Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lighthouse'

English Word: lighthouse

Key Russian Translations:

• маяк /mɐˈjak/ - [Formal, commonly used in navigational and literary contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in contexts related to geography, literature, and travel, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level in CEFR; straightforward for beginners due to its concrete meaning and regular noun forms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

маяк: /mɐˈjak/

Note on маяк: The stress is on the second syllable (/ˈjak/), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which softens the preceding consonant but doesn't affect the vowel sound significantly. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A structure on the coast with a light to guide ships at sea.

Translation(s) & Context:

• маяк - Used in formal and technical contexts, such as navigation, literature, or descriptions of landmarks. It refers specifically to a tower or building with a beacon.

Usage Examples:

• Маяк светит в темноте, помогая кораблям найти безопасный путь к берегу.

  The lighthouse shines in the dark, helping ships find a safe path to the shore.

• Старый маяк на скале был построен в XIX веке и теперь является туристической достопримечательностью.

  The old lighthouse on the rock was built in the 19th century and is now a tourist attraction.

• Во время шторма маяк мигает, предупреждая моряков о опасности.

  During the storm, the lighthouse flashes, warning sailors of danger.

• Маяк в этом регионе оснащен современными технологиями для автоматического освещения.

  The lighthouse in this region is equipped with modern technology for automatic lighting.

• Писатель описал маяк как символ надежды в своем романе.

  The writer described the lighthouse as a symbol of hope in his novel.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Маяк" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its declension by case and number:

Note: As a inanimate masculine noun, it does not change in the accusative singular. For plural forms, the endings follow standard second-declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сигнальный огонь (signal fire) - Often used in historical or poetic contexts, implying a temporary or primitive beacon.
  • маячный огонь (lighthouse light) - Focuses specifically on the light aspect, used in technical discussions.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "маяк" is a specific object. However, conceptually, words like "тёмный берег" (dark shore) could imply the absence of such guidance.

Related Phrases:

• морской маяк - A sea lighthouse; used for coastal navigation. (Refers to lighthouses specifically in marine environments.)
• маяк надежды - Lighthouse of hope; a metaphorical phrase often used in literature or motivational contexts. (Implies guidance and safety in abstract situations.)
• автоматический маяк - Automatic lighthouse; refers to modern, tech-equipped versions. (Common in discussions of maritime technology.)

Usage Notes:

"Маяк" directly corresponds to the English "lighthouse" in most contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal, technical, or literary settings rather than everyday speech. When translating, ensure the context specifies its role in navigation; for metaphorical uses (e.g., symbol of hope), it aligns well with English idioms. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires masculine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большой маяк" for "big lighthouse"). If multiple translations are available, choose "маяк" for standard usage; opt for synonyms like "сигнальный огонь" only in historical contexts. Be aware of regional variations in Russia, where lighthouses might have cultural significance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "маяк" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу маяк" when the context requires genitive like "Я иду к маяку" (I am going to the lighthouse). Correct: Ensure proper declension based on sentence structure; incorrect example: "Я имею маяк" (wrong accusative), correct: "Я имею маяк" is actually fine, but learners often forget plural: incorrect "маякс" instead of "маяки".

• Error: Confusing it with "фара" (headlight or beacon), which is not the same as a permanent structure. Correct: Use "маяк" for coastal lights; example of error: "Автомобильный маяк" (wrong), correct: "Автомобильная фара". This stems from overlapping meanings in English "beacon."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, lighthouses like those on the Baltic or Black Sea coasts often symbolize resilience and guidance, appearing in literature such as in works by Alexander Pushkin or modern novels. For instance, the Peter the Great Lighthouse in Kronstadt is a historical landmark, representing Russia's maritime heritage and its role in protecting sailors during storms, which ties into themes of national endurance.

Related Concepts:

• фара (beacon or headlight)
• сигнал (signal)
• берег (shore)
• корабль (ship)