Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mesa'

English Word: mesa

Key Russian Translations:

• меса [ˈmɛsə] - [Borrowed term, used in geological contexts; Formal, Specialized]
• платообразная возвышенность [plɐˈtoɐbrɑznəjə vəzvɨˈʂɛnnəstʲ] - [Descriptive phrase, Formal, used when a more native Russian term is preferred]

Frequency: Low (Specialized term, primarily used in academic, geological, or travel contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate for 'меса' due to borrowed vocabulary and pronunciation; A2 for 'платообразная возвышенность' as it uses common words)

Pronunciation (Russian):

меса: [ˈmɛsə]

платообразная возвышенность: [plɐˈtoɐbrɑznəjə vəzvɨˈʂɛnnəstʲ]

Note on меса: This is a borrowed word from English, so pronunciation closely mirrors the original; stress on the first syllable can be tricky for learners. For 'платообразная возвышенность', note the soft sign (ʂ) in 'возвышенность' which affects the consonant sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A flat-topped hill or mountain with steep sides, often found in arid regions like the southwestern United States.

Translation(s) & Context:

• меса - Used in formal or scientific discussions of geography; appropriate for academic papers or travel guides.
• платообразная возвышенность - Preferred in everyday Russian for descriptive purposes; used in general conversations about landscapes.

Usage Examples:

• В Аризоне можно увидеть впечатляющие месы, которые формировались миллионами лет.

  In Arizona, you can see impressive mesas that were formed over millions of years.

• Геологи изучают платообразные возвышенности, такие как месы, для понимания эрозии.

  Geologists study plateau-like elevations, such as mesas, to understand erosion.

• Туристы часто фотографируют месы в национальных парках США.

  Tourists often photograph mesas in U.S. national parks.

• В некоторых регионах платообразная возвышенность, или меса, служит естественной защитой от ветра.

  In some regions, a plateau-like elevation, or mesa, serves as natural protection from the wind.

• Меса в пустыне — это не просто скалы, а платообразные возвышенности с уникальной флорой.

  A mesa in the desert is not just rocks, but a plateau-like elevation with unique flora.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Меса' is a borrowed noun and typically does not inflect regularly in modern Russian due to its foreign origin; it remains unchanged in most cases (e.g., no plural form is commonly used). However, if treated as a standard feminine noun, it can follow basic patterns:

For 'платообразная возвышенность', as an adjective-noun phrase, it follows standard Russian inflection rules: 'возвышенность' is a feminine noun with full declension, while 'платообразная' agrees with it as an adjective.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: плато (plateau), возвышенность (elevation) - 'Плато' is more general and often interchangeable in flat-top contexts.
• Antonyms: долина (valley) - Refers to low-lying areas, contrasting with elevated formations.

Related Phrases:

• Гранд-Каньон и его месы - Refers to the Grand Canyon and its mesas; used in discussions of American landscapes.
• Платообразная возвышенность в пустыне - Describes a mesa-like elevation in desert areas; common in geographical descriptions.
• Меса как природный памятник - Means "mesa as a natural monument"; often used in environmental or tourism contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Меса' is a direct borrowing from English and is best used in formal or specialized contexts like geology or travel writing. In everyday Russian, opt for 'платообразная возвышенность' for better fluency. Note the precise correspondence: 'mesa' implies a specific flat-topped structure, so avoid using it for general hills. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it requires agreement in gender and case (e.g., with adjectives). When choosing between translations, use 'меса' for international discussions and 'платообразная возвышенность' for native Russian audiences to enhance cultural appropriateness.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Pronouncing 'меса' as [ˈmeɪzə] (like the English "may-zuh"). Correct: [ˈmɛsə] with a short 'e' sound. Explanation: English speakers often carry over their native pronunciation, but in Russian, it must align with Russian phonetics to avoid confusion.
• Mistake: Using 'меса' in plural without context, e.g., "месас" (non-existent). Correct: Stick to singular or use 'месы' sparingly. Explanation: As a borrowed word, it doesn't always follow Russian plural rules, so learners should check for established usage.
• Mistake: Confusing it with 'месса' (mass, as in religious service). Correct: Context clarifies, but always specify geographical meaning. Explanation: Homophones can lead to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

The term 'меса' in Russian contexts often evokes images of the American Southwest, such as those in Arizona or Utah, due to its association with U.S. geography. In Russian culture, mesas might be referenced in travel literature or environmental discussions, symbolizing rugged, arid landscapes. However, as a borrowed word, it lacks deep native cultural connotations, highlighting Russia's adoption of Western terminology in modern science.

Related Concepts:

• плато
• каньон
• возвышенность