Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'oblong'

English Word: oblong

Key Russian Translations:

• продолговатый [prə.dɐˈɫo.və.tɨj] - [Adjective, Formal]
• овальный [ɐˈvalʲ.nɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Used specifically for oval shapes]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in technical or descriptive contexts, such as geometry or design, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and basic shape vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

продолговатый: [prə.dɐˈɫo.və.tɨj]

овальный: [ɐˈvalʲ.nɨj]

Note on продолговатый: The stress falls on the third syllable ("lo"), and the "л" sound can be challenging for English speakers as it is a dark "l". Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An elongated or rectangular shape, longer than it is wide

Translation(s) & Context:

• продолговатый - Used in formal or technical descriptions of objects, such as in mathematics, design, or everyday objects like tables or rooms.

Usage Examples:

• Этот стол продолговатый, что делает его идеальным для больших семей.

  This table is oblong, which makes it ideal for large families.

• В геометрии продолговатые фигуры часто используются в архитектуре.

  In geometry, oblong shapes are often used in architecture.

• Ее продолговатое лицо придавало ей аристократический вид.

  Her oblong face gave her an aristocratic appearance.

• Продолговатая комната требует особого освещения для равномерного распределения света.

  An oblong room requires special lighting for even light distribution.

Meaning 2: Specifically an oval or elliptical shape

Translation(s) & Context:

• овальный - Applied when the shape is more curved, like an ellipse, in contexts such as art, biology, or product design.

Usage Examples:

• Овальный зеркало добавляет элегантности интерьеру.

  The oblong mirror adds elegance to the interior.

• В биологии овальные клетки имеют уникальные свойства.

  In biology, oblong cells have unique properties.

• Ее овальное ожерелье контрастировало с круглыми серьгами.

  Her oblong necklace contrasted with the round earrings.

• Овальный дизайн автомобиля улучшает аэродинамику.

  The oblong design of the car improves aerodynamics.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are adjectives and follow standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which are regular but depend on gender, number, and case. Adjectives like продолговатый and овальный decline based on the noun they modify.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular forms, but always agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • удлиненный (udlinnennyy) - More neutral, used for extended lengths.
  • вытянутый (vytjanutyj) - Implies stretching or pulling, often in informal contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • круглый (kruglyy) - Round.
  • квадратный (kvadratnyy) - Square.

Related Phrases:

• продолговатая форма - An oblong shape; used in design or geometry to describe elongated structures.
• овальный стол - An oblong table; common in furniture descriptions, implying a blend of rectangular and curved elements.
• продолговатое лицо - An oblong face; often in fashion or portrait descriptions.

Usage Notes:

The English word "oblong" can correspond to either "продолговатый" or "овальный" in Russian, depending on whether the shape is more rectangular or oval. Use "продолговатый" for straight-edged elongation and "овальный" for curved forms. Be mindful of context: in formal writing or technical fields, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe. For example, when translating for everyday use, choose based on the exact shape to avoid ambiguity. If the word is used metaphorically, as in describing a face, "продолговатое лицо" is more common than "овальное лицо" in Russian literature.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "продолговатый столa" instead of "продолговатого стола" in genitive case.

  Correct: "Цвет продолговатого стола" (The color of the oblong table). Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's case; this error often stems from English speakers treating adjectives as invariable.

• Error: Confusing "продолговатый" with "овальный" in contexts where the shape is not curved, e.g., describing a rectangular room as "овальный".

  Correct: Use "продолговатая комната". Explanation: Misapplication can lead to inaccurate descriptions; always assess the shape's characteristics first.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, shapes like oblong forms are often referenced in art and literature to symbolize elegance or modernity, as seen in descriptions of Orthodox icons or Soviet-era architecture. However, "oblong" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, unlike more symbolic shapes like the circle (representing unity).

Related Concepts:

• круглый
• квадратный
• эллиптический