Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mast'

English Word: mast

Key Russian Translations:

• мачта [mátʃta] - [Formal, Nautical context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in maritime literature and discussions, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мачта: [mátʃta]

Note on мачта: The 'ч' sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in the English word "church." Stress falls on the first syllable, which is common in Russian nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Main meaning: A tall vertical pole on a ship used to support sails, antennas, or flags.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мачта - Used primarily in nautical, historical, or technical contexts, such as describing ships or sailing equipment.

Usage Examples:

• Корабль плывет под парусами, и его высокая мачта возвышается над водой.

  The ship sails under sails, and its tall mast rises above the water. (Demonstrates мачта in a descriptive nautical scene.)

• Матросы подняли флаг на мачте во время церемонии.

  The sailors raised the flag on the mast during the ceremony. (Shows мачта in a formal or ceremonial context.)

• В музее есть модель корабля с детализированной мачтой.

  In the museum, there is a model of a ship with a detailed mast. (Illustrates мачта in an educational or historical setting.)

• Во время шторма мачта корабля сломалась, вызвав хаос на палубе.

  During the storm, the ship's mast broke, causing chaos on the deck. (Highlights мачта in a dramatic or adverse situation.)

• Современные яхты часто имеют несколько мачт для оптимизации парусов.

  Modern yachts often have multiple masts for optimizing sails. (Demonstrates мачта in a plural or technical context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мачта" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows regular patterns of declension for most cases, with no irregularities. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have any irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шпиль (spile) - Often used for a similar structure on smaller vessels or in architectural contexts; implies a more slender design.
  • столб (stolb) - A general term for a pole, but less specific to nautical use.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "мачта" is a specific object without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• поднять парус на мачте - To raise the sail on the mast; Used in sailing instructions or narratives.
• сломанная мачта - A broken mast; Common in stories about shipwrecks or repairs.
• мачта с флагом - A mast with a flag; Often refers to signaling in naval contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Мачта" directly corresponds to the English "mast" in nautical contexts, but it's important to note that Russian often pairs it with verbs or adjectives to specify usage (e.g., "высокая мачта" for "tall mast"). This word is typically formal and technical, so avoid it in casual conversation unless discussing maritime topics. When choosing between synonyms like "шпиль," opt for "мачта" for standard ship-related meanings. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case to maintain correct agreement.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using the nominative form "мачта" in all cases, e.g., saying "на мачта" instead of "на мачте" (dative case).

  Correct Usage: "Я вижу мачту" (nominative) vs. "Я смотрю на мачте" (prepositional). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions and verbs, so learners should memorize declension patterns to avoid this.

• Common Error: Confusing "мачта" with "машина" (machine), due to similar sounds.

  Correct Usage: "Мачта" refers specifically to a pole, not machinery. Example: Incorrect: "Мачта автомобиля" (wrong); Correct: "Машина имеет мачту" only if metaphorical, but typically not. Explanation: Pay attention to context and pronunciation to differentiate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "мачта" often evokes images of historical naval exploits, such as those in Peter the Great's era when Russia developed its fleet. It symbolizes exploration and adventure in literature, like in works by Ivan Goncharov, and is commonly featured in folk tales about sailors, reflecting Russia's vast maritime history along the Baltic and Pacific coasts.

Related Concepts:

• корабль (ship)
• парус (sail)
• яхта (yacht)