Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pebble'

English Word: pebble

Key Russian Translations:

• галька [ˈɡalʲkə] - [Informal, Singular]
• камушек [kɐˈmuʂɨk] - [Informal, Diminutive form, used for smaller pebbles]

Frequency: Low (This word is not frequently used in everyday conversation but appears in contexts like nature descriptions or geology.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary with basic noun inflections, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

галька: [ˈɡalʲkə]

камушек: [kɐˈmuʂɨk]

Note on галька: The stress falls on the first syllable; be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which is common in Russian and can be challenging for English speakers.

Note on камушек: This is a diminutive form, so the pronunciation emphasizes the affectionate tone; the 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small stone made smooth by erosion, often found on beaches or riverbeds.

Translation(s) & Context:

• галька - Typically used in informal or descriptive contexts, such as discussing natural environments; common in literature or casual speech about outdoor activities.
• камушек - A diminutive form, implying something small and endearing; used in contexts where affection or specificity is needed, like in children's stories or poetry.

Usage Examples:

• На пляже полно гальки, которую дети собирают в корзину.

  On the beach, there are plenty of pebbles that children collect in a basket.

• Я подобрал гладкий камушек с реки и положил его в карман.

  I picked up a smooth pebble from the river and put it in my pocket.

• Галька у моря сверкает под солнцем, создавая красивый узор.

  The pebbles by the sea sparkle under the sun, creating a beautiful pattern.

• Этот камушек напоминает мне о нашем пикнике в горах.

  This little pebble reminds me of our picnic in the mountains.

• В саду мы расставили гальку для украшения дорожек.

  In the garden, we laid out pebbles to decorate the pathways.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "галька" and "камушек" are nouns. "Галька" is a feminine noun in the first declension, while "камушек" is a masculine diminutive noun. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "галька" (feminine, singular/plural) and "камушек" (masculine, singular/plural) to illustrate common inflections.

Note: These follow regular patterns for their declensions. "Галька" does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • камень (stone; more general, but can refer to smaller rocks)
  • булыжник (cobble; slightly larger than a pebble, often used for paved streets)
• Antonyms:
  • песок (sand; finer particles, contrasting with the solidity of a pebble)

Related Phrases:

• Морская галька - Sea pebbles; A common phrase referring to pebbles found on seashores, often used in tourism or environmental contexts.
• Галька на дороге - Pebbles on the road; Describes loose stones that might cause hazards, with implications for safety in driving or walking.
• Собирать камушки - To collect pebbles; An idiomatic expression for gathering small items, sometimes metaphorically for hoarding memories.

Usage Notes:

"Галька" and "камушек" directly correspond to "pebble" in English, but choose "камушек" for a more affectionate or diminutive tone, such as when speaking to children. In formal writing, "галька" is preferred due to its neutral register. Be aware of Russian case requirements; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "на" (on). If the pebble is part of a larger description, ensure agreement in gender and number. For English learners, "галька" is a good entry point to understanding feminine noun inflections.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing "галька" with "камень" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я нашел камень на пляже" when meaning a small pebble. Correct: "Я нашел гальку на пляже." Explanation: "Камень" implies a larger stone, which can lead to miscommunication in descriptive contexts.

• Common Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative "галька" in all positions. Incorrect: "Я думаю о галька." Correct: "Я думаю о гальке." Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case after "о" (about), so learners must practice declensions to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pebbles like "галька" often symbolize simplicity and nature in literature, such as in works by Chekhov, where they represent everyday beauty. Collecting pebbles is a common pastime, reflecting a cultural appreciation for the outdoors, and it ties into folklore where stones might carry protective or mystical meanings in rural traditions.

Related Concepts:

• камень (stone)
• песок (sand)
• голыши (pebbles in a riverbed)