Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mainstay'

English Word: mainstay

Key Russian Translations:

• основа (/ɐˈsnovə/) - [Formal, Singular]
• опора (/ɐˈporə/) - [Informal, Metaphorical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions of stability, core elements, or foundations in Russian texts and conversations).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and contextual usage, but "основа" is straightforward for learners at this level).

Pronunciation (Russian):

основа: /ɐˈsnovə/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'o' is pronounced as a short 'a' sound, similar to "on" in English).

опора: /ɐˈporə/ (Stress on the second syllable; note the soft 'r' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers).

Note on основа: The word has a vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, making it sound like /ɐsˈnovə/ in casual speech. Be aware of regional variations in Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A central or essential support (e.g., the main element that something depends on)

Translation(s) & Context:

• основа - Used in formal contexts like business, education, or philosophy to denote a foundational element.
• опора - Applied in metaphorical or everyday contexts, such as emotional or physical support.

Usage Examples:

• Эта компания является основой экономики страны.

  This company is the mainstay of the country's economy.

• Друзья — это опора в трудные моменты жизни.

  Friends are the mainstay in difficult moments of life.

• В её карьере основой успеха стала упорная работа.

  In her career, hard work was the mainstay of success.

• Семья служит опорой для многих людей в современном мире.

  Family serves as the mainstay for many people in the modern world.

• Технологии стали основой инноваций в бизнесе.

  Technology has become the mainstay of innovations in business.

Meaning 2: A dominant or recurring feature (e.g., in a system or routine)

Translation(s) & Context:

• основа - Often used in abstract or structural contexts, emphasizing reliability.
• опора - In contexts involving stability or repetition, like daily habits.

Usage Examples:

• Ежедневные упражнения — основа здорового образа жизни.

  Daily exercises are the mainstay of a healthy lifestyle.

• Кофе стал опорой её утреннего распорядка.

  Coffee has become the mainstay of her morning routine.

• Эта традиция является основой семейных праздников.

  This tradition is the mainstay of family holidays.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "основа" and "опора" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard first declension pattern. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. "Основа" is regular, while "опора" has no irregularities.

For "опора", the table is identical: Nominative Singular: опора; Plural: опоры, etc. These nouns do not change in verbs but must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фундамент (/fʊnˈdamʲɪnt/) - More architectural or literal sense.
  • стержень (/ˈstʲerʐɨnʲ/) - Emphasizes a core or backbone, with a slight connotation of strength.
• Antonyms:
  • периферия (/pʲɪrʲɪˈfʲerʲɪjə/) - Refers to the periphery or margins.
  • дополнение (/dɐpɐlʲˈnʲenʲɪje/) - Means an addition or supplement, lacking centrality.

Related Phrases:

• основа общества - Foundation of society; refers to core social structures.
• опора семьи - Pillar of the family; used in emotional or relational contexts.
• быть основой успеха - To be the mainstay of success; a motivational phrase in professional settings.

Usage Notes:

"Основа" directly corresponds to the English "mainstay" in formal or abstract contexts, emphasizing stability and centrality. It is commonly used in written Russian, such as in essays or reports. "Опорa" is more versatile for everyday speech and can imply emotional support, which might not align perfectly with "mainstay" in all cases. Choose "основа" for structural meanings and "опора" for personal or metaphorical ones. Grammatically, always ensure agreement in gender (feminine) and case when using these words in sentences. For example, in prepositional phrases, use the prepositional case like "в основе" (at the mainstay of).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "основа" in the nominative case when a different case is needed, e.g., saying "Я опираюсь на основа" instead of "Я опираюсь на основу".

  Correct: "Я опираюсь на основу" (I rely on the mainstay). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; "на" governs the accusative here.

• Error: Confusing "основа" with "основной" (adjective form), e.g., treating it as an adjective in sentences.

  Correct: Use "основной" for "main" as in "основной фактор" (main factor), but keep "основа" as a noun. Explanation: Learners often mix noun and adjective forms due to similar roots.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "основа" often carry a sense of resilience and collectivism, reflecting historical emphasis on community and endurance (e.g., in Soviet-era literature). For instance, it might evoke ideas from Russian philosophy, where societal "основы" are seen as enduring pillars, similar to how "mainstay" is used in English to discuss national identity.

Related Concepts:

• фундамент
• стержень
• ядро