Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intonation'

English Word: intonation

Key Russian Translations:

• интонация [ɪn.tɐˈna.t͡sɨ.jə] - [Formal; Used in linguistic, educational, and everyday contexts discussing speech patterns]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in language learning, literature, and discussions about communication, but not in casual everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of phonetics and grammar, as per CEFR standards, making it accessible to learners with a solid intermediate grasp of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

интонация: [ɪn.tɐˈna.t͡sɨ.jə]

Note on интонация: The stress falls on the third syllable ("na"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to differences in Russian stress patterns. The "т͡с" is a palatalized affricate sound, similar to "ts" in "cats" but softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking, often conveying emotion or meaning.

Translation(s) & Context:

• интонация - Used in formal linguistic discussions or everyday speech analysis, such as describing how tone affects communication in conversations or public speaking.

Usage Examples:

• В русском языке интонация играет ключевую роль в выражении эмоций.

  In the Russian language, intonation plays a key role in expressing emotions.

• Изучая иностранные языки, важно обращать внимание на интонацию.

  When studying foreign languages, it's important to pay attention to intonation.

• Её интонация в разговоре всегда передаёт энтузиазм.

  Her intonation in conversation always conveys enthusiasm.

• В поэзии интонация может изменить смысл строки.

  In poetry, intonation can change the meaning of a line.

• Правильная интонация помогает избежать недоразумений в деловом общении.

  Proper intonation helps avoid misunderstandings in business communication.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Интонация" is a feminine noun (feminine gender, first declension). It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns, which are regular for most feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тон (tone) - Often used interchangeably but focuses more on pitch; suitable for musical contexts.
  • мелодика (melody of speech) - Emphasizes rhythmic aspects; common in literary analysis.
• Antonyms:
  • монотонность (monotony) - Refers to a lack of variation in pitch, implying dullness.

Related Phrases:

• Изменение интонации - Change of intonation; Used in contexts discussing emotional shifts in speech.
• Интонационный рисунок - Intonation pattern; Refers to the overall structure of tone in a sentence, common in phonetics studies.
• Эмоциональная интонация - Emotional intonation; Highlights how tone conveys feelings in everyday interactions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "интонация" directly corresponds to the English "intonation" in linguistic and communicative contexts, but it emphasizes the melodic aspect more than in English. It's primarily used in formal or educational settings; for casual speech, Russians might describe tone through adjectives like "эмоциональный" (emotional). When choosing this word, ensure the context involves speech patterns—avoid it for musical intonation, where "тон" is better. Grammatically, it requires agreement in gender, number, and case, so always decline it appropriately based on its role in the sentence.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "интонация" with "тон": English learners often use "интонация" when "тон" is more appropriate for pitch in music. Incorrect: "В песне интонация важна" (should be "тон"). Correct: "В песне тон важна". Explanation: "Интонация" is speech-specific, while "тон" covers broader pitch variations.

• Overlooking declension: Beginners might forget to change the ending, e.g., saying "Я изучаю интонация" instead of "Я изучаю интонацию" (accusative case). Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, intonation holds significant importance in literature and poetry, as seen in the works of poets like Pushkin, where varying intonation can alter the emotional depth of a verse. This reflects Russia's rich oral tradition, where storytelling and public speaking emphasize expressive tone to convey subtext, often more than in English-speaking cultures.

Related Concepts:

• акцент (accent)
• ритм (rhythm)
• произношение (pronunciation)