Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kilometer'

English Word: kilometer

Key Russian Translations:

• километр [kʲɪləˈmʲetr] - [Neutral; used in general, scientific, and everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in daily conversations, travel, and scientific discussions in Russian-speaking regions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; as a borrowed word from English/French, it is straightforward for English speakers to learn and pronounce)

Pronunciation (Russian):

километр: [kʲɪləˈmʲetr]

Note on километр: The stress falls on the second syllable ("me-"), and the initial "к" is palatalized (softened) in Russian pronunciation, which may be challenging for English speakers used to non-palatalized consonants. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, used for measuring distances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• километр - Used in neutral, formal, and informal contexts for distances in geography, transportation, and everyday measurements (e.g., road signs, sports).

Usage Examples:

• Расстояние от Москвы до Санкт-Петербурга составляет около 700 километров.

  The distance from Moscow to Saint Petersburg is about 700 kilometers.

• Мы проехали 150 километров за два часа.

  We drove 150 kilometers in two hours.

• В марафоне участники должны пробежать 42 километра.

  In a marathon, participants have to run 42 kilometers.

• Город расположен в 50 километрах от аэропорта.

  The city is located 50 kilometers from the airport.

• Температура падает на 1 градус Цельсия каждые 150 метров, но на километр это составляет около 6,5 градусов.

  The temperature drops by 1 degree Celsius every 150 meters, but over a kilometer, it amounts to about 6.5 degrees.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Километр is a masculine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases, with changes based on number (singular and plural) and grammatical case. As a borrowed word, it does not have irregularities, but it must agree with adjectives and verbs according to Russian grammar rules.

Note: In plural forms, the word is invariable in terms of gender but must match the context's case for proper sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кило (informal abbreviation, used in casual speech but less precise)
  • километрик (rare slang variant, mainly in informal or regional dialects)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "километр" is a specific unit of measurement without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• километр в час - Kilometer per hour (used for speed measurements, e.g., in driving or athletics).
• на километр - For a kilometer (indicating distance in directional contexts, e.g., "go for a kilometer").
• километры пути - Kilometers of road (common in travel descriptions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "километр" directly corresponds to the English "kilometer" as a metric unit, making it easy for English speakers to adopt. It is used across all registers (formal, informal) but is especially prevalent in scientific, navigational, and everyday contexts. Always ensure proper declension based on the sentence's grammatical case; for example, use the genitive form "километра" after prepositions like "из" (from). When multiple units are involved, Russian often prefers the plural form for clarity. Choose "километр" over informal abbreviations like "кило" in formal writing to maintain precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я иду километр" instead of "Я иду километр" (actually correct here, but commonly messed up in other cases like "Я прошел километра" – incorrect; correct is "Я прошел километр" in accusative).

  Correct Usage: Я прошел километр. (I walked a kilometer.) Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian case requirements, so always check the verb and preposition governing the noun.

• Error: Mispronouncing with English stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable as in English.

  Correct Usage: Pronounce as [kʲɪləˈmʲetr] with stress on the second syllable. Explanation: This can lead to confusion in listening comprehension; practice with audio resources.

• Error: Confusing with "миля" (mile), leading to incorrect unit conversion in context.

  Correct Usage: Use "километр" for metric distances. Explanation: In international contexts, stick to "километр" to avoid mixing imperial and metric systems, which is common among non-native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Километр" is a borrowed word from French via the metric system, reflecting Russia's adoption of international standards in the 19th century during modernization efforts under Peter the Great and later reforms. It holds no specific cultural connotations but symbolizes the global standardization of measurements, which is particularly evident in Russian infrastructure like road signs and public transportation systems.

Related Concepts:

• метр (meter)
• миля (mile)
• килограмм (kilogram)
• сантиметр (centimeter)