Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'footpath'

English Word: footpath

Key Russian Translations:

• тропинка /trɐˈpʲinkə/ - [Informal, Singular]
• пешеходная дорожка /pʲɪʂɨˈxodnəjə dɐˈroʂkə/ - [Formal, Used in urban or structured contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation about nature or walking, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дорога").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions, but basic forms are straightforward for learners at this level. For 'пешеходная дорожка', difficulty may rise to B2 due to compound words.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тропинка: /trɐˈpʲinkə/

Note on тропинка: The stress is on the second syllable ('pʲinkə'). Be careful with the palatalized 'пʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. It sounds softer than a standard 'p'.

пешеходная дорожка: /pʲɪʂɨˈxodnəjə dɐˈroʂkə/

Note on пешеходная дорожка: This is a compound word; pronounce it as two parts with stress on the third syllable of the first word and the second of the second. The 'ш' in 'пешеходная' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to 'sh' in English 'shoe'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A narrow path or walkway for pedestrians, often in natural or outdoor settings

Translation(s) & Context:

• тропинка - Typically used in informal contexts for a small, winding path in nature, such as in forests or countryside.
• пешеходная дорожка - Used in more formal or urban settings, like parks or sidewalks, emphasizing safety and designated pedestrian areas.

Usage Examples:

• Мы пошли по узкой тропинке через лес, наслаждаясь свежим воздухом.

  We walked along the narrow footpath through the forest, enjoying the fresh air.

• В парке есть пешеходная дорожка, где люди гуляют по вечерам.

  In the park, there is a footpath where people stroll in the evenings.

• Дети любят играть на старой тропинке за домом, несмотря на дождь.

  Children love playing on the old footpath behind the house, even in the rain.

• Эта пешеходная дорожка ведет к реке и идеально подходит для пробежек.

  This footpath leads to the river and is perfect for jogging.

• Летом тропинка становится особенно живописной, покрытой цветами.

  In the summer, the footpath becomes especially picturesque, covered with flowers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Тропинка' is a feminine noun of the first declension, which follows regular patterns in Russian. It changes based on case, number, and gender. 'Пешеходная дорожка' is a phrase where 'пешеходная' is an adjective (feminine singular) and 'дорожка' is a feminine noun of the first declension.

For 'пешеходная', as an adjective, it agrees with the noun: e.g., пешеходная (feminine singular), пешеходные (plural). These forms are regular and do not have irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: дорожка (a small path, often more general); путь (a way or route, but less specific to walking)
• Antonyms: шоссе (highway, implying a large, vehicular road); асфальтированная дорога (paved road, contrasting with natural paths)

Related Phrases:

• лесная тропинка - A footpath in the forest; often used in hiking or nature descriptions.
• пешеходная тропа в горах - A mountain footpath; implies adventure or outdoor activities.
• узкая городская дорожка - A narrow urban footpath; highlights city planning for pedestrians.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'footpath' doesn't have a direct one-to-one equivalent, so choose based on context: use 'тропинка' for informal, natural settings and 'пешеходная дорожка' for formal or urban ones. Be mindful of declensions to ensure agreement with other words in the sentence. For example, it's common in descriptive narratives or travel contexts, but avoid it in technical discussions where 'дорога' might be more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'тропинка' in formal contexts, like official city planning documents, where 'пешеходная дорожка' is more precise. Correct usage: Instead of saying "Тропинка в парке" (which sounds casual), say "Пешеходная дорожка в парке" for accuracy.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "по тропинка" instead of "по тропинке". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; "по" requires dative case, so the correct form is "по тропинке".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and folklore, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, 'тропинка' often symbolizes life's journey or simplicity in nature, evoking a sense of nostalgia or rural life. This reflects Russia's vast landscapes, where footpaths are integral to everyday experiences and cultural stories.

Related Concepts:

• дорога
• путь
• тропы