Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'metro'

English Word: metro

Key Russian Translations:

• метро [ˈmʲetrə] - [Neutral; Commonly used in urban contexts for public transportation]

Frequency: Medium (The word is frequently encountered in everyday conversations about city travel, especially in urban areas of Russia and other Russian-speaking regions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; Suitable for beginners as it is a straightforward loanword with simple pronunciation and usage, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метро: [ˈmʲetrə]

Note on метро: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'e' sound is palatalized, which is common in Russian. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Subway or Underground Train System

Translation(s) & Context:

• метро - Used to refer to an underground rapid transit system in cities, similar to the subway in English. Common in formal and informal contexts for public transport discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я каждый день езжу в метро на работу.

  I take the metro to work every day.

• Метро в Москве — одно из самых старых в мире.

  The metro in Moscow is one of the oldest in the world.

• Давай встретимся у входа в метро.

  Let's meet at the metro entrance.

• Из-за ремонта метро было переполнено.

  Due to maintenance, the metro was overcrowded.

• В выходные метро работает до полуночи.

  On weekends, the metro operates until midnight.

Metropolitan Area (Less Common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метро (in extended contexts) - Sometimes used informally to imply a metropolitan area, but this is rare; more commonly, "метрополия" is used for the latter.

Usage Examples:

• Жизнь в большом метро всегда динамичная.

  Life in a big metro area is always dynamic.

• Метро привлекает многих туристов.

  The metro area attracts many tourists.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метро" is a neuter noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: "Метро" is an indeclinable noun in modern Russian, meaning it does not change form in most cases, which makes it easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Подземный транспорт (underground transport; more descriptive, used in formal writing)
  • Метрополитен (a more formal synonym, often for the system as a whole)
• Antonyms:
  • Наземный транспорт (surface transport; refers to above-ground options like buses)

Related Phrases:

• Метро станции - Metro station (refers to the physical entry points of the system).
• Ехать в метро - To travel by metro (a common phrase for using public transport).
• Карта метро - Metro map (essential for navigation in large cities).

Usage Notes:

"Метро" directly corresponds to the English "metro" in the context of urban subway systems and is a borrowed word, making it intuitive for English speakers. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., official announcements) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). When choosing between translations, prefer "метро" for everyday transport references; use "метрополитен" for more official or historical discussions. Grammatically, as an indeclinable noun, it simplifies sentence construction, but always ensure it agrees with adjectives or verbs in context.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "метро" with "метрополия" (metropolis). Error: Saying "Я живу в метро" to mean "I live in the metropolis." Correct: "Я живу в метрополии." Explanation: "Метро" specifically means the subway, not a large city area.

• Overlooking its indeclinability. Error: Incorrectly declining it, e.g., "в метра" instead of "в метро." Correct: Always use "метро" in all cases. Explanation: This is a common mistake for learners used to fully declinable nouns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the metro system, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, is not just a mode of transport but a cultural icon. Many stations feature elaborate architecture, art, and even museums underground, reflecting Soviet-era grandeur and national history. Using "метро" in conversation often evokes a sense of daily urban life and efficiency in bustling cities.

Related Concepts:

• Автобус (bus)
• Трамвай (tram)
• Поезд (train)