Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fence'

English Word: fence

Key Russian Translations:

• забор [zɐˈbor] - [Common, used for physical barriers]
• ограда [ɐˈɡradə] - [Formal, often for more elaborate or decorative fences]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations about property or security, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to its concrete meaning, though understanding inflections requires basic Russian grammar knowledge.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

забор: [zɐˈbor] (The 'з' is pronounced like the 'z' in 'zoo', with stress on the second syllable.)

ограда: [ɐˈɡradə] (The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in 'go', with stress on the second syllable.)

Note on забор: Be mindful of the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, common in Russian; the 'а' in the first syllable sounds more like a schwa [ə].

Note on ограда: This word may vary slightly in informal speech, with faster pronunciation leading to elision of vowels.

Audio: Play audio for забор | Play audio for ограда (Note: Replace with actual audio file paths or embed an audio player here.)

Meanings and Usage:

Literal meaning: A structure used to enclose or divide an area, often for security or privacy.

Translation(s) & Context:

• забор - Commonly used in everyday contexts for simple, functional fences around homes or gardens; informal to neutral settings.
• ограда - Preferred in formal or literary contexts, such as describing ornate fences in parks or historical sites; implies a more aesthetic or permanent structure.

Usage Examples:

• Вокруг нашего сада стоит высокий забор.

  Around our garden stands a tall fence. (This example shows the word in a possessive context, emphasizing ownership and security.)

• Они построили ограду, чтобы защитить дом от ветра.

  They built a fence to protect the house from the wind. (Illustrates use in a protective, environmental context, highlighting 'ограда' for a more structured barrier.)

• Забор на улице был повреждён во время шторма.

  The fence on the street was damaged during the storm. (Demonstrates the word in a descriptive, everyday scenario involving external factors.)

• В парке установлена красивая ограда из кованого железа.

  In the park, there is a beautiful fence made of wrought iron. (Shows 'ограда' in a formal, aesthetic context, often in urban or public settings.)

• Дети перелезли через забор, чтобы поиграть в соседнем дворе.

  The children climbed over the fence to play in the neighboring yard. (This example illustrates a dynamic, action-oriented use, common in narratives.)

Figurative meaning: A metaphorical barrier, such as in social or emotional contexts (e.g., "to fence someone out").

Translation(s) & Context:

• забор - Can be used metaphorically, e.g., in expressions about isolation; informal contexts like personal stories.
• ограда - Less common metaphorically, but possible in literary Russian for more abstract barriers.

Usage Examples:

• Его молчание стало забором между нами.

  His silence became a fence between us. (This shows a metaphorical use, emphasizing emotional distance in interpersonal relationships.)

• Правила компании служат оградой для сотрудников.

  The company's rules serve as a fence for the employees. (Illustrates a formal, professional context where boundaries are set.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "забор" and "ограда" are masculine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for inanimate objects. "Забор" is a third-declension noun with regular inflections, while "ограда" is also regular but can vary slightly in usage.

Note: These nouns do not change in gender or have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изгородь [Izɡrɐdʲ] (Similar to забор but often implies a simpler, rural fence; used in agricultural contexts.)
  • препятствие [prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪjə] (More general, meaning any obstacle; can be a synonym in metaphorical senses.)
• Antonyms:
  • открытость [ɐtˈkrɨtəstʲ] (Openness; implies the absence of barriers.)
  • проход [prɐˈxod] (Passage or way through; opposite in the context of accessibility.)

Related Phrases:

• Высокий забор - A tall fence; used to denote security or privacy in urban settings. (Implies protection from intruders.)
• Деревянная ограда - A wooden fence; common in residential areas for aesthetic purposes.
• Перелезть через забор - To climb over the fence; an idiomatic expression for overcoming obstacles.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "забор" is the most direct equivalent to the English "fence" in literal contexts, while "ограда" is better for formal or decorative uses. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require agreement in case, number, and gender with accompanying words (e.g., adjectives like "высокий" must match). Choose "забор" for everyday speech and "ограда" for literary or official contexts to avoid sounding unnatural. Additionally, in metaphorical uses, ensure the context is clear to prevent confusion with physical barriers.

• Grammar tip: Always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence, as Russian is a highly inflected language.
• Context guidance: In casual conversations, "забор" is preferred, but in descriptions of architecture or history, opt for "ограда".

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse inflections, such as using the nominative form "забор" in all cases (e.g., saying "Я вижу забор" correctly, but incorrectly saying "Я думаю о забор" instead of "Я думаю о заборе"). Correct usage: Always adjust for case, like "о заборе" in the prepositional case. Another error is confusing it with "стена" (wall), which implies a more solid structure; for example, incorrectly saying "стена" for a garden fence when "забор" is more appropriate. Explanation: This can lead to miscommunication about the type of barrier, so practice declension tables to build accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, fences like "забор" often symbolize privacy and protection, reflecting historical influences from rural life where they guarded homes from animals or intruders. In literature, such as in works by Tolstoy, fences can represent social barriers, highlighting themes of isolation in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• калитка (Gate; often accompanies a fence for entry.)
• заборчик (A small fence; diminutive form for informal or child-related contexts.)
• оградительный барьер (Protective barrier; a more general term for safety measures.)