Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Himalaya'

English Word: Himalaya

Key Russian Translations:

• Гималаи [ɡʲɪmaˈlajɪ] - [Proper noun, used for the mountain range, typically in geographical or formal contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and appears infrequently in everyday conversation, mainly in educational, travel, or scientific discussions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; it involves basic recognition of a proper noun with straightforward pronunciation, suitable for early learners of Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Гималаи: [ɡʲɪmaˈlajɪ]

Note on Гималаи: The stress falls on the third syllable ("la"), which is common in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the soft 'г' sound, represented by [ɡʲ], which can be challenging for English speakers due to its palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A mountain range in Asia, known for its height and cultural significance

Translation(s) & Context:

• Гималаи - Used in contexts referring to the physical geography, such as in travel guides, environmental discussions, or historical texts (e.g., formal writing or educational materials).

Usage Examples:

• Гималаи являются самым высоким горным хребтом в мире.

  The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.

• Многие альпинисты мечтают покорить вершины Гималаев.

  Many climbers dream of conquering the peaks of the Himalayas.

• Гималаи влияют на климат Индии и Китая.

  The Himalayas influence the climate of India and China.

• В Гималаях расположены священные места для буддистов и индуистов.

  In the Himalayas, there are sacred sites for Buddhists and Hindus.

• Экспедиция в Гималаи требует тщательной подготовки.

  An expedition to the Himalayas requires thorough preparation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гималаи" is a plural masculine noun in Russian (from the second declension). As a proper noun, it follows standard Russian noun inflection rules but is often used in its base form in modern contexts. However, it can inflect for grammatical cases when integrated into sentences.

Note: Since "Гималаи" is inherently plural, singular forms are not applicable. It does not change in number but follows regular plural declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Гималайский хребет (Himalayan ridge) - More descriptive, used in geographical contexts to emphasize the ridge structure.
  • Горная система Гималаев (Mountain system of the Himalayas) - Formal synonym, often in scientific or academic writing.
• Antonyms:
  • Низменность (Lowland) - Refers to flat or low-elevation areas, contrasting with mountainous regions.

Related Phrases:

• Вершины Гималаев (Peaks of the Himalayas) - Refers to the highest points; used in mountaineering or adventure contexts.
• Гималайский регион (Himalayan region) - Describes the broader area; often in discussions about ecology or culture.
• Покорение Гималаев (Conquest of the Himalayas) - A phrase for climbing expeditions; implies achievement and challenge.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Гималаи" directly corresponds to the English "Himalaya" as a proper noun and is used similarly in geographical descriptions. It is neutral in tone and can appear in both formal and informal contexts, such as travel blogs or academic texts. When using it, ensure proper declension based on the sentence structure (e.g., in genitive case for possession). For English speakers, note that Russian requires agreement in gender, number, and case, so phrases like "в Гималаях" (in the Himalayas) are common. If multiple translations exist, choose "Гималаи" for standard references, as it's the most direct borrowing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [ɡɪˈmæləjə] (influenced by English phonetics) instead of the correct [ɡʲɪmaˈlajɪ]. Correct: Practice the soft 'г' and stress on the third syllable to avoid sounding unnatural. Example of error: "Я видел Гималая" (incorrect form); Correct: "Я видел Гималаи" in nominative, or properly inflected as needed.

• Error: Failing to inflect the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "путешествие в Гималаи" but incorrectly using it in wrong cases. Correct: Use "в Гималаях" for locative contexts to indicate being inside or among them. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree with prepositions and verbs, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Гималаи" often evokes images of adventure, spirituality, and the exotic East, influenced by Soviet-era explorations and modern tourism. It symbolizes natural grandeur and is linked to broader themes in Russian literature, such as in works by explorers who ventured into Asia, highlighting Russia's historical interest in Central Asia and the challenges of high-altitude environments.

Related Concepts:

• Альпы (Alps)
• Каракорум (Karakoram)
• Тибет (Tibet)