Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'forty'

English Word: forty

Key Russian Translations:

• сорок [sórak] - [Neutral, used for cardinal numbers]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday counting, mathematics, and general conversation)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as basic numerals are introduced early in language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сорок: [sórak]

Note on сорок: The stress falls on the first syllable; the 'o' is pronounced as a short 'o' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers used to diphthongs.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: The cardinal number 40.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сорок - Used in counting, quantities, ages, and mathematical contexts in neutral, everyday situations.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сорок яблок в корзине.

  I have forty apples in the basket. (Demonstrates use in a simple possessive context with a noun.)

• Ему исполнилось сорок лет на прошлой неделе.

  He turned forty years old last week. (Shows usage in expressing age, common in biographical or conversational settings.)

• Сорок плюс двадцать равно шестьдесят.

  Forty plus twenty equals sixty. (Illustrates mathematical usage in educational or problem-solving contexts.)

• В магазине продают сорок видов мороженого.

  The store sells forty kinds of ice cream. (Example in a commercial or descriptive context, highlighting quantity variety.)

• Сорок минут осталось до конца фильма.

  There are forty minutes left until the end of the movie. (Used for time measurement in narrative or scheduling scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The Russian word "сорок" is an indeclinable numeral, meaning it does not change form based on case, gender, or number. This is a characteristic of certain Russian numerals (like those ending in 'ок'). For example:

This invariability simplifies its use compared to declinable nouns or adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None directly applicable, as "сорок" is a specific numeral. However, in idiomatic expressions, it might be paraphrased with phrases like "четыредесят" (an archaic form, but rarely used in modern Russian).
• Antonyms: Not applicable for numerals, as they do not have direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• сорок раз - Forty times (Used in repetitive actions or multiplication; e.g., in exercises or habits).
• сорок лет - Forty years (Common in discussing ages or historical periods).
• сорок градусов - Forty degrees (Refers to temperature or angles in scientific contexts).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сорок" corresponds directly to the English "forty" as a cardinal number and is used in similar contexts, such as counting, math, or descriptions. However, remember that Russian numerals must agree in gender and case with the nouns they modify in some instances, though "сорок" itself remains unchanged. For example, it's neutral and can precede masculine, feminine, or neuter nouns without alteration. When choosing between translations, "сорок" is the standard and most straightforward option for "forty." Be cautious in formal writing or poetry where archaic forms might appear, but for everyday use, stick to this.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "сорок" with other numerals like "тридцать" (thirty) or "пятьдесят" (fifty) due to similar sounds. Incorrect: "У меня пятьдесят яблок" when meaning forty. Correct: "У меня сорок яблок." Explanation: This often happens with learners who haven't memorized numerals fully; practice listing numbers sequentially to avoid mix-ups.

• Error: Attempting to decline "сорок" as if it were a regular noun, e.g., saying "сорока" in genitive case. Incorrect: "Без сорока" should remain "Без сорок." Correct: "Без сорок книг." Explanation: As an indeclinable word, forcing changes can lead to grammatical errors; always keep it in its base form.

Cultural Notes:

The number forty holds cultural significance in Russian folklore and history, often symbolizing a complete cycle or trial, as seen in tales like "The Forty Thieves" (adapted from Arabic stories) or references in Orthodox Christianity (e.g., forty days of Lent). This can add a layer of depth when using "сорок" in idiomatic expressions, making it more than just a numeral in cultural contexts.

Related Concepts:

• тридцать (thirty)
• пятьдесят (fifty)
• сто (one hundred)