Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'maze'

English Word: maze

Key Russian Translations:

• лабиринт /lə.bʲɪˈrʲint/ - [Formal, used for physical or metaphorical complex structures]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, travel descriptions, and everyday discussions about puzzles or urban navigation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary for spatial concepts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лабиринт: /lə.bʲɪˈrʲint/

Note on лабиринт: The stress falls on the second syllable (/bʲɪ/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'b' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, almost 'by' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A complex network of paths or hedges designed as a puzzle, often metaphorical for confusion or intricacy.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лабиринт - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing gardens, urban layouts, or abstract ideas like bureaucratic systems.

Usage Examples:

• Мы блуждали по лабиринту старых улочек и наконец нашли выход.

  We wandered through the maze of old streets and finally found the way out.

• Её мысли запутались в лабиринте сомнений и страхов.

  Her thoughts were entangled in a maze of doubts and fears.

• В саду был огромный лабиринт из живых изгородей, где дети проводили часы.

  In the garden, there was a huge maze of hedges where the children spent hours.

• Этот лабиринт документов в офисе всегда пугает новичков.

  This maze of documents in the office always intimidates newcomers.

• Путешествие через лабиринт горных троп потребовало карты и компаса.

  Traveling through the maze of mountain trails required a map and a compass.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"лабиринт" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions for singular forms (plural is less common but follows similar patterns).

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners. For plural: лабиринты (nominative), etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • путаница (more emphasis on confusion, often used in informal contexts)
  • загадка (implies a puzzle or enigma, with a slight metaphorical nuance)
• Antonyms:
  • прямая дорога (straight road, emphasizing simplicity and directness)
  • путь наименьшего сопротивления (path of least resistance, for metaphorical use)

Related Phrases:

• в лабиринте - In the maze (used for literal or figurative entrapment, e.g., in a complex situation).
• пробираться через лабиринт - To navigate through the maze (common in adventure or problem-solving contexts).
• лабиринт улиц - Maze of streets (typically for urban settings, implying disorientation).

Usage Notes:

"Лабиринт" directly corresponds to the English "maze" in both literal and metaphorical senses, but it's more formal in Russian and often appears in written or descriptive language. English speakers should note that Russian requires correct case usage; for example, use the genitive "лабиринта" after prepositions like "из" (from). When choosing between synonyms like "путаница," opt for "лабиринт" if the context involves physical or structured complexity. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as adjectives and verbs must align with its masculine form.

• In formal writing, pair it with prepositions like "в" (in) for immersion contexts.
• Avoid overusing in casual speech; "путаница" might be more natural for everyday confusion.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse cases with "лабиринт," such as using the nominative form in all contexts. For example:

• Error: "Я иду в лабиринт" (incorrect, as it should be prepositional for location).
• Correct: "Я иду в лабиринте" (meaning "I am walking in the maze"). Explanation: The prepositional case is required after "в" to indicate being inside something.
• Another common mistake is confusing it with "лабиринтный" (adjectival form), leading to awkward phrasing like treating it as an adjective directly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лабиринт" often evokes imagery from folklore and literature, such as in fairy tales or works by authors like Tolstoy, where it symbolizes life's complexities or moral dilemmas. It's also linked to historical sites like the Peterhof Palace gardens, reflecting Russia's architectural heritage and the theme of exploration in Slavic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• пазл (puzzle)
• загадка (enigma)
• тропы (trails or paths)