Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'funicular'

English Word: funicular

Key Russian Translations:

• фуникулер [fʊnʲɪˈkulʲɛr] - [Formal; Used in contexts related to transportation, engineering, or tourism]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more specialized for discussions about public transport or geography in Russian-speaking regions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 according to CEFR; Learners need familiarity with Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary, but it's not overly complex.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фуникулер: [fʊnʲɪˈkulʲɛr]

Note on фуникулер: The stress falls on the third syllable ("kulʲɛr"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'l' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, rolling 'r' at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A cable railway or incline railway for passengers, typically used on steep slopes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фуникулер - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing urban transport systems or tourist attractions in mountainous areas.

Usage Examples:

• Мы часто пользуемся фуникулером, чтобы подняться на холм в выходные.

  We often use the funicular to go up the hill on weekends.

• Фуникулер в Санкт-Петербурге - это отличный способ увидеть город с высоты.

  The funicular in St. Petersburg is a great way to see the city from above.

• Инженеры спроектировали новый фуникулер для безопасного передвижения в горах.

  Engineers designed a new funicular for safe travel in the mountains.

• Туристы ждали фуникулер, чтобы добраться до вершины.

  Tourists were waiting for the funicular to reach the summit.

• Фуникулер работает круглый год, несмотря на снежные зимы.

  The funicular operates year-round, even during snowy winters.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"фуникулер" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not change in gender or have verbal forms, as it is not a verb.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подвесная дорога (suspended road; used interchangeably in some contexts, but more general)
  • канатная дорога (cable road; emphasizes the cable mechanism, with subtle differences in technical descriptions)
• Antonyms:
  • автобус (bus; represents standard road transport, contrasting with inclined systems)
  • метро (metro; for underground rail systems, highlighting non-inclined transport)

Related Phrases:

• Горный фуникулер (Mountain funicular) - A funicular specifically designed for mountainous terrain, often used in ski resorts.
• Подъёмный фуникулер (Lifting funicular) - Refers to a funicular that lifts passengers vertically, common in urban settings.
• Фуникулер для туристов (Funicular for tourists) - Indicates a funicular operated for sightseeing purposes.

Usage Notes:

"фуникулер" directly corresponds to the English "funicular" as a specialized term for cable-based transport systems. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts, such as travel guides, engineering discussions, or descriptions of Russian cities like Sochi or St. Petersburg. Be mindful of its declension when using in sentences; for example, always adjust the ending based on the grammatical case. If multiple translations exist, choose "фуникулер" for precision in transportation contexts, but "подвесная дорога" might be more versatile in casual descriptions. Avoid using it in everyday informal speech, as it could sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing it with "лифт" (elevator) by using "фуникулер" for indoor vertical transport. Correct usage: "фуникулер" is for outdoor, inclined systems, not enclosed elevators. Example of error: "Я поехал на фуникулере в офис" (incorrect). Correct: "Я поехал на лифте в офис" (I took the elevator to the office). Explanation: This mix-up occurs due to both involving vertical movement, but "фуникулер" specifically implies an outdoor, cable-pulled railway.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., using "фуникулер" in all cases. Correct: In genitive case, say "фуникулера" as in "путешествие на фуникулера" (travel on the funicular). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with case, number, and gender, so learners should practice declensions to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, funiculars like "фуникулер" are often associated with scenic urban landscapes, such as the one in St. Petersburg connecting the city to a viewing point. They reflect Russia's historical emphasis on innovative engineering for challenging terrains, dating back to the 19th century. This term can evoke a sense of adventure and tourism, symbolizing access to hard-to-reach natural beauties in regions like the Caucasus Mountains.

Related Concepts:

• Канатная дорога
• Подвесной мост
• Горнолыжный подъёмник