоху Возрождения искусство и наука пережили настоящий расцвет.

  In the era of the Renaissance, art and science experienced a true flourishing.

• Цифровая эра изменила, как мы общаемся и работаем.

  The digital era has changed how we communicate and work.

• Геологическая эра, такая как меловой период, определяет ключевые этапы эволюции Земли.

  A geological era, such as the Cretaceous period, defines key stages in Earth's evolution.

• В современную эру глобализации границы между странами становятся менее значимыми.

  In the modern era of globalization, borders between countries are becoming less significant.

• Эра холодной войны оставила глубокий след в международных отношениях.

  The era of the Cold War left a deep mark on international relations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"эра" is a feminine noun in the first declension (second class of Russian nouns). It follows regular inflection patterns for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эпоха (similar to "era," but often implies a shorter or more culturally significant period; used interchangeably in many contexts)
  • период (more general, can refer to any time span, but less emphatic than эра)
• Antonyms:
  • хаос (chaos, implying disorder rather than a structured period)

Related Phrases:

• Новая эра - A new era; used to describe the start of a transformative period, e.g., in technology or politics.
• Эра изменений - Era of changes; refers to times of rapid evolution or reform.
• Постиндустриальная эра - Post-industrial era; common in discussions about modern economic shifts.

Usage Notes:

"Эра" directly corresponds to the English "era" in formal and historical contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often pairs it with adjectives or prepositions to specify the type (e.g., "в эпоху" means "in the era of"). It is typically used in written or academic language rather than casual speech. When choosing between "эра" and synonyms like "эпоха," opt for "эра" for broader, geological or cosmic scales, while "эпоха" suits cultural or historical events. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "эра" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в эра" instead of "в эру" (accusative case). Correct: "в эру Возрождения." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their governing prepositions; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing "эра" with "эпоха" and using them interchangeably without context, e.g., saying "эра Наполеона" when "эпоха Наполеона" might be more precise for a specific historical period. Correct: Use "эра" for larger scales. Explanation: While similar, "эпоха" can imply a more human-centered timeline, so context matters to avoid imprecision.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "эра" often evokes historical grandeur, such as the Soviet era ("эра СССР"), which carries emotional and political connotations. It reflects Russia's rich history of revolutions and reforms, reminding users that time periods in Russian discourse are frequently tied to national identity and collective memory.

Related Concepts:

• эпоха
• период
• век (century)
• история (history)