Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kilometre'

English Word: kilometre

Key Russian Translations:

• километр /kʲɪləˈmʲɛtr/ - [Formal, Informal; Used in scientific, everyday, and technical contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in daily conversations, media, and official documents in Russian-speaking regions, especially for distance measurements).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item in the CEFR framework, easily introduced in early language learning).

Pronunciation (Russian):

километр: /kʲɪləˈmʲɛtr/

Note on километр: The stress falls on the second syllable ("me"). Be aware of the palatalized 'k' sound (/kʲ/), which is a common feature in Russian phonetics for words of foreign origin. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, commonly used for measuring distances in everyday life, geography, and transportation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• километр - Primarily used in formal and informal contexts for standard distance measurements, such as in road signs, travel descriptions, or scientific reports.

Usage Examples:

• От Москвы до Санкт-Петербурга примерно 700 километров.

  From Moscow to Saint Petersburg is approximately 700 kilometers.

• Мы проехали сто километров за час на автомобиле.

  We drove a hundred kilometers in an hour by car.

• В горах тропа тянется на несколько километров.

  In the mountains, the trail stretches for several kilometers.

• Городской марафон составляет 42 километра.

  The city marathon is 42 kilometers long.

• Расстояние от Земли до Луны измеряется в сотнях тысяч километров.

  The distance from Earth to the Moon is measured in hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Километр is a masculine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns but is invariable in plural forms when used in measurements. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: In numerical expressions (e.g., "5 километров"), the noun often remains in the genitive plural form, which is common for units of measurement in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None direct, but related terms include миля (mila - mile), though it's less common in modern Russian contexts due to the prevalence of the metric system.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "километр" is a unit of measurement without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• километр в час - Kilometers per hour; Used for speed measurements in vehicles or weather reports.
• тысяча километров - A thousand kilometers; Often used in long-distance travel contexts.
• километры пути - Kilometers of the way; Refers to distance covered in journeys.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "километр" directly corresponds to the English "kilometre" as part of the metric system, which is the standard in Russia. It is used across all registers (formal and informal) without restrictions, but always in the singular form when preceded by a number (e.g., "5 километров"). When learning Russian, English speakers should note that Russian units are fully metric, so conversions from imperial units like miles are common in international contexts. Choose "километр" for precise measurements, and be mindful of declensions to fit grammatical cases correctly.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я иду километр" instead of "Я иду километр" (actually correct here, but commonly mistaken in prepositional phrases like "на километре" for "at a kilometer"). Correct: "Я живу на расстоянии километра" (I live at a distance of a kilometer). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their governing prepositions, so learners often forget to decline "километр" properly.

• Error: Confusing with imperial units, e.g., translating "mile" as "километр." Correct: Use "миля" for mile. Explanation: This mix-up arises from familiarity with non-metric systems, leading to inaccurate translations in contexts like geography or history.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the metric system—including the kilometre—has been the standard since the 1920s, reflecting the country's adoption of scientific and international standards post-revolution. This unit is deeply embedded in everyday life, from road signage to sports events, symbolizing Russia's alignment with global norms rather than historical imperial measurements.

Related Concepts:

• метр (meter)
• миля (mile)
• километраж (mileage or distance measurement)