Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mile'

English Word: mile

Key Russian Translations:

• миля [ˈmʲilʲə] - [Formal, Used in measurement contexts such as distance in sports or geography]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical, scientific, or everyday discussions involving distance, but not as frequent as metric units like kilometers in modern Russian usage)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward vocabulary for basic measurements, easily learned by new learners of Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

миля: [ˈmʲilʲə]

Note on миля: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A unit of distance equal to approximately 1.609 kilometers, often used in contexts like running, aviation, or historical measurements.

Translation(s) & Context:

• миля - Typically used in formal or technical settings; less common in casual conversation due to the prevalence of the metric system in Russia.

Usage Examples:

• Он пробежал милю за рекордное время.

  He ran a mile in record time. (This example shows the word in a sports context, emphasizing achievement.)

• В старых картах расстояния измерялись в милях.

  In old maps, distances were measured in miles. (Illustrates historical or geographical usage.)

• Морская миля составляет 1,852 километра.

  A nautical mile is 1,852 kilometers. (Demonstrates the word in a specialized context, like navigation.)

• Ее ежедневная пробежка включает две мили.

  Her daily run includes two miles. (Shows everyday fitness routine usage.)

• В американских фильмах часто упоминают милю как единицу расстояния.

  In American movies, the mile is often mentioned as a unit of distance. (Highlights cultural or comparative usage in media.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"миля" is a feminine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases, but like many nouns, it changes based on grammatical case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used for multiple miles, and the word is invariant in terms of gender but changes predictably with case, as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • верста (versta) - An older Russian unit of distance, similar but less precise; used in historical contexts.
  • километр (kilometer) - Often used interchangeably in modern contexts, especially in scientific or international settings.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "миля" is a unit of measurement and does not have direct antonyms. However, contrasting units like "сантиметр" (centimeter) could imply smaller scales.

Related Phrases:

• морская миля - Nautical mile; used in maritime and aviation contexts. (Equivalent to 1.852 km, common in navigation.)
• пробежать милю - To run a mile; a phrase for athletic activities. (Often in fitness or sports discussions.)
• в пределах мили - Within a mile; indicates proximity in distance. (Used for describing nearby locations.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "миля" directly corresponds to the English "mile" as a unit of distance, but it's less commonly used in everyday speech due to Russia's adoption of the metric system. Prefer it in formal, technical, or historical contexts. For example, when discussing American or British measurements, it's appropriate. If the context involves international standards, consider using "километр" instead for better clarity. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with the case and number in sentences, as Russian nouns must.

• Choose "миля" over metric alternatives when translating from English sources like sports statistics.
• Be mindful of regional variations; in scientific writing, conversions to kilometers are often provided.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "миля" with "километр" (kilometer), leading to incorrect unit usage. For instance:

• Error: Saying "Я пробежал милю" when meaning a shorter distance, but intending "километр".
• Correct: Use "миля" only for the specific imperial unit; otherwise, opt for "километр". Explanation: This mistake arises from metric dominance in Russia, so always verify the context to avoid misrepresentation of distances.
• Another common error is incorrect inflection, e.g., using "мили" in the nominative singular form. Correct: "миля" for singular nominative; always check case agreement in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

The term "миля" reflects historical influences from Western measurement systems, particularly during the Russian Empire's interactions with Europe and the US. In modern Russia, it's more of a cultural artifact, often appearing in literature, films, or discussions about foreign systems, symbolizing global interconnectedness rather than everyday utility.

Related Concepts:

• километр
• верста
• метр