Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'macadam'

English Word: macadam

Key Russian Translations:

• макадам [makaˈdam] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and rarely used in everyday conversation; it's more common in engineering, historical, or transportation contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words and technical vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

макадам: [makaˈdam]

Note on макадам: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ka"), which is common for many Russian loanwords. Pronounce it with a clear "a" sound, as in "father," and ensure the final "m" is not overly emphasized. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A road surface made from compacted layers of small stones and binder, often used historically for roads.

Translation(s) & Context:

• макадам - Used in formal, technical, or historical discussions about road construction and engineering. This translation is precise for contexts involving infrastructure or civil engineering.

Usage Examples:

• Эта дорога была построена с использованием макадама для повышения её долговечности.

  This road was built using macadam to increase its durability.

• В XIX веке макадам revolutionized транспортные системы многих стран.

  In the 19th century, macadam revolutionized transportation systems in many countries.

• Макадам часто применяется в районах с умеренным климатом для создания устойчивых покрытий.

  Macadam is often used in areas with moderate climates to create durable surfaces.

• Инженеры изучают макадам как альтернативу современным асфальтовым дорогам.

  Engineers are studying macadam as an alternative to modern asphalt roads.

• В музее истории транспорта есть экспонаты, демонстрирующие технологию макадама.

  In the museum of transportation history, there are exhibits demonstrating macadam technology.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Макадам" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is not highly irregular but does change based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a technical term, it may remain undeclined in some modern usages, especially in scientific writing, to preserve the original form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • грунтовое покрытие (gravel covering) - Less formal, used for similar but not identical road surfaces.
  • щебёночное покрытие (crushed stone covering) - Emphasizes the material aspect, often interchangeable in engineering contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • асфальт (asphalt) - Represents a modern, smoother alternative.
  • грунтовая дорога (dirt road) - Indicates an unpaved or natural surface, contrasting with structured macadam.

Related Phrases:

• Дорога с макадамным покрытием - A road with macadam surface; commonly used in discussions of historical infrastructure.
• Технология макадама - Macadam technology; refers to the construction method in engineering contexts.
• Макадам в истории транспорта - Macadam in transportation history; used for educational or cultural references.

Usage Notes:

"Макадам" directly corresponds to the English term for a specific type of road construction invented by John McAdam. It is primarily used in formal, technical, or historical contexts rather than everyday speech. English learners should note that this word is a loanword and retains its original form, so it's not heavily adapted in Russian grammar. When choosing between translations, use "макадам" for precise historical or engineering discussions; for general road surfaces, "асфальт" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of case changes in sentences, as Russian requires agreement with other elements.

• In formal writing, pair it with adjectives like "классический макадам" (classic macadam) to specify variants.
• Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is mispronouncing "макадам" by placing stress on the wrong syllable, such as saying [ˈmaka dam] instead of [makaˈdam]. Correct usage: Always stress the second syllable. Another error is confusing it with "асфальт," leading to incorrect substitution in sentences. For example:

• Incorrect: "Эта дорога сделана из асфальта." (This implies a modern asphalt road, not macadam.)
• Correct: "Эта дорога сделана из макадама." (This accurately describes a macadam surface.)
• Explanation: The key difference is in the material and historical context; using the wrong term can alter the meaning entirely.

Cultural Notes:

The term "макадам" originates from the Scottish engineer John McAdam, who developed this road-building technique in the early 19th century. In Russian culture, it symbolizes advancements in infrastructure during the Industrial Revolution and is often referenced in discussions of transportation history, reflecting Russia's own modernization efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries. This word highlights how Western innovations influenced Russian engineering and urban development.

Related Concepts:

• асфальт
• бетонная дорога
• грунтовка