Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gneiss'

English Word: gneiss

Key Russian Translations:

• гнейс [ɡnejs] - [Formal, Specialized Term]

Frequency: Low (This is a specialized geological term used primarily in scientific, academic, or professional contexts, not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1) - Suitable for learners with a strong vocabulary in technical fields like geology; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and borrowed words.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гнейс: [ɡnejs]

Note on гнейс: The pronunciation features a hard 'г' sound, similar to the English 'g' in 'go', followed by a diphthong. Non-native speakers may struggle with the vowel blend; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A coarse-grained metamorphic rock characterized by banding and foliation, often formed under high pressure and temperature.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гнейс - Used in formal scientific discussions, geological reports, or educational contexts to describe this specific type of rock. It is a direct borrowing from English/German and is the standard term in Russian geology.

Usage Examples:

• В горах Урала часто встречается гнейс, который формируется в результате метаморфизма.

  In the Ural Mountains, gneiss is often found, which forms as a result of metamorphism.

• Геологи изучили образцы гнейса для определения возраста пород.

  Geologists studied samples of gneiss to determine the age of the rocks.

• Этот гнейс имеет характерные слои, что делает его отличным от гранита.

  This gneiss has characteristic layers, which distinguish it from granite.

• В процессе эрозии гнейс обнажает красивые узоры на скалах.

  During erosion, gneiss reveals beautiful patterns on the rocks.

• Исследования показывают, что гнейс в Сибири содержит редкие минералы.

  Studies show that gneiss in Siberia contains rare minerals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гнейс" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, borrowed from English/German, and follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, but can show basic changes in number and case when used in context. Below is a table outlining its forms:

Note: While "гнейс" is generally regular, some speakers may treat it as indeclinable in informal or scientific contexts, especially in fixed phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Метаморфическая порода (metamorphic rock) - A broader term for rocks like gneiss; used when specificity is not required.
  • Лампрофиллит (lamprophyllite) - Sometimes used in specific mineralogical contexts, but less common.
• Antonyms:
  • Осадочная порода (sedimentary rock) - Refers to rocks formed from sediment, contrasting with metamorphic types like gneiss.

Related Phrases:

• Слой гнейса (Layer of gneiss) - Refers to a stratum in geological formations; used in descriptions of rock layers.
• Гнейсовая порода (Gneiss rock) - A common phrase to specify the type; implies a focus on its metamorphic characteristics.
• Метаморфизм гнейса (Metamorphism of gneiss) - Used in scientific discussions about the process forming this rock.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гнейс" directly corresponds to the English "gneiss" as a borrowed term, making it straightforward for English speakers. However, it is primarily used in formal or technical contexts, such as geology textbooks or research papers. Be mindful of case endings when integrating it into sentences—e.g., use the genitive form "гнейса" after prepositions like "из" (from). If multiple translations exist, choose "гнейс" for precision in scientific writing, but opt for synonyms like "метаморфическая порода" in general descriptions to avoid overly technical language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the case, e.g., saying "в гнейс" instead of "в гнейсе" (in the gneiss). Correct: Use the prepositional case "гнейсе" for locations. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

• Error: Pronouncing it as [ɡnaɪs] like the English version, ignoring the Russian [ɡnejs]. Correct: Practice the Russian vowel sounds. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; listening to native audio helps.

• Error: Treating it as a feminine noun, e.g., incorrect declension like "гнейсу" for dative. Correct: It's masculine, so follow the patterns shown in the inflections table. Explanation: Confusion with gender is common for borrowed words, affecting agreement with adjectives or verbs.

Cultural Notes:

"Гнейс" as a term doesn't carry strong cultural connotations in Russian everyday life, but it is significant in the context of Russian geology. Russia has vast geological resources, including large deposits of gneiss in regions like the Urals and Siberia, which have been studied extensively since the 19th century. This reflects Russia's historical emphasis on natural sciences and resource exploration, often tied to national development projects.

Related Concepts:

• Гранит (granite)
• Сланец (slate)
• Метаморфизм (metamorphism)
• Осадочная порода (sedimentary rock)