Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'peninsula'

English Word: peninsula

Key Russian Translations:

• полуостров [pəlʊˈɔstrəf] - [Formal, Geographical term]

Frequency: Medium (Common in educational, geographical, or travel contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level per CEFR; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and geography vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полуостров: [pəlʊˈɔstrəf]

Note on полуостров: The stress falls on the third syllable ("о́стров"), which can be tricky for learners as Russian stress is not always predictable. Pronounce the "у" as a short "u" sound, similar to "put" in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A piece of land surrounded by water on most sides, connected to the mainland.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полуостров - Used in formal geographical descriptions, such as in maps, travel guides, or educational materials. Context: Often appears in discussions about natural landscapes or historical regions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Крым — это полуостров, который омывается Чёрным морем и Азовским морем.

  English: Crimea is a peninsula that is washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

• Русский: Аравийский полуостров известен своими пустынями и нефтяными месторождениями.

  English: The Arabian Peninsula is known for its deserts and oil deposits.

• Русский: В географии мы изучаем, как полуостровы влияют на климат и экосистемы.

  English: In geography, we study how peninsulas influence climate and ecosystems.

• Русский: Индийский полуостров отделён от материка Гималаями.

  English: The Indian Peninsula is separated from the mainland by the Himalayas.

• Русский: Туристы часто посещают Скандинавский полуостров из-за его фьордов.

  English: Tourists often visit the Scandinavian Peninsula because of its fjords.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полуостров" is a masculine noun (second declension) in Russian. It follows regular declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table showing its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners. Always adjust for number and case based on sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мыс (mys) - [Used for a smaller, pointed landform extending into water; less comprehensive than полуостров]
  • земной выступ (zemnoj vystup) - [A more descriptive term for a land protrusion, often in scientific contexts]
• Antonyms:
  • остров (ostrov) - [An island, which is completely surrounded by water]
  • материк (materik) - [A continent or mainland, implying no surrounding water]

Related Phrases:

• Аравийский полуостров - [The Arabian Peninsula; refers to a major geographical region in the Middle East.]
• Крымский полуостров - [The Crimean Peninsula; often discussed in historical and political contexts.]
• Скандинавский полуостров - [The Scandinavian Peninsula; associated with Nordic countries and culture.]

Usage Notes:

"Полуостров" directly corresponds to the English "peninsula" and is used in formal or academic settings. It is a neuter noun in terms of its role but grammatically masculine, so ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большой полуостров" for "big peninsula"). Be mindful of context: in Russian, it's common in geographical descriptions or travel writing, but less so in casual speech. When multiple translations exist, choose "полуостров" for standard usage; alternatives like "мыс" are for smaller features. Avoid overusing in spoken language to prevent sounding overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: Learners often use the nominative "полуостров" in all contexts. For example, incorrect: "Я еду на полуостров" (when it should be genitive in some prepositional phrases). Correct: "Я еду на полуострове" (I am going to the peninsula). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the preposition or sentence structure.

• Mixing with synonyms: Mistakenly using "остров" (island) instead of "полуостров." For instance, incorrect: "Крым — это остров" (Crimea is an island). Correct: "Крым — это полуостров." Explanation: This error stems from literal translations; remember that "полуостров" implies a connection to the mainland.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "Крымский полуостров" (Crimean Peninsula) carry significant historical and political weight due to events like the annexation of Crimea in 2014. It symbolizes complex geopolitical issues between Russia and Ukraine, often evoking national pride or controversy in discussions. Understanding such connotations can help English speakers navigate sensitive conversations in Russian media or travel.

Related Concepts:

• остров (island)
• мыс (cape)
• материк (continent)
• архипелаг (archipelago)