Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'omnibus'

English Word: omnibus

Key Russian Translations:

• автобус [ɐfˈtɔbʊs] - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (The word 'автобус' is one of the most common nouns in modern Russian, appearing frequently in daily conversations and media.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item with straightforward pronunciation and usage, suitable for CEFR A1 learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

автобус: [ɐfˈtɔbʊs]

Note on автобус: The stress falls on the second syllable ('тɔ'), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects pronunciation but not spelling.

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Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A large public vehicle for transporting passengers

Translation(s) & Context:

• автобус - Used in general, everyday contexts for public transportation, such as city buses or long-distance routes.

Usage Examples:

• Я еду на автобусе в центр города. (Ya yedu na avtobuse v tsentr goroda.)

  I am going to the city center by bus.

• Автобус опоздал на 10 минут. (Avtobus opozdal na 10 minut.)

  The bus was delayed by 10 minutes.

• В выходные мы поедем на автобусе за город. (V vykhodnyye my poyedyom na avtobuse za gorod.)

  On the weekend, we'll go out of town by bus.

• Автобус был переполнен пассажирами. (Avtobus byl perezapolyen passazhirami.)

  The bus was overcrowded with passengers.

• Я всегда покупаю билет на автобус заранее. (Ya vsegda pokupayu bilet na avtobus zaranee.)

  I always buy a bus ticket in advance.

Broader Meaning: Something comprehensive or inclusive (less common for 'omnibus')

Translation(s) & Context:

• омнибус (as a loanword) - Used in formal or literary contexts to refer to a comprehensive collection, e.g., in publishing.

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга — омнибус из классических рассказов. (Eta kniga — omnibus iz klassicheskikh rasskazov.)

  This book is an omnibus of classic stories.

• Омнибус издание включает все тома серии. (Omnibus izdaniye vklyuchayet vse tomы serii.)

  The omnibus edition includes all volumes of the series.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Автобус' is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and follows standard rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • троллейбус (trolleybus) - Similar to a bus but electrically powered; used in urban settings.
  • маршрутка (marshrutka) - A shared minibus or van; more informal and common in some regions.
• Antonyms:
  • пешком (peshkom) - On foot; implies the opposite of using a vehicle.
  • велосипед (velosiped) - Bicycle; an alternative mode of transport.

Related Phrases:

• Автобусная остановка (Avtobusnaya ostanovka) - Bus stop; a place where buses halt for passengers.
• Ехать на автобусе (Yekhat' na avtobuse) - To travel by bus; commonly used for public transport scenarios.
• Междугородний автобус (Mezhdugorodniy avtobus) - Intercity bus; refers to buses traveling between cities.

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation 'автобус' directly corresponds to the English 'omnibus' in its primary sense as a public vehicle, but it's more commonly used in everyday Russian than the borrowed term 'омнибус'. Use 'автобус' for general conversations about transportation, as it's neutral and fits most contexts. For formal or literary uses (e.g., a comprehensive edition), 'омнибус' might be appropriate, but it's rare. Pay attention to case endings when constructing sentences, as Russian requires agreement with other parts of the sentence. When choosing between translations, opt for 'автобус' for beginner learners due to its simplicity.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Incorrectly using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я иду к автобус" instead of "Я иду к автобусу" (I am going to the bus).
  Correct: "Я иду к автобусу" – Explanation: In Russian, the dative case is needed after prepositions like 'к' (to), so the ending changes to '-у'.
• Mistake: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using 'автомобиль' (car) instead of 'автобус'.
  Correct: Use 'автобус' for public transport; 'автомобиль' refers to private cars. – Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in transportation contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, buses ('автобусы') are a staple of daily life, especially in urban areas like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where public transport is heavily used due to traffic and parking issues. Historically, the expansion of bus networks in the Soviet era symbolized modernization and accessibility, reflecting a cultural emphasis on communal transport over individual cars.

Related Concepts:

• троллейбус (trolleybus)
• метро (metro)
• поезд (train)