Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'promontory'

English Word: promontory

Key Russian Translations:

• мыс (/mɨs/) - [Formal, Geographical term]

Frequency: Medium (Common in geographical and descriptive contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to geography)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мыс: /mɨs/

Note on мыс: The vowel 'ы' (/ɨ/) is a distinct Russian sound, similar to a centralized 'i', which can be challenging for English speakers; it is pronounced with the tongue in a neutral position. Variations may occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water, such as a cape or headland.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мыс - Used in formal or geographical descriptions, often in contexts involving maps, travel, or natural landscapes (e.g., in literature or scientific texts).

Usage Examples:

• Мы́с Горн ви́ден издалека́.

  The promontory Horn is visible from afar. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing visibility in a geographical context.)

• На мы́се на́до установить мая́к.

  A lighthouse needs to be installed on the promontory. (Demonstrates the noun in a prepositional phrase, indicating location in practical or navigational scenarios.)

• Путеше́ственники обогну́ли мы́с во вре́мя бу́ря.

  The travelers rounded the promontory during the storm. (Illustrates use in a narrative context with action verbs, highlighting challenges in exploration.)

• Мы́с отделя́ет два зали́ва от океа́на.

  The promontory separates two bays from the ocean. (Shows the noun in a sentence describing separation or boundaries, common in geographical explanations.)

• Из мы́са открыва́ется панора́мный ви́д на го́ры.

  From the promontory, there is a panoramic view of the mountains. (Exemplifies use in descriptive tourism or scenic contexts, with prepositional phrases.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мы́с" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has specific inflections for number and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • уте́с (cliff or precipice; similar but implies a steeper, more vertical feature)
  • хо́лм (hill; used when the promontory is less pronounced and more mound-like, with a subtle difference in elevation)
• Antonyms:
  • впади́на (depression or hollow; contrasts as a low-lying area rather than a projection)

Related Phrases:

• Мы́с Добро́й Наде́жды - Cape of Good Hope (A famous geographical landmark, often used in historical or exploratory contexts to denote a significant point in navigation.)
• Остро́й мы́с - Sharp promontory (Refers to a pointed or jagged landform, commonly in descriptive geography or adventure stories.)
• Мы́с в океа́не - Promontory in the ocean (A general phrase for oceanic land projections, useful in marine biology or travel descriptions.)

Usage Notes:

"Мы́с" directly corresponds to "promontory" in English as a geographical term, but it's most appropriate in formal, written, or scientific contexts rather than casual conversation. Always ensure correct case agreement with accompanying words; for example, use the genitive form "мы́са" after prepositions like "на" (on). When choosing between synonyms like "уте́с", opt for "мы́с" if the feature is more horizontal than vertical. Beginners should practice with maps or travel narratives to grasp its nuances.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "на мыс" instead of "на мы́се" in prepositional contexts. Correct: "На мы́се" (On the promontory). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case, so "мы́с" in the prepositional case becomes "мы́се" to indicate location.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "уте́с" for a gentle slope. Correct: Use "мы́с" for broader projections. Explanation: "Уте́с" implies a cliff, which might mislead in descriptions of milder landforms, leading to inaccurate communication.

• Error: Omitting plural forms incorrectly, e.g., saying "мы́с" when referring to multiple. Correct: "Мы́сы" for plural nominative. Explanation: Failing to inflect for number can make sentences grammatically incorrect in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, promontories like "Мы́с Добро́й Наде́жды" (Cape of Good Hope) hold historical significance due to exploration eras, symbolizing adventure and the vastness of the Russian and global landscapes. They often appear in literature, such as in works by Russian authors describing Siberia's rugged coasts, evoking themes of resilience and discovery.

Related Concepts:

• го́ра (mountain)
• остро́в (island)
• река́ (river)
• зали́в (bay)