Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'observatory'

English Word: observatory

Key Russian Translations:

• Обсерватория [ɐbsɨrvɐˈtorʲɪjə] - [Formal, Scientific context]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, educational, or technical discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and scientific vocabulary, but not overly complex for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Обсерватория: [ɐbsɨrvɐˈtorʲɪjə]

Note on Обсерватория: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("to-RI-ya"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolling 'r' sound and the soft 'y' in Russian. Practice with native speakers for accurate intonation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A building or facility equipped for observing astronomical phenomena, such as stars and planets.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Обсерватория - Used in formal scientific or educational contexts, such as discussing research institutions or historical sites.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве есть знаменитая обсерватория, где астрономы изучают звезды.

  In Moscow, there is a famous observatory where astronomers study the stars.

• Мы посетили обсерваторию на горе, чтобы понаблюдать за солнечным затмением.

  We visited the observatory on the mountain to observe the solar eclipse.

• Обсерватория оснащена телескопами последнего поколения для точных наблюдений.

  The observatory is equipped with the latest generation telescopes for precise observations.

• Студенты университета строят новую обсерваторию для исследования космоса.

  University students are building a new observatory for space research.

• В обсерватории проводятся экскурсии для школьников, интересующихся астрономией.

  The observatory offers tours for schoolchildren interested in astronomy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Обсерватория" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but can vary based on number and grammatical case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to the ending changes based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Астрономическая станция (more specific to astronomical stations; used in professional contexts)
  • Наблюдательный пункт (broader term for any observation point, with a slight military connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • Лаборатория (laboratory; implies experimental work rather than observation)

Related Phrases:

• Астрономическая обсерватория - An astronomical observatory; used for facilities focused on celestial studies. (Context: Scientific research and education)
• Посетить обсерваторию - To visit an observatory; a common phrase for tourism or educational trips. (Context: Leisure or learning activities)
• Обсерватория Пулково - Pulkovo Observatory; refers to a specific famous site in Russia. (Context: Historical and cultural references)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "обсерватория" directly corresponds to the English "observatory" in scientific contexts, but it's more commonly used for astronomical or meteorological facilities. It's a formal term, so avoid it in casual conversations; opt for simpler descriptions in everyday speech. When using in sentences, ensure proper declension based on the sentence structure—e.g., in genitive case for possession. If multiple translations exist, choose "обсерватория" for precision in scientific writing, but "наблюдательный пункт" for general observation spots.

• Grammar tip: Always feminine, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "большая обсерватория" for "big observatory").
• Contextual advice: In Russian media or literature, it's often linked to national pride in scientific achievements.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the genitive case, saying "из обсерватория" instead of the correct "из обсерватории" (from the observatory). Error: "Я видел звезды в обсерватория." (Incorrect because it should be genitive for location.) Correct: "Я видел звезды в обсерватории." Explanation: In Russian, prepositions like "в" require the prepositional case, so the ending changes to "-и". Another common mistake is confusing it with "лаборатория," leading to semantic errors in scientific discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, observatories like the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg hold significant cultural and historical value, symbolizing the country's contributions to astronomy during the Soviet era. They often represent intellectual pursuit and national pride, appearing in literature and films as symbols of human curiosity about the universe.

Related Concepts:

• Телескоп (telescope)
• Астрономия (astronomy)
• Космос (space or cosmos)