Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'isle'

English Word: isle

Key Russian Translations:

• остров (/ɐˈstrof/) - [Neutral; commonly used for geographical features]

Frequency: Medium - The word is encountered in contexts like geography, literature, and travel, but not as frequently as everyday nouns.

Difficulty: A1 - Suitable for beginners, as it is a basic noun with straightforward usage in Russian.

Pronunciation (Russian):

остров: /ɐˈstrof/

Note on остров: The stress falls on the second syllable (/strof/), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small island, often in a poetic or literary context

Translation(s) & Context:

• остров - Used in neutral or formal contexts to describe a small landmass surrounded by water, such as in descriptions of landscapes or travel narratives.

Usage Examples:

• На горизонте виднелся маленький остров, покрытый зелёными холмами.

  On the horizon, a small isle could be seen, covered in green hills.

• Путешественники высадились на уединённый остров, чтобы отдохнуть от городской суеты.

  The travelers landed on a secluded isle to escape the hustle of city life.

• В сказках часто упоминается волшебный остров, где живут мифические существа.

  In fairy tales, a magical isle is often mentioned where mythical creatures live.

• Этот остров в океане служит убежищем для редких птиц и животных.

  This isle in the ocean serves as a refuge for rare birds and animals.

• Летом мы планируем посетить тропический остров с белыми песчаными пляжами.

  In the summer, we plan to visit a tropical isle with white sandy beaches.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Остров" is a masculine noun in the second declension (second grammatical group). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • архипелаг (archipelago) - Used for a group of islands; implies a larger scale.
  • полуостров (peninsula) - Similar but connected to land; subtle difference in geography.
• Antonyms:
  • материк (continent) - Refers to large landmasses, contrasting with isolated islands.
  • суходол (inland area) - Emphasizes non-coastal or non-isolated regions.

Related Phrases:

• Тропический остров - A tropical isle; often used in travel contexts to describe warm, exotic locations.
• Уединённый остров - A secluded isle; implies privacy or isolation, common in adventure stories.
• Остров сокровищ - Treasure isle; a phrase from literature, like in adventure tales.
• Волшебный остров - Magical isle; used in fairy tales or fantasy settings to denote enchantment.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "остров" directly corresponds to "isle" in English, particularly when emphasizing a smaller or more poetic island, as opposed to a larger "island." It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., scientific descriptions) and informal contexts (e.g., casual conversations). Always consider the grammatical case when using it in sentences; for instance, use the genitive case after prepositions like "на" (on). If multiple translations exist, choose "остров" for general purposes, but opt for synonyms like "архипелаг" if describing a cluster of isles.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "остров" in all cases, e.g., saying "Я иду на остров" instead of the correct prepositional form.

  Correct: "Я иду на остров" (actually correct here, but in other contexts like "о острове," it should be "о острове" – wait, error example: Incorrectly saying "Я думаю о остров" instead of "Я думаю об острове" for prepositional use.)

  Explanation: Russian requires the correct case; here, prepositional case is "острове." Learners often forget to adjust for prepositions, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with "островок" (a very small isle), which might overemphasize size unnecessarily.

  Correct: Use "остров" for standard isles and reserve "островок" for diminutive forms.

  Explanation: This can make the description sound childish or imprecise; stick to "остров" for neutral accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, islands like those in the Russian Far East (e.g., Sakhalin) or fictional ones in literature (such as in Pushkin's works) often symbolize isolation, adventure, or mystery. The concept of an "isle" can evoke historical explorations, like those by Russian navigators, adding a layer of national pride and romanticism to the word.

Related Concepts:

• море (sea)
• река (river)
• архипелаг (archipelago)