Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'periscope'

English Word: periscope

Key Russian Translations:

• Перископ [pʲɪrʲɪˈskop] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized contexts like military or engineering discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2, according to CEFR; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic noun declensions in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Перископ: [pʲɪrʲɪˈskop]

Note on Перископ: The stress falls on the last syllable ('-skop'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech, with the initial 'pʲ' sound being palatalized, which is common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The device for viewing from a concealed position (e.g., in submarines or tanks)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Перископ - Used in formal, technical, or military contexts to describe an optical instrument for observing from hidden positions.

Usage Examples:

• В подводной лодке установлен перископ для наблюдения за поверхностью.

  In the submarine, a periscope is installed for observing the surface.

• Моряки используют перископ, чтобы избежать обнаружения.

  Sailors use the periscope to avoid detection.

• Современные танки оснащены перископом для улучшения видимости в бою.

  Modern tanks are equipped with a periscope to improve visibility in combat.

• Инженеры разрабатывают новый перископ с улучшенной оптикой.

  Engineers are developing a new periscope with enhanced optics.

• Во время учений солдаты протестировали перископ в условиях низкой видимости.

  During exercises, soldiers tested the periscope in low-visibility conditions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Перископ is a masculine noun (мужской род) and follows the standard third declension pattern for inanimate nouns in Russian. It is inflected based on case and number, but as a loanword, it has relatively regular changes. Below is a table of its declensions in the singular form (plural is less common but follows similar patterns).

Note: In plural, it becomes Перископы (Nominative), and follows the standard plural declension. This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Оптический прицел (optical sight) - Used in similar technical contexts, but more general; Зрительная труба (viewing tube) - Less precise, often for telescopes.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific device term.

Related Phrases:

• Подводный перископ - Submarine periscope; used in naval contexts to refer to periscopes on submarines.
• Бронированный перископ - Armored periscope; refers to reinforced versions for military vehicles.
• Перископ для наблюдения - Periscope for observation; a general phrase emphasizing its primary function.

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation 'Перископ' directly corresponds to the English 'periscope' as a technical term, primarily in military and engineering fields. It is a masculine noun, so always use masculine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., 'этот перископ большой' - this periscope is big). Be mindful of context: in formal or professional settings, it's appropriate, but in casual conversation, speakers might opt for simpler descriptions. When choosing translations, 'Перископ' is the most accurate for the device, but if discussing broader concepts, consider related terms like 'Оптический прицел'. Grammatically, ensure correct case usage based on sentence structure, as Russian requires declension.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу перископ" instead of "Я вижу перископ" (correct for accusative, but if it's "with the periscope," it should be "с перископом"). Correct: С перископом я вижу поверхность (With the periscope, I see the surface). Explanation: English learners often forget Russian's case system, leading to grammatical inaccuracies.

• Error: Treating it as a feminine noun, e.g., "эта перископ" instead of "этот перископ". Correct: Этот перископ установлен. Explanation: 'Перископ' is masculine, so adjectives and pronouns must agree in gender.

• Error: Mispronouncing with incorrect stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable. Correct Pronunciation: [pʲɪrʲɪˈskop]. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural or confusing in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, periscopes are closely associated with the Soviet and modern Russian navy's submarine technology, symbolizing stealth and strategic advantage during the Cold War. For instance, they feature prominently in literature and films about naval warfare, such as in stories of the Russian fleet, reflecting themes of innovation and survival in conflict.

Related Concepts:

• Оптический прицел
• Подзорная труба
• Бинокль