Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'island'

English Word: island

Key Russian Translations:

• остров [ˈostrəf] - [Neutral; commonly used in everyday and formal contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is frequently encountered in Russian texts, conversations, and media, especially in geography, travel, and literature.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary that is introduced early in language learning, with simple pronunciation and usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

остров: [ˈostrəf]

Note on остров: The stress is on the first syllable ([ˈos-]). The "o" sounds like the 'o' in "hot," and the final "f" is a soft, voiceless labiodental fricative. Non-native speakers may struggle with the rolled 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A piece of land surrounded by water (geographical or literal sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• остров - Used in neutral, everyday contexts to describe natural or man-made islands, such as in travel descriptions or historical narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Этот остров известен своими белыми песчаными пляжами.

  This island is famous for its white sandy beaches.

• Мы плыли к острову на лодке и наслаждались видом.

  We sailed to the island by boat and enjoyed the view.

• Остров был необитаемым, но полным дикой природы.

  The island was uninhabited but full of wild nature.

• Тропический остров в Тихом океане привлекает туристов круглый год.

  The tropical island in the Pacific Ocean attracts tourists year-round.

• На острове есть древние руины, которые стоит посетить.

  On the island, there are ancient ruins worth visiting.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Остров" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections based on case, number, and gender.

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively easy for learners. Always adjust for agreement with adjectives and verbs based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • островок - A smaller or diminutive island (e.g., used for islets or metaphorical small areas).
  • архипелаг - For a group of islands, with a more specific geographical connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • материк - Refers to a continent or mainland, contrasting with isolated land masses.
  • полуостров - A peninsula, which is connected to the mainland.

Related Phrases:

• Тропический остров - Tropical island (Used in travel contexts to describe warm, exotic destinations).
• Остров сокровищ - Island of treasures (A common phrase in literature, e.g., referencing adventure stories).
• Безлюдный остров - Deserted island (Implies isolation, often in survival or fictional scenarios).

Usage Notes:

"Остров" directly corresponds to the English "island" in most literal senses, but English speakers should note that Russian requires case agreement in sentences. For example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "на" (on) in phrases like "на острове" (on the island). It's neutral in register, suitable for formal writing or casual conversation, but avoid overusing it in metaphorical contexts without context, as Russians might prefer more specific terms. When choosing between translations, "остров" is the default for physical islands, while "островок" adds a sense of endearment or smallness.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse case endings, e.g., using nominative "остров" instead of genitive "острова" in phrases like "к острову" (to the island). Correct: Use genitive for direction; Error: "к остров" (incorrect).

• Mispronouncing the stress, saying [osˈtrof] instead of [ˈostrəf], which can make it sound unnatural. Correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable.

• Overgeneralizing to metaphorical uses; for example, translating "island of peace" as "остров мира" is fine, but learners might forget to adjust for context, leading to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, islands like Sakhalin or the Kuril Islands hold historical and geopolitical significance, often featured in literature (e.g., Chekhov's works) and modern discussions about territory. The concept of an "island" can symbolize isolation or escape, as seen in Russian folklore and post-Soviet narratives, reflecting Russia's vast geography and complex history.

Related Concepts:

• архипелаг
• полуостров
• материк