Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mountain'

English Word: mountain

Key Russian Translations:

• гора /ˈɡorə/ - [Formal, Singular]
• горы /ˈɡory/ - [Informal, Plural]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday language, geography, and literature)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; basic vocabulary with straightforward grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гора: /ˈɡorə/

Note on гора: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go," but ensure it's not aspirated.

Audio: []

горы: /ˈɡory/

Note on горы: Similar to "гора," but the plural ending '-ы' is pronounced as a neutral vowel, like the 'y' in "happy." Stress remains on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a high and often rugged landform.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гора - Used in general contexts for a single mountain, such as in descriptions of landscapes or travel.
• горы - Used for multiple mountains or in broader geographical discussions, like mountain ranges.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю ходить в походы в горы летом.

  I love going hiking in the mountains during the summer.

• Гора Эверест является высочайшей в мире.

  Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

• Под снежной горой скрывается древний храм.

  Beneath the snowy mountain lies an ancient temple.

• Мы видим горы на горизонте во время поездки.

  We can see the mountains on the horizon during our trip.

• Гора в нашем регионе привлекает многих туристов.

  The mountain in our region attracts many tourists.

Meaning 2: Figurative use, such as a large accumulation or obstacle (e.g., a mountain of work).

Translation(s) & Context:

• гора - Used metaphorically in informal contexts, e.g., for piles of objects or challenges.

Usage Examples:

• На моем столе лежит гора документов.

  There's a mountain of documents on my desk.

• Эта задача кажется настоящей горой.

  This task seems like a real mountain (i.e., an overwhelming challenge).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гора" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes in cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The plural form "горы" also inflects similarly. This is a regular pattern, but learners should note that adjectives and verbs must agree in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: холм (hill - used for smaller elevations, with a subtle difference in scale); пик (peak - for the top of a mountain)
• Antonyms: долина (valley - represents low-lying areas opposite to mountains)

Related Phrases:

• Горный хребет - A mountain range; used in geographical contexts to describe connected mountains.
• Подняться на гору - To climb a mountain; a common phrase in adventure or travel scenarios.
• Снежная гора - Snowy mountain; often refers to peaks in winter or alpine regions.

Usage Notes:

"Гора" directly corresponds to "mountain" in English but is a feminine noun, so adjectives and pronouns must agree (e.g., "высокая гора" for "high mountain"). It is versatile across formal and informal settings but is more common in descriptive or narrative contexts. When choosing between translations, use "гора" for singular instances and "горы" for plural or collective references. Be mindful of prepositions; for example, "на горе" means "on the mountain," while "у горы" means "at the foot of the mountain."

• In formal writing, pair it with specific geographical terms for precision.
• Avoid overusing in casual speech; Russians might use metaphors for emphasis.

Common Errors:

One common error for English learners is confusing the gender and thus the adjective agreement, e.g., saying "высокий гора" instead of "высокая гора" (correct: "high mountain"). Another mistake is incorrect case usage, such as using the nominative "гора" in a genitive context like "книги о гора" instead of "книги о горе" (books about the mountain). To correct: Always check the required case based on the sentence structure and practice with examples.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mountains like the Ural Mountains hold significant historical and symbolic value, often representing barriers, exploration, or national identity in literature and folklore. For instance, in Russian fairy tales, mountains are depicted as mystical places with hidden treasures or challenges, reflecting the country's vast landscapes.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• лес (forest)
• озеро (lake)