Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hump'

English Word: hump

Key Russian Translations:

• горб [ɡorb] - [Noun, Formal and Informal, Singular/Plural depending on context, Used in descriptions of physical features]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in contexts like animal descriptions or geography, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic vocabulary, per CEFR standards).

Pronunciation (Russian):

горб: [ɡorb]

Note on горб: The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go," but ensure it's not aspirated. Stress falls on the first syllable, and in rapid speech, it may soften slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A rounded protuberance or bump, often on an animal or in landscape.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горб - Used in formal and informal contexts for describing physical features, such as on camels or hills.

Usage Examples:

• Верблюд несет тяжелый груз на своем горбе.

  The camel carries a heavy load on its hump.

• Дорога имеет горб в середине, что затрудняет движение.

  The road has a hump in the middle, which makes driving difficult.

• Этот горб на холме виден издалека.

  This hump on the hill is visible from afar.

• Горб слона — это не так заметен, как у верблюда.

  The hump of an elephant is not as noticeable as that of a camel.

• В сказках горб часто символизирует выносливость.

  In fairy tales, the hump often symbolizes endurance.

Meaning 2: Figurative use, such as a burden or obstacle (less common direct translation).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Горб (metaphorically) - Used in informal or literary contexts to imply a burden or challenge.

Usage Examples:

• Эта проблема стала для него настоящим горбом в жизни.

  This problem became a real hump in his life.

• Горб долгов не дает ему спокойно жить.

  The hump of debts doesn't let him live peacefully.

• Преодолеть этот горб — значит достичь успеха.

  Overcoming this hump means achieving success.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горб" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Выпуклость (vypuklost') - A general bulge or protuberance, often used interchangeably in non-animal contexts.
  • Гребень (grebien') - Specifically for ridges or crests, with a slight connotation of sharpness.
• Antonyms:
  • Впадина (vpadina) - A depression or hollow, opposite in physical form.
  • Равнина (ravnina) - A flat surface, contrasting with any raised feature.

Related Phrases:

• Горб верблюда - Refers to the hump of a camel; used in discussions of desert adaptations or folklore.
• Горб на дороге - A bump in the road; common in driving or urban planning contexts.
• Носить горб - To carry a burden metaphorically; implies enduring hardship.

Usage Notes:

"Горб" directly corresponds to the English "hump" in literal senses, such as physical protrusions, but can be used metaphorically in Russian literature or everyday speech to mean a burden. It is versatile across formal and informal settings, but be cautious with context— in formal writing, pair it with descriptive phrases for clarity. When choosing between translations, use "горб" for animal-related contexts and "выпуклость" for general bumps. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "на горб" instead of "на горбе" in prepositional case. Correct: Use the proper form, like "на горбе верблюда," as the genitive or prepositional case is required. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

• Error: Using it metaphorically without context, e.g., confusing it with "butchka" (humpback). Correct: Stick to "горб" for standard meanings and provide cultural context if needed. Explanation: This can lead to misunderstandings in idiomatic expressions, so learners should study common phrases first.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "hump" of a camel (горб верблюда) is often symbolic in folklore and literature, representing resilience and adaptation to harsh environments like the Central Asian steppes. It appears in stories and proverbs as a metaphor for carrying life's burdens, reflecting historical nomadic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Верблюд (camel)
• Холм (hill)
• Выступ (protrusion)