Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'proximity'

English Word: proximity

Key Russian Translations:

• близость [blʲɪˈzostʲ] - [Formal, used in general contexts for physical or abstract closeness]
• поблизости [pɐˈblʲizəstʲɪ] - [Informal, adverbial form, used when indicating nearby locations]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in descriptive or scientific contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic inflections. For 'близость', it's B1; for 'поблизости', it's A2 due to its adverbial simplicity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

близость: [blʲɪˈzostʲ]

поблизости: [pɐˈblʲizəstʲɪ]

Note on близость: The soft sign (ʲ) indicates palatalization, which can be tricky for English speakers; pronounce it with a softened 'l' sound, similar to the 'l' in 'million'. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Physical closeness (e.g., nearness in space)

Translation(s) & Context:

• близость - Used in contexts describing spatial relationships, such as in geography or everyday descriptions (e.g., proximity of buildings).
• поблизости - Used adverbially to indicate something is nearby, often in informal speech or writing.

Usage Examples:

• Дом находится в близости от парка, что делает его идеальным для семей.

  The house is in proximity to the park, making it ideal for families.

• В поблизости есть кафе, где мы можем встретиться.

  There's a cafe in proximity where we can meet.

• Из-за близости реки уровень влажности в этом районе всегда высокий.

  Due to the proximity of the river, the humidity level in this area is always high.

• Жить в поблизости от работы помогает экономить время на поездки.

  Living in proximity to work helps save time on commutes.

• Близость гор привлекает туристов в этот регион круглый год.

  The proximity of the mountains attracts tourists to this region year-round.

Abstract closeness (e.g., similarity or relationship)

Translation(s) & Context:

• близость - Used metaphorically for emotional or conceptual nearness, such as in relationships or ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Близость между братьями проявилась в их взаимной поддержке.

  The proximity (closeness) between the brothers was evident in their mutual support.

• В науке близость идей часто приводит к новым открытиям.

  In science, the proximity (closeness) of ideas often leads to new discoveries.

• Эмоциональная близость в отношениях важнее, чем физическая.

  Emotional proximity in relationships is more important than physical closeness.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'близость' is a feminine noun (3rd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case, number, and gender. It is invariant in plural forms but changes by case.

'поблизости' is an adverb and does not inflect; it remains unchanged in all contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • соседство (sosedstvo) - More spatial, often implies neighborhood.
  • близкий контакт (blizkiy kontakt) - Emphasizes direct interaction.
• Antonyms:
  • расстояние (rasstoyanie) - Distance, opposite in spatial contexts.
  • отдалённость (otdalennost') - Remoteness, for abstract senses.

Related Phrases:

• В непосредственной близости - In immediate proximity; used for very close locations.
• Близость к природе - Proximity to nature; common in environmental discussions.
• Поблизости от центра - Near the center; typical in urban contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Близость' directly corresponds to 'proximity' in both literal and figurative senses, but it's more formal in Russian. Use 'поблизости' for adverbial expressions when indicating location, as it's less formal and conversational. Be mindful of context: in Russian, 'близость' often implies a deeper connection in emotional or relational scenarios, unlike the neutral English 'proximity'. When choosing between translations, opt for 'близость' in written or academic settings, and 'поблизости' in everyday speech. Grammatically, always ensure agreement with gender and case if used as a noun.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'близость' as an adverb, e.g., saying "Я живу близость" instead of "Я живу в близости".
  Correct: "Я живу в близости" or better, "Я живу поблизости".
  Explanation: 'Близость' is a noun and needs prepositions for location; 'поблизости' is the proper adverbial form.
• Mistake: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using "близость" in genitive without changing to "близости".
  Correct: In a sentence like "Из-за близости реки" (Due to the proximity of the river), ensure proper case.
  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'близость' (proximity) often extends beyond physical space to emotional and social bonds, reflecting the value placed on close-knit relationships in Russian society. For instance, in literature like Tolstoy's works, proximity symbolizes intimacy and community, contrasting with Western individualism. This cultural nuance can help English speakers appreciate why Russians might emphasize relational closeness in daily interactions.

Related Concepts:

• соседство (neighborhood)
• контакт (contact)
• расстояние (distance)