Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'labyrinth'

English Word: labyrinth

Key Russian Translations:

• лабиринт /lɐˈbʲirʲɪnt/ - [Formal, Singular, Used in literary or descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, architecture, and metaphorical discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to structures and metaphors)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лабиринт: /lɐˈbʲirʲɪnt/

Note on лабиринт: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'bʲ' represents a palatalized 'b' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to a soft 'b' as in "beauty" but more subtle. Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A complex, intricate structure or system, often with winding paths (e.g., a maze)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лабиринт - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe physical mazes, metaphorical complexities, or abstract systems, such as in psychology or urban planning.

Usage Examples:

• Мы бродили по лабиринту старого замка, пытаясь найти выход.

  We wandered through the labyrinth of the old castle, trying to find the way out.

• Его мысли образовали настоящий лабиринт идей, где каждое решение вело к новому вопросу.

  His thoughts formed a real labyrinth of ideas, where each decision led to a new question.

• В современном городе улицы часто напоминают лабиринт для новичков.

  In the modern city, the streets often resemble a labyrinth for newcomers.

• Лабиринт подземных туннелей был полон тайн и опасностей.

  The labyrinth of underground tunnels was full of secrets and dangers.

• Бюрократическая система превратилась в лабиринт, где простые люди теряются.

  The bureaucratic system has turned into a labyrinth where ordinary people get lost.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лабиринт" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • путаница (confusion or tangle; more informal and less specific to physical structures)
  • загадка (enigma or puzzle; used metaphorically for intellectual challenges)
• Antonyms:
  • прямой путь (straight path; implies simplicity and directness)
  • простота (simplicity; contrasts with complexity)

Related Phrases:

• Запутаться в лабиринте - To get lost in the labyrinth; used metaphorically for confusion in complex situations.
• Лабиринт улиц - Labyrinth of streets; refers to a confusing network of urban roads.
• Пройти лабиринт - To navigate the labyrinth; implies overcoming challenges in a maze-like scenario.

Usage Notes:

"Лабиринт" directly corresponds to the English "labyrinth" in both literal and figurative senses, making it a precise translation for contexts involving mazes, complexity, or intricate systems. It is typically used in formal writing, literature, or educational discussions rather than casual conversation. When choosing this word, consider the context: for everyday confusion, "путаница" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to ensure natural flow in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лабиринт" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в лабиринт" instead of "в лабиринте" for "in the labyrinth."

  Correct: в лабиринте (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; failing to do so can make the sentence sound unnatural or incorrect.

• Error: Confusing it with synonyms like "путаница," leading to overuse in informal contexts.

  Correct: Reserve "лабиринт" for structured or metaphorical complexity. Explanation: "Путаница" is better for general messiness, avoiding redundancy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лабиринт" often evokes imagery from folklore and literature, such as in fairy tales or works by authors like Tolstoy, where it symbolizes life's complexities or moral dilemmas. It also references historical sites like the Peterhof Palace gardens, reflecting Russia's architectural heritage and the theme of navigating uncertainty in a vast, imperial history.

Related Concepts:

• загадка
• путаница
• тёмный лес (dark forest)