Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'meter'

English Word: meter

Key Russian Translations:

• метр [ˈmʲetr] - [Formal, Used in scientific, everyday measurements]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday language, especially in contexts involving measurements, science, and engineering)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item in the CEFR framework, easily learned by new learners of Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метр: [ˈmʲetr]

Note on метр: The initial 'м' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like a soft 'm' followed by a 'ye' glide. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Unit of length (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метр - Used in formal and informal contexts for measuring length, distance, or dimensions, such as in construction, shopping, or sports.

Usage Examples:

• Этот стол имеет длину два метра.

  This table is two meters long.

• Мы измеряем бег на дистанцию в сто метров.

  We measure the run over a distance of one hundred meters.

• В магазине я купил три метра ткани для штор.

  In the store, I bought three meters of fabric for curtains.

• Строитель использовал рулетку, чтобы отметить метр от стены.

  The builder used a tape measure to mark one meter from the wall.

• В парке дети играют в прыжки через метр.

  In the park, children play jump rope over a meter.

Poetic or rhythmic meter (Secondary meaning, if applicable)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метр - Used in literary or artistic contexts to refer to the rhythmic structure in poetry or music.

Usage Examples:

• В этом стихотворении используется ямбический метр.

  This poem uses iambic meter.

• Поэт экспериментировал с разными метрами в своих работах.

  The poet experimented with different meters in his works.

• Музыкальный метр определяет ритм композиции.

  The musical meter defines the rhythm of the composition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метр" is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number, but it does not change in the plural form as it is often used in singular contexts for measurements.

Note: The plural form is used when quantifying multiple meters, but in scientific contexts, it may remain invariant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • метрика (metrika) - More formal, often used in mathematical or statistical contexts, implying a system of measurement.
  • единица длины (edinitza dliny) - Descriptive synonym, meaning "unit of length," used in educational settings.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "метр" is a specific unit. However, in broader measurement contexts, opposites might include non-metric units like дюйм (dyuym, inch), though this is not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• метр ткани - A meter of fabric; used in shopping or sewing contexts.
• сто метров - One hundred meters; common in sports or distance measurements.
• метр в секунду - Meter per second; used in physics for speed calculations, with the explanation: Indicates velocity in scientific contexts.
• измерить в метрах - To measure in meters; a phrase for conversion or quantification.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "метр" directly corresponds to the English "meter" as a unit of length, derived from the metric system, which is the standard in Russia. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in everyday conversations, scientific writing, or technical fields. When choosing between translations, stick with "метр" for precision in measurements. Be aware of grammatical agreement: it must align with adjectives and verbs based on its masculine gender and case (e.g., "два метра" for plural). In poetic contexts, it aligns closely with English "meter" but is less commonly used outside literature.

• Always use the genitive case after numerals greater than four, e.g., "пять метров" (five meters).
• In informal speech, Russians might abbreviate it as "м" in writing, similar to English.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "метр" with imperial units like "фут" (foot), leading to incorrect conversions. For example:

• Error: Saying "Я пробежал фут" instead of "Я пробежал метр" when meaning a meter. Correct: "Я пробежал метр" (I ran a meter). Explanation: Use "метр" for metric measurements to avoid mixing systems, as Russia uses the metric system exclusively.
• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using "метр" in the wrong case, like "в метр" instead of "в метре" for "in a meter." Correct: "Расстояние в метре" (The distance in a meter). Explanation: Pay attention to prepositional case requirements in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

"Метр" is part of the International System of Units (SI), adopted in Russia after the 1917 Revolution as a move towards modernization and away from traditional imperial measurements. It symbolizes scientific standardization and is deeply embedded in Russian education and daily life, reflecting the country's emphasis on engineering and space exploration heritage, such as in the works of scientists like Mendeleev.

Related Concepts:

• километр (kilometer)
• сантиметр (centimeter)
• миллиметр (millimeter)
• метрика (metrics, in a broader sense)