Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'jagged'

English Word: jagged

Key Russian Translations:

• зубчатый [zʊbˈt͡ɕatɨj] - [Formal, used for describing sharp, irregular edges like those on tools or mountains]
• неровный [nʲɪˈrovnɨj] - [Informal, applied to uneven or irregular surfaces in everyday contexts]
• изрезанный [ɪzˈrʲezannɨj] - [Formal, specifically for something cut or etched with jagged lines]

Frequency: Medium - The word 'jagged' and its translations appear regularly in descriptive language, especially in literature, geography, and technical descriptions, but not as common in casual conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Involves understanding adjective usage and basic declensions; 'зубчатый' and 'неровный' are straightforward for intermediates, while 'изрезанный' may require more context due to its passive participle form.

Pronunciation (Russian):

зубчатый: [zʊbˈt͡ɕatɨj]

неровный: [nʲɪˈrovnɨj]

изрезанный: [ɪzˈrʲezannɨj]

Note on зубчатый: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'т' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in informal speech may soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Having a rough, uneven, or sharp edge, often like a saw or a mountain ridge.

Translation(s) & Context:

• зубчатый - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing geological formations or machinery parts.
• неровный - Common in informal settings for everyday unevenness, like a road surface.
• изрезанный - Applied in contexts involving cutting or engraving, such as art or fabric.

Usage Examples:

• Горы здесь зубчатые, с острыми пиками, которые опасны для альпинистов.

  The mountains here are jagged, with sharp peaks that are dangerous for climbers.

• Её платье имело неровный край, что придавало ему уникальный, зубчатый вид.

  Her dress had an uneven edge, giving it a unique, jagged appearance.

• Металл был изрезанный, как будто его обработали грубым инструментом.

  The metal was jagged, as if it had been worked with a rough tool.

• Ветер создал неровные, зубчатые очертания снежных дюн в пустыне.

  The wind created uneven, jagged outlines of snow dunes in the desert.

• Река протекала через изрезанный ландшафт, образуя зубчатые берега.

  The river flowed through a jagged landscape, forming uneven banks.

Meaning 2: Irregular or broken in outline, often metaphorically for something disrupted.

Translation(s) & Context:

• неровный - Used metaphorically in informal speech for emotional or abstract irregularity.
• зубчатый - Less common metaphorically, but possible in poetic or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его речь была неровной, с зубчатыми паузами, из-за волнения.

  His speech was jagged, with uneven pauses, due to nervousness.

• Жизнь в городе часто кажется изрезанной, с неровными поворотами событий.

  Life in the city often feels jagged, with irregular twists of events.

• Зубчатый ритм музыки отражал хаос битвы.

  The jagged rhythm of the music reflected the chaos of the battle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. 'Зубчатый' and 'неровный' follow regular adjective patterns, while 'изрезанный' is a past passive participle and has its own variations.

Note: These adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. 'Изрезанный' can also function as a short-form adjective in some contexts, e.g., 'изрезан', but it remains relatively stable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • зазубренный - Similar to 'зубчатый' but often for notched or serrated edges; used in mechanical contexts.
  • рваный - Implies a torn or frayed jaggedness, more informal than 'изрезанный'.
• Antonyms:
  • гладкий - Smooth, opposite of jagged surfaces.
  • ровный - Even or level, contrasting with unevenness.

Related Phrases:

• зубчатый край - Jagged edge; used in descriptions of tools or landscapes.
• неровная поверхность - Uneven surface; common in everyday or scientific contexts.
• изрезанный ландшафт - Jagged landscape; refers to terrain with irregular features.

Usage Notes:

'Jagged' corresponds most directly to 'зубчатый' in formal English-Russian translation, especially for physical descriptions, but 'неровный' is preferable in casual speech to avoid sounding overly technical. Be mindful of context: use 'изрезанный' for man-made or processed jaggedness. Grammatically, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe, which is a key difference from English. When choosing among translations, opt for 'зубчатый' in scientific or artistic settings for precision.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'зубчатый' with 'острый' (sharp): Learners might overuse 'острый' for 'jagged', but it only implies sharpness, not irregularity. Correct: "зубчатый нож" (jagged knife) vs. Error: "острый нож" (which means sharp knife, not necessarily jagged).

• Forgetting adjective agreement: For example, saying "зубчатый гора" instead of "зубчатая гора" (for a feminine noun like 'гора'). Correct usage: Ensure the adjective matches the noun's gender and case.

• Overgeneralizing 'неровный': It's not always a direct synonym; using it for clearly 'jagged' edges can sound vague. Error example: "неровный пик" when "зубчатый пик" is more accurate; explanation: 'Неровный' suggests general unevenness, not specific jaggedness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, 'зубчатый' landscapes often symbolize the harshness of nature or emotional turmoil, reflecting Russia's vast and rugged geography. This can add a poetic layer to descriptions, helping English speakers appreciate the cultural emphasis on endurance in the face of irregularity.

Related Concepts:

• острый
• грубый
• неровность