Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eyesight'

English Word: eyesight

Key Russian Translations:

• зрение /ˈzrenʲɪje/ - [Neutral, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in medical, health, and everyday discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "дом" for house).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to health and senses).

Pronunciation (Russian):

зрение: /ˈzrenʲɪje/

Note on зрение: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the 'е' is pronounced as a soft 'ye' sound, which can be challenging for beginners. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'з' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The ability to see or visual perception

Translation(s) & Context:

• зрение - Used in formal and medical contexts, such as discussing eye health or sensory abilities.

Usage Examples:

• У меня отличное зрение, я могу читать мелкий шрифт без очков.

  I have excellent eyesight; I can read fine print without glasses.

• С возрастом зрение может ухудшиться, поэтому важно регулярно проверять глаза.

  As one ages, eyesight can deteriorate, so it's important to have regular eye check-ups.

• Водители должны иметь хорошее зрение для безопасного вождения.

  Drivers need good eyesight for safe driving.

• Зрение — один из пяти основных чувств, которое помогает нам ориентироваться в мире.

  Eyesight is one of the five primary senses that helps us navigate the world.

• Из-за долгой работы за компьютером у меня начало слабеть зрение.

  Due to prolonged computer work, my eyesight started to weaken.

Secondary Meaning: Figurative or metaphorical vision (e.g., insight or perspective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зрение - Sometimes used metaphorically in literature or discussions, though less common; e.g., in contexts of mental acuity.

Usage Examples:

• Его зрение на будущее всегда было острым, благодаря чему он стал успешным бизнесменом.

  His eyesight for the future was always sharp, which made him a successful businessman.

• Художник потерял зрение, но его внутреннее видение осталось ярким.

  The artist lost his eyesight, but his inner vision remained vivid.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

зрение is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for neuter nouns ending in -ие. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as зрение typically refers to a general concept. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • взгляд (vzglyad) - More focused on "gaze" or "look," often used for direction of sight.
  • видение (vidénie) - Implies "vision" in a broader or prophetic sense.
• Antonyms:
  • слепота (slepota) - Directly means "blindness."
  • темнота (témnota) - Can mean "darkness," metaphorically opposing clear vision.

Related Phrases:

• Потеря зрения - Loss of eyesight; used in medical contexts to describe vision impairment.
• Острое зрение - Sharp eyesight; refers to excellent visual acuity, often in everyday or professional settings.
• Проверка зрения - Eye check-up; a common phrase for routine vision tests.

Usage Notes:

зрение directly corresponds to "eyesight" in English, primarily as a neutral, formal term for visual ability. It is commonly used in health-related discussions and should be paired with appropriate adjectives (e.g., хорошее зрение for "good eyesight"). Be mindful of context: in metaphorical uses, it may imply insight, but this is less frequent. When choosing among translations, opt for зрение in scientific or medical scenarios, as it is more precise than synonyms like взгляд, which emphasize direction rather than capability.

Common Errors:

• Confusing зрение with взгляд: Learners might use взгляд when meaning "eyesight," but взгляд means "gaze." Incorrect: "Мой взгляд плохой" (My gaze is bad). Correct: "Мое зрение плохое" (My eyesight is bad). Explanation: взгляд refers to the act of looking, not the ability.

• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., using зрение in the genitive case incorrectly. Incorrect: "Проблемы зрение" (Problems eyesight). Correct: "Проблемы со зрением." Explanation: In genitive, it becomes зрением to indicate possession or relation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, зрение is often linked to themes of perception and reality in literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, where loss of eyesight symbolizes deeper existential blindness. Additionally, annual eye check-ups are emphasized in Russian healthcare, reflecting a cultural value on preventive care for sensory functions.

Related Concepts:

• глаза (eyes)
• очки (glasses)
• слепота (blindness)