Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'photography'

English Word: photography

Key Russian Translations:

• фотография [fɐtɐˈɡrafʲɪjə] - [Formal, Singular, Used in general contexts such as art, profession, or technology]

Frequency: Medium (The term is commonly encountered in discussions about art, media, and technology, but not in everyday casual conversations.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level can understand and use the word in context, as it involves basic noun forms and vocabulary related to hobbies or professions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фотография: [fɐtɐˈɡrafʲɪjə]

Note on фотография: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("gra-"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian vowel reductions. The 'ф' is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, similar to 'f' in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The art, science, or practice of taking and processing photographs.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фотография - Used in formal and informal contexts to refer to photography as a hobby, profession, or artistic field, such as in educational settings or media discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я увлекаюсь фотографией уже несколько лет. (Ya uvlekayus' fotografiyey uzhe neskol'ko let.)

  I have been passionate about photography for several years. (This example shows the word in a personal context, discussing hobbies.)

• Фотография – это не только хобби, но и профессия. (Fotografiya – eto ne tol'ko khobbi, no i professiya.)

  Photography is not only a hobby but also a profession. (This illustrates the word in a broader discussion of careers and skills.)

• Современная фотография сильно изменилась с появлением цифровых камер. (Sovremennaya fotografiya sil'no izmenilas' s poyavleniem tsifrovykh kamer.)

  Modern photography has changed significantly with the advent of digital cameras. (This example demonstrates usage in a technological or historical context.)

• В музее есть выставка старинной фотографии. (V muzeye est' vystavka starinnoj fotografii.)

  There is an exhibition of old photography in the museum. (This highlights the word in cultural or artistic settings.)

• Она изучает фотографию в университете. (Ona izuchaet fotografiyu v universitete.)

  She is studying photography at university. (This shows the word in an educational context, with genitive case usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

фотография is a feminine noun in the first declension (first conjugation for nouns). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. There are no irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple instances or types of photography.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: фотоискусство (photoart) - More artistic connotation, often used in creative contexts; фотодело (photowork) - Emphasizes the technical aspect.
• Antonyms: (None directly applicable, as 'photography' is a specific field; however, in broader contexts, it might contrast with живопись (zhivopis', painting) for traditional art forms.)

Related Phrases:

• Цифровая фотография (Tsifrovaya fotografiya) - Digital photography; refers to modern, technology-based photography techniques.
• Старинная фотография (Starinnaya fotografiya) - Old or vintage photography; often used in historical or museum contexts.
• Профессиональная фотография (Professional'naya fotografiya) - Professional photography; implies commercial or expert-level work.

Usage Notes:

фотография directly corresponds to the English "photography" as a noun, encompassing both the art and the process. It is versatile and can be used in formal (e.g., academic papers) or informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). Be mindful of Russian case endings, as they change based on sentence structure—e.g., use the accusative case after verbs like "любить" (to love). When choosing between synonyms like фотоискусство, opt for фотография in general contexts for broader applicability.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing фотография with фото (photo), leading to misuse in sentences like "Я люблю фото" instead of "Я люблю фотографию" for "I love photography."

  Correct: Я люблю фотографию. (Explanation: фото means a single photograph, while фотография refers to the field or practice. This distinction prevents oversimplification.)

• Error: Forgetting case changes, such as using nominative in all contexts, e.g., "Я интересуюсь фотография" instead of "Я интересуюсь фотографией."

  Correct: Я интересуюсь фотографией. (Explanation: Instrumental or prepositional cases are needed based on prepositions like "интересуюсь," which requires instrumental.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, фотография holds historical significance due to pioneers like Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky, who advanced color photography in the early 20th century. It often evokes nostalgia, as seen in Soviet-era family albums, symbolizing personal and national history. This cultural depth makes it more than a technical term—it's a window into everyday life and heritage.

Related Concepts:

• кинематография (kinematografiya)
• видеосъемка (videos"yemka)
• фотоаппарат (fotoapparat)