Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'point'

English Word: point

Key Russian Translations:

• точка [ˈtot͡ɕkə] - [Formal, Singular, Used for physical or abstract points, such as locations or dots]
• точка зрения [ˈtot͡ɕkə zreˈnʲijə] - [Formal, Phrase, Used for opinions or viewpoints]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday language, especially in technical, mathematical, or conversational contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; straightforward for learners at this level, but inflections may require practice; for 'точка зрения', it could be B2 due to its idiomatic use)

Pronunciation (Russian):

точка: [ˈtot͡ɕkə]

Note on точка: The 'т' is a voiceless alveolar plosive, and the ending 'а' softens in casual speech; be mindful of the palatalized 'ч' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

точка зрения: [ˈtot͡ɕkə zreˈnʲijə]

Note on точка зрения: Stress falls on the second syllable of 'зрения'; the 'з' is a voiced alveolar fricative, and this phrase often varies slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A physical or geometric point (e.g., a dot, location, or endpoint)

Translation(s) & Context:

• точка - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as mathematics, maps, or descriptions of objects.

Usage Examples:

• На карте отмечена точка, где начинается тропа. (Na karte otmetena tochka, gde nachinaetsya tropa.)

  On the map, the point where the trail begins is marked.

• Эта точка на графике указывает на максимум. (Eta tochka na grafike ukazyvaet na maksimum.)

  This point on the graph indicates the maximum.

• В конце предложения ставится точка. (V kontse predlozheniya stavitsya tochka.)

  A point (period) is placed at the end of the sentence.

• Точка соприкосновения двух линий важна в геометрии. (Tochka soprikosnoveniya dvukh linij vazhna v geometrii.)

  The point of contact between two lines is important in geometry.

Meaning 2: A viewpoint or opinion (e.g., an argument or perspective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• точка зрения - Used in discussions, debates, or formal writing to express opinions or stances.

Usage Examples:

• Каждый имеет свою точку зрения на эту проблему. (Kazhdyy imyet svoyu tochku zreniya na etu problemu.)

  Everyone has their own point of view on this issue.

• Из моей точки зрения, это правильное решение. (Iz moyey tochki zreniya, eto pravilnoye resheniye.)

  From my point of view, this is the right decision.

• В дискуссии важно учитывать разные точки зрения. (V diskussii vazhno uchyityvat raznye tochki zreniya.)

  In a discussion, it's important to consider different points of view.

• Его точка зрения изменилась после новых фактов. (Yego tochka zreniya izmenilas posle novykh faktov.)

  His point of view changed after the new facts.

• Точка зрения эксперта всегда ценна. (Tochka zreniya eksperta vsegda tsennaya.)

  An expert's point of view is always valuable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'точка' (a feminine noun), it follows the first declension pattern with regular inflections based on case and number.

For 'точка зрения' (a phrase where 'зрения' is genitive), 'зрения' is invariant in this context but follows noun rules if used alone. No major irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пункт (punkt) - Often used interchangeably for 'point' in lists or agendas; more formal in bureaucratic contexts.
  • место (mesto) - For physical points, with a connotation of location or spot.
• Antonyms:
  • линия (linia) - Opposite of a point in geometric or conceptual senses.
  • неопределенность (neopredelennost') - Antonym for 'point of view', implying vagueness.

Related Phrases:

• Точка отсчета (Tochka otscheta) - Starting point; used in contexts like timelines or journeys.
• Критическая точка (Kriticheskaya tochka) - Critical point; refers to a decisive moment in science or decision-making.
• Точка зрения общества (Tochka zreniya obshchestva) - Societal point of view; common in social discussions, implying collective opinion.

Usage Notes:

The English 'point' translates variably in Russian based on context: 'точка' for literal or geometric meanings, and 'точка зрения' for opinions. Always consider formality—'точка' is neutral, while 'точка зрения' is more academic. In grammar, 'точка' requires case agreement (e.g., in prepositional phrases), which differs from English's lack of inflection. When choosing between translations, opt for 'точка зрения' in argumentative writing to convey depth, but use 'точка' for simplicity in everyday speech.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'точка' directly for opinions, e.g., saying "Моя точка" instead of "Моя точка зрения".
  Correct: "Моя точка зрения" (My point of view). Explanation: 'Точка' alone doesn't imply an opinion; it needs the full phrase for accuracy.
• Mistake: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative 'точка' in genitive contexts like "Из точки" instead of "Из точки зрения".
  Correct: "Из точки зрения" (From the point of view). Explanation: Russian requires proper case endings, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'точка зрения' often reflects the value placed on intellectual debate in literature and education, influenced by historical figures like Tolstoy. It emphasizes collective truth-seeking, contrasting with more individualistic Western views, and is frequently used in media to highlight diverse perspectives in a society that values consensus.

Related Concepts:

• линия (linia)
• аргумент (argument)
• позиция (pozitsiya)