Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'isthmus'

English Word: isthmus

Key Russian Translations:

• перешеек [pʲɪrʲɪˈʂɛjk] - [Formal; used in geographical and academic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in educational, geographical, or historical discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and geography-related terminology, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перешеек: [pʲɪrʲɪˈʂɛjk]

Note on перешеек: The pronunciation features a soft 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'r' in "measure" but rolled. Variations may occur in regional dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, such as between two bodies of water or continents.

Translation(s) & Context:

• перешеек - Typically used in formal geographical descriptions, such as in maps, history, or scientific texts; it directly corresponds to the English "isthmus" in contexts involving land bridges.

Usage Examples:

• Панамский перешеек соединяет Северную и Южную Америку, играя ключевую роль в глобальной торговле.

  The Isthmus of Panama connects North and South America, playing a key role in global trade.

• Крымский перешеек исторически стратегически важен для России из-за его географического положения.

  The Crimean Isthmus is historically strategically important for Russia due to its geographical position.

• В географии перешеек часто рассматривается как природный мост между двумя регионами.

  In geography, an isthmus is often considered a natural bridge between two regions.

• Изучение перешейка помогает понять миграционные пути древних цивилизаций.

  Studying an isthmus helps understand the migration paths of ancient civilizations.

• Перешеек в Сибири может быть подвержен эрозии из-за климатических изменений.

  An isthmus in Siberia may be subject to erosion due to climate change.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Перешеек" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple isthmuses, and inflections are regular without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • узкий перешеек (narrow isthmus) - Often used for emphasis on narrowness, but less common.
  • земляной мост (land bridge) - Informal synonym in metaphorical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • остров (island) - Refers to a landmass surrounded by water, contrasting with a connecting land strip.
  • пролив (strait) - A narrow body of water, the opposite in terms of water vs. land.

Related Phrases:

• Крымский перешеек - Refers to the Crimean Isthmus, a strategically important land connection; often discussed in geopolitical contexts.
• Панамский перешеек - The Isthmus of Panama; used in examples of global trade routes.
• Перешеек Суэца - The Suez Isthmus; highlights historical canal constructions.

Usage Notes:

"Перешеек" is a precise translation for "isthmus" in formal and academic English-Russian contexts, particularly in geography and history. It is typically used in singular form unless specifying multiple instances. Be mindful of its masculine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "узкий перешеек" for "narrow isthmus"). In everyday conversation, English speakers might prefer more common terms like "пролив" if discussing water bodies, but choose "перешеек" for land-based descriptions. When multiple translations exist, opt for "перешеек" in educational settings for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "перешеек" with "пролив" (strait), as both involve narrow connections. Incorrect: "Панамский пролив соединяет континенты." (Wrong because it's a land connection, not water.) Correct: "Панамский перешеек соединяет континенты." Explanation: "Пролив" refers to water, while "перешеек" specifically means land; this mix-up often stems from literal translations without context.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я говорю о перешейка." (Grammatically wrong.) Correct: "Я говорю о перешейке." Explanation: Always adjust for case, like genitive here; English learners forget Russian's case system, leading to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, terms like "Крымский перешеек" carry significant geopolitical weight, often linked to events such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014. This reflects Russia's emphasis on territorial integrity and strategic geography, where isthmuses are seen as vital connectors in a vast landscape, symbolizing both vulnerability and opportunity in national narratives.

Related Concepts:

• полуостров (peninsula)
• пролив (strait)
• остров (island)