Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hurdle'

English Word: hurdle

Key Russian Translations:

• препятствие /prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪje/ - [Formal, Singular]
• барьер /ˈbarʲjɛr/ - [Informal, Can be Plural]

Frequency: Medium (препятствие is commonly used in everyday and literary contexts; барьер is frequent in sports and technical discussions).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; препятствие requires understanding of noun declensions, while барьер is slightly easier at A2 for basic forms).

Pronunciation (Russian):

препятствие: /prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪje/ (Stress on the third syllable. The 'пʲ' indicates a palatalized 'p', which is a common feature in Russian phonetics.)

Note on препятствие: This word has a soft 'т' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; practice the palatalization to avoid sounding harsh.

барьер: /ˈbarʲjɛr/ (Stress on the first syllable. The 'рʲ' is softly rolled, typical in Russian.)

Note on барьер: In casual speech, the 'р' might be less rolled; regional variations exist, but standard pronunciation is as above.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An obstacle or barrier that blocks progress or requires overcoming (e.g., in everyday life, challenges, or metaphors).

Translation(s) & Context:

• препятствие - Used in formal or written contexts to describe physical or abstract barriers, such as in business or personal development (e.g., in discussions about problem-solving).

Usage Examples:

• Это препятствие на пути к успеху можно преодолеть с помощью настойчивости. (This hurdle on the path to success can be overcome with persistence.)

  Translation: This obstacle on the path to success can be overcome with persistence.

• В повседневной жизни мы часто сталкиваемся с различными препятствиями. (In everyday life, we often encounter various hurdles.)

  Translation: In everyday life, we often encounter various obstacles.

• Экономические препятствия замедлили проект. (Economic hurdles slowed down the project.)

  Translation: Economic obstacles slowed down the project.

• Препятствие в виде бюрократии раздражает многих людей. (The hurdle in the form of bureaucracy frustrates many people.)

  Translation: The obstacle in the form of bureaucracy frustrates many people.

Meaning 2: A physical barrier in sports, such as in hurdling races, or metaphorically in competitive contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• барьер - Commonly used in sports terminology or to describe literal barriers; applicable in informal conversations about athletics or challenges.

Usage Examples:

• Атлет легко перепрыгнул барьер во время соревнований. (The athlete easily jumped over the hurdle during the competition.)

  Translation: The athlete easily jumped over the hurdle during the competition.

• В беге с барьерами важна не только скорость, но и техника. (In hurdling, speed is important, but so is technique.)

  Translation: In hurdling, speed is important, but so is technique.

• Этот барьер в переговорах был преодолен благодаря компромиссу. (This hurdle in the negotiations was overcome through compromise.)

  Translation: This barrier in the negotiations was overcome through compromise.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns and follow standard Russian inflection patterns. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender.

For препятствие (neuter, 2nd declension):

It is a regular noun with no irregularities.

For барьер (masculine, 2nd declension):

This noun is also regular and does not change in gender forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • препятствие: преграда (pregrada) - Similar, but often implies a more physical block.
  • барьер: ограда (ograda) - Used for fences or barriers, with a connotation of protection.
• Antonyms:
  • препятствие: помощь (pomoshch') - Help or assistance, directly opposing an obstacle.
  • барьер: открытый путь (otkrytyy put') - Open path, indicating no barriers.

Related Phrases:

• Преодолеть препятствие - To overcome a hurdle (used in motivational or problem-solving contexts).
• Барьер на пути - A barrier in the way (common in discussions about challenges or sports).
• Поставить барьер - To set up a hurdle (metaphorically, to create an obstacle, e.g., in negotiations).

Usage Notes:

The English word "hurdle" translates most accurately to "препятствие" for abstract or general obstacles and "барьер" for physical or sports-related ones. Choose "препятствие" in formal writing or when emphasizing intellectual challenges, as it carries a more sophisticated tone. "Барьер" is preferable in everyday speech or sports contexts due to its simplicity. Be mindful of Russian case endings, as they change based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). English speakers often mix these with similar words like "проблема" (problem), but "hurdle" implies something surmountable.

Common Errors:

• English learners might incorrectly use "препятствие" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я вижу препятствие" instead of "Я вижу препятствия" in plural contexts. Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "Я преодолел препятствие" (I overcame the hurdle).
• Confusing "барьер" with "блок" (block), which is less dynamic. Error example: Using "блок" for a sports hurdle; Correct: "барьер" is more precise for athletic contexts.
• Overgeneralizing translations: Assuming "hurdle" always means "барьер," leading to misuse in non-physical scenarios. Explanation: In metaphorical uses, "препятствие" is better to avoid sounding too literal.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "препятствие" often appear in literature and proverbs, such as in stories by Tolstoy, symbolizing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. "Барьер" in sports reflects Russia's emphasis on athletic traditions, like in the Olympics, where overcoming hurdles metaphorically represents resilience against historical adversities.

Related Concepts:

• преграда
• проблема
• вызов