Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'floodplain'

English Word: floodplain

Key Russian Translations:

• пойма (/ˈpojma/) - [Formal; used in geographical and environmental contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, environmental, and educational discussions but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to geography, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пойма: /ˈpojma/ (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'ой' diphthong is pronounced like 'oy' in 'boy')

Note on пойма: Be mindful of the soft 'й' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it softens the preceding vowel. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A flat area of land adjacent to a river that is periodically inundated during floods.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пойма - Used in formal geographical descriptions, such as in environmental reports or academic texts, to refer to flood-prone river valleys.

Usage Examples:

• В пойме реки Волги часто происходят наводнения, которые обогащают почву.

  In the floodplain of the Volga River, floods often occur, which enrich the soil.

• Пойма Амура является важным экосистемным регионом для миграции птиц.

  The floodplain of the Amur is an important ecosystem region for bird migration.

• Город построен на краю поймы, что увеличивает риск затопления.

  The city is built on the edge of the floodplain, which increases the risk of flooding.

• Исследователи изучают изменения в пойме после сильных дождей.

  Researchers are studying changes in the floodplain after heavy rains.

• Пойма реки используется для сельскохозяйственных целей, несмотря на сезонные разливы.

  The floodplain of the river is used for agricultural purposes, despite seasonal overflows.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пойма" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • заливной луг (zaliivnoy lug) - Refers to a flooded meadow, often used interchangeably in ecological contexts but more specific to grassy areas.
  • намыв (namyv) - Typically used for areas built up by sediment deposition, with a slight emphasis on artificial or natural buildup.
• Antonyms:
  • высокогорье (vysokogor'ye) - High mountain areas, contrasting with low-lying floodplains.
  • плато (plato) - Plateaus or elevated flat lands, which are not prone to flooding.

Related Phrases:

• пойма реки (poyma reki) - Floodplain of the river; used in geographical descriptions to specify a particular river's overflow area.
• затопляемая зона (zatoplyaemaya zona) - Inundated zone; a phrase for areas prone to flooding, often in emergency or planning contexts.
• речные наносы в пойме (rechnyie nanosy v poyme) - River sediments in the floodplain; refers to the deposition process in flood-prone regions.

Usage Notes:

"Пойма" directly corresponds to "floodplain" in English and is the most precise translation for environmental and geographical discussions. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as scientific reports or educational materials. When using this word, ensure correct declension based on its role in the sentence (e.g., in genitive case for possession, like "поймы реки"). English learners should note that Russian nouns like this require agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives and verbs. If multiple translations exist, choose "пойма" for standard usage; alternatives like "заливной луг" may be more appropriate for specific subcontexts, such as agriculture.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "пойма" in all cases, e.g., saying "в пойма" instead of "в пойме". Correct: "В пойме реки" (In the floodplain of the river). Explanation: Russian requires proper declension; "в" is a preposition that governs the prepositional case, so the noun must change to "пойме".

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "пойма" (which is correct) and "поймать" (to catch), leading to misuse in sentences. Correct: Use "пойма" only for geographical features. Explanation: Pay attention to context and word roots to avoid homophonic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, floodplains like those of the Volga or Amur rivers hold significant cultural and historical importance. They are often associated with traditional agriculture, folklore about seasonal floods, and environmental challenges due to climate change. For instance, the annual flooding of the Volga floodplain has shaped Russian literature and art, symbolizing both fertility and destruction in rural life.

Related Concepts:

• река (reka) - River
• наводнение (navodneniye) - Flood
• экосистема (ekosistema) - Ecosystem
• болото (boloto) - Swamp