Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gully'

English Word: gully

Key Russian Translations:

• овраг [ɐˈvrak] - [Formal; Used in geographical or natural contexts]
• ущелье [ʊˈɕːelʲjə] - [Formal; Implies a deeper or more dramatic ravine]
• канавка [kɐˈnafka] - [Informal; Refers to a smaller, man-made ditch or channel]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of geography, literature, or outdoor activities, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Involves basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to natural features. For 'овраг', it's B1; for 'ущелье', it might be B2 due to more complex contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

овраг: [ɐˈvrak]

ущелье: [ʊˈɕːelʲjə]

канавка: [kɐˈnafka]

Note on овраг: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the 'р' sound, which is a rolled 'r' in Russian. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A narrow channel or ravine formed by running water (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• овраг - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as geography or literature, to describe natural formations.
• ущелье - Applied in more dramatic settings, like mountains or adventures, emphasizing depth and scale.
• канавка - Informal, often for smaller, artificial gullies in urban or agricultural settings.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу течет ручей, образуя глубокий овраг.

  In the forest, a stream flows, forming a deep gully.

• Туристы осторожно спустились в ущелье, чтобы увидеть скрытый водопад.

  The tourists carefully descended into the gully to see the hidden waterfall.

• После дождя на дороге появилась маленькая канавка, полная воды.

  After the rain, a small gully appeared on the road, full of water.

• Овраг на склоне холма стал опасным для скота во время ливня.

  The gully on the hillside became dangerous for livestock during the downpour.

• В парке дети играли у канавки, pretending it was a river.

  In the park, children played by the gully, pretending it was a river.

Figurative or metaphorical use (e.g., in literature for obstacles)

Translation(s) & Context:

• овраг - In metaphorical contexts, symbolizing a barrier or challenge in stories.

Usage Examples:

• Жизненный овраг преодолел герой романа, обретя силу.

  The hero of the novel overcame the life's gully, gaining strength.

• Ущелье сомнений отделяло его от успеха.

  The gully of doubts separated him from success.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Овраг' is a masculine noun in the second declension, with regular inflections. 'Ущелье' is neuter, also regular. 'Канавка' is feminine and diminutive, following standard patterns.

Note: These are regular changes; no irregularities for these words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • балка (balka) - Similar to a gully but often wider; used in steppe regions.
  • расщелина (rasshhelina) - A cleft or fissure, more vertical than horizontal.
• Antonyms:
  • плато (plato) - A flat, elevated area, contrasting with a sunken gully.
  • вершина (vershina) - A peak or summit, opposite in topography.

Related Phrases:

• край оврага - Edge of the gully; Used in descriptions of landscapes or dangers.
• спуск в ущелье - Descent into the gully; Common in adventure or travel contexts.
• заполненная канавка - Filled gully; Refers to water accumulation after rain.

Usage Notes:

'Gully' translates most directly to 'овраг' in natural settings, but choose based on context: use 'ущелье' for dramatic features and 'канавка' for informal or diminutive ones. Be mindful of Russian's case system; for example, in prepositional phrases like "в овраге" (in the gully), the noun changes form. This word is neutral in register but may carry poetic connotations in literature. When selecting among translations, prioritize 'овраг' for everyday English equivalents.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "в овраг" instead of "в овраге" for "in the gully". Correct: "в овраге" – This mistakes the case; Russian requires the prepositional case for locations.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like 'река' (river), leading to overuse of 'овраг' for any water feature. Correct: Use 'овраг' only for dry or seasonal channels, not permanent rivers. Example: Incorrect: "Река – это овраг." Correct: "Река – это не овраг, а постоянный водоток."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, 'овраг' often symbolizes isolation or hidden dangers in rural landscapes, reflecting Russia's vast geography. It can evoke themes of the unknown in folklore, where gullies might hide treasures or mythical creatures, adding a layer of cultural depth beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• холм (hill)
• расщелина (fissure)