Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'megalopolis'

English Word: megalopolis

Key Russian Translations:

• мегаполис [mʲɪɡəˈpolʲɪs] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, geographical, and urban planning contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it is a borrowed word requiring familiarity with modern Russian vocabulary and basic understanding of loanwords)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мегаполис: [mʲɪɡəˈpolʲɪs]

Note on мегаполис: The stress falls on the third syllable ("po-"), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords from Greek or English. Be mindful of the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large, heavily populated city or urban complex, often encompassing multiple interconnected cities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мегаполис - Used in formal contexts such as urban studies, geography, or news reports to describe massive urban areas like Moscow.

Usage Examples:

• Москва — это огромный мегаполис, где живет более 12 миллионов человек.

  Moscow is a huge megalopolis with over 12 million residents.

• В мегаполисе всегда есть множество возможностей для карьеры и развлечений.

  In a megalopolis, there are always plenty of opportunities for career and entertainment.

• Развитие мегаполиса требует тщательного планирования инфраструктуры.

  The development of a megalopolis requires careful infrastructure planning.

• Жизнь в мегаполисе может быть очень динамичной, но и изнурительной из-за пробок и шума.

  Life in a megalopolis can be very dynamic but exhausting due to traffic jams and noise.

• Санкт-Петербург, как и другие мегаполисы, сталкивается с проблемами перенаселения.

  St. Petersburg, like other megalopolises, faces issues of overpopulation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мегаполис" is a masculine noun in the second declension group, borrowed from Greek via English. It follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns but is invariable in the plural form in modern usage. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, but its plural is less commonly used since "мегаполис" often refers to a singular entity. For emphasis on multiple urban areas, the plural form is straightforward.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • крупный город (large city) - More general and commonly used in everyday language.
  • метрополия (metropolis) - Similar connotation but often implies a capital or central city, with slight historical undertones.
• Antonyms:
  • сельская местность (rural area) - Refers to countryside or non-urban settings.
  • малый город (small town) - Contrasts with the scale and density of a megalopolis.

Related Phrases:

• жизнь в мегаполисе - Life in a megalopolis; Refers to the fast-paced urban lifestyle, often highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
• развитие мегаполиса - Development of a megalopolis; Used in discussions about urban expansion and infrastructure.
• проблемы мегаполиса - Problems of a megalopolis; Common in contexts addressing issues like pollution or overcrowding.

Usage Notes:

"Мегаполис" directly corresponds to the English "megalopolis" as a borrowed term, making it a precise match for formal or technical discussions. It is typically used in written Russian, such as in articles or reports, rather than spoken language. When choosing between translations like "мегаполис" and "крупный город," opt for "мегаполис" in contexts emphasizing scale and interconnectedness, as in urban geography. Be aware of grammatical agreement: as a masculine noun, it must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender, number, and case (e.g., "большой мегаполис" for "big megalopolis"). In informal settings, Russians might prefer native phrases to avoid sounding overly academic.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Incorrectly stressing the word, e.g., pronouncing it as [mʲɪˈɡəpolʲɪs] instead of [mʲɪɡəˈpolʲɪs].
  Correct: [mʲɪɡəˈpolʲɪs] – Focus on the third syllable to align with standard Russian phonetics, as misplaced stress can make the word sound unnatural.
• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в мегаполис" instead of "в мегаполисе" in prepositional contexts.
  Correct: "В мегаполисе" (In the megalopolis) – Always check the required case based on the preposition; prepositional case requires the ending "-е" for singular.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "метрополитен" (subway system).
  Correct: "Метрополитен" refers to public transport, not a city; use "мегаполис" only for urban areas to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "мегаполис" often evokes images of major cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, which are not just population centers but also cultural and economic hubs. These cities reflect Russia's rapid urbanization post-Soviet era, blending historical architecture with modern developments. Understanding this term can help English speakers grasp the cultural pride and challenges associated with Russia's urban landscapes, such as the contrast between bustling city life and traditional rural heritage.

Related Concepts:

• город (city)
• метрополия (metropolis)
• агломерация (agglomeration)
• урбанизация (urbanization)