Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'limb'

English Word: limb

Key Russian Translations:

• конечность [kɐˈnʲetɕnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal; used for anatomical limbs like arms or legs]
• ветвь [ˈvʲetʲvʲ] - [Informal; primarily for branches of trees or metaphorical extensions, but less common for body parts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in medical, biological, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic anatomical terms; for "конечность", it's B1, while "ветвь" is A2 due to simpler usage).

Pronunciation (Russian):

конечность: [kɐˈnʲetɕnəsʲtʲ]

Note on конечность: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'н' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'n' as in "new".

ветвь: [ˈvʲetʲvʲ]

Note on ветвь: The initial 'в' is pronounced with a slight palatalization; it's a simpler word but ensure the final 'ь' softens the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Anatomical limb (e.g., arm, leg, or extremity of the body)

Translation(s) & Context:

• конечность - Used in formal or medical contexts, such as describing human or animal body parts.
• ветвь - Rarely used for body parts; more for plant limbs, but can metaphorically extend to ideas in literature.

Usage Examples:

• В человеческом теле конечность играет важную роль в движении.

  In the human body, a limb plays a crucial role in movement.

• После аварии он потерял одну конечность, но научился жить с протезом.

  After the accident, he lost one limb but learned to live with a prosthesis.

• Ветвь дерева качается на ветру, подобно конечности в танце.

  A tree branch sways in the wind, much like a limb in a dance.

• Медики изучают, как травмы конечностей влияют на общую подвижность.

  Doctors study how injuries to limbs affect overall mobility.

• В поэзии ветвь часто символизирует рост, как и человеческая конечность символизирует силу.

  In poetry, a branch often symbolizes growth, just as a human limb symbolizes strength.

Metaphorical or extended limb (e.g., branches of a tree)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ветвь - Common in botanical or figurative contexts, such as describing extensions in nature or organizations.
• конечность - Less common here; used only if emphasizing structural similarity to body parts.

Usage Examples:

• Каждая ветвь дерева обеспечивает питание листьям, как конечность поддерживает тело.

  Each branch of the tree provides nourishment to the leaves, just as a limb supports the body.

• В компании есть несколько ветвей, каждая из которых функционирует как отдельная конечность.

  In the company, there are several branches, each functioning like a separate limb.

• Осенняя ветвь покрыта яркими листьями, напоминая украшенную конечность.

  The autumn branch is covered with bright leaves, resembling a decorated limb.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Конечность" is a feminine noun (3rd declension), which undergoes regular case and number changes. "Ветвь" is also feminine and follows standard patterns.

Both words are invariable in gender and follow regular feminine patterns, with no irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Член (chlen) - More general, often for parts of a whole; subtle difference in formality.
  • Отросток (otrostok) - Used for extensions or protrusions, especially in biological contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Торс (tors) - Refers to the trunk or core body, opposite of limbs.
  • Корень (koren') - For roots in plants, contrasting with branches.

Related Phrases:

• Верхняя конечность - Upper limb (e.g., arm); used in medical descriptions.
• Нижняя конечность - Lower limb (e.g., leg); common in anatomy.
• Ветвь развития - Branch of development; metaphorical for growth paths.
• Сломанная ветвь - Broken branch; often in literary or environmental contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Limb" in English corresponds most directly to "конечность" in Russian for anatomical contexts, but be cautious with "ветвь" which is better for non-human applications. In formal writing or medical discussions, use "конечность" to maintain precision. Grammatically, always decline these nouns according to their case in sentences. For example, choose "конечность" over "ветвь" when discussing human anatomy to avoid confusion. In everyday speech, "конечность" might sound overly technical, so context matters.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "конечность" interchangeably with "ветвь" in non-anatomical contexts. Correct: Stick to "ветвь" for plants. Example of error: "Дерево имеет конечность" (incorrect). Correct: "Дерево имеет ветвь". Explanation: This mixes domains, leading to unnatural language.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: In genitive, say "травмы конечности" instead of "травмы конечность". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "конечность" are prevalent in folklore and literature to describe human resilience, such as in stories where characters overcome limb loss, symbolizing endurance. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on physicality and survival in harsh environments, as seen in Russian folk tales.

Related Concepts:

• Сустав (sustav) - Joint
• Мышца (myshtsa) - Muscle
• Кость (kost') - Bone