Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obstruction'

English Word: obstruction

Key Russian Translations:

• препятствие [prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪɪ̯] - [Formal, Noun, Singular]
• барьер [ˈbarʲjɪr] - [Informal, Noun, Often used in metaphorical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in discussions of challenges or legal matters)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

препятствие: [prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪɪ̯]

Note on препятствие: The word has a soft 'п' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'т' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical or metaphorical barrier that hinders progress

Translation(s) & Context:

• препятствие - Used in formal contexts like law, engineering, or everyday obstacles, e.g., in sentences describing roadblocks or challenges.
• барьер - Applied in informal or metaphorical scenarios, such as social or psychological barriers.

Usage Examples:

• На дороге было большое препятствие, которое заставило нас изменить маршрут.

  There was a large obstruction on the road that forced us to change our route.

• Бюрократический барьер стал серьёзным препятствием для запуска проекта.

  The bureaucratic barrier became a serious obstruction to launching the project.

• Его страх выступать на публике является основным препятствием в карьере.

  His fear of public speaking is the main obstruction in his career.

• В спорте барьер преодолевается с помощью тренировки и упорства.

  In sports, an obstruction is overcome through training and persistence.

• Препятствие в реке помешало лодке плыть дальше.

  The obstruction in the river prevented the boat from going further.

2. Medical or legal obstruction (e.g., blocking a passage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• препятствие - Specifically in medical contexts, like an intestinal obstruction.
• барьер - Less common, but used in legal barriers or restrictions.

Usage Examples:

• Врачи диагностировали препятствие в дыхательных путях пациента.

  Doctors diagnosed an obstruction in the patient's airways.

• Закон создал барьер, препятствующий незаконной торговле.

  The law created an obstruction preventing illegal trade.

• Препятствие в трубопроводе вызвало утечку газа.

  The obstruction in the pipeline caused a gas leak.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Препятствие" is a neuter noun of the third declension, which follows regular patterns but has some irregularities in plural forms. "Барьер" is a masculine noun with standard declensions.

Note: These words do not change in gender but must agree in case with other elements in the sentence.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • препятствие - преграда (similar, but often implies a more physical block)
  • барьер - заслон (used in defensive or protective contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • помощь (help; implies facilitation rather than hindrance)
  • путь (path; suggests openness or ease of access)

Related Phrases:

• Создать препятствие - To create an obstruction (used when deliberately setting up a barrier).
• Преодолеть барьер - To overcome an obstruction (common in motivational or sports contexts).
• Препятствие на пути - An obstacle in the way (a fixed phrase for general hindrances).

Usage Notes:

"Препятствие" directly corresponds to the formal, literal sense of "obstruction" in English and is preferred in written or professional contexts. "Барьер" is more versatile for metaphorical uses but may carry connotations of something man-made. Always consider the context: use genitive case for possession (e.g., "препятствия проекта" for "the project's obstruction"). For English learners, choose "препятствие" for physical obstacles and "барьер" for abstract ones to match nuance accurately.

Common Errors:

• English speakers often misuse case endings, e.g., saying "в препятствие" instead of "в препятствии" (correct prepositional case). Error: "Я увидел в препятствие." Correct: "Я увидел в препятствии." Explanation: The prepositional case is required after prepositions like "в" to indicate location.

• Confusing synonyms: Using "барьер" when "препятствие" is more appropriate, e.g., in medical contexts. Error: "Барьер в горле." Correct: "Препятствие в горле." Explanation: "Барьер" implies a barrier that can be crossed, while "препятствие" fits blockages better.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like "препятствие" often appear in literature and proverbs, such as in stories by Tolstoy, where obstacles symbolize life's challenges. This reflects a broader Slavic emphasis on resilience against adversity, influenced by historical events like wars and revolutions.

Related Concepts:

• препятствовать (to obstruct)
• преграда (barrier)
• заслон (blockade)