Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pyramid'

English Word: pyramid

Key Russian Translations:

• пирамида [pʲɪramʲɪˈda] - [Formal, used in historical, architectural, or mathematical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in educational, historical, and scientific discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to geometry or history)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пирамида: [pʲɪramʲɪˈda]

Note on пирамида: The stress falls on the third syllable ("mi"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. The initial "п" is a voiceless bilabial plosive, similar to English "p".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top (e.g., ancient Egyptian pyramids).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пирамида - Used in formal or historical contexts, such as describing ancient architecture or tourism sites.

Usage Examples:

• Египетские пирамиды являются одними из самых древних чудес света.

  The Egyptian pyramids are among the most ancient wonders of the world.

• Пирамида Хеопса привлекает миллионы туристов каждый год.

  The Pyramid of Cheops attracts millions of tourists every year.

• В музее есть модель пирамиды, которая показывает её внутреннюю структуру.

  In the museum, there is a model of the pyramid that shows its internal structure.

• Пирамида символизирует вечность и силу в египетской культуре.

  The pyramid symbolizes eternity and power in Egyptian culture.

2. A polyhedron formed by connecting a polygonal base to a point (e.g., in geometry or mathematics).

Translation(s) & Context:

• пирамида - Used in academic or scientific contexts, such as in math textbooks or engineering discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В геометрии пирамида определяется как многогранник с основанием и вершиной.

  In geometry, a pyramid is defined as a polyhedron with a base and a vertex.

• Ученики строили модель пирамиды из картона для урока математики.

  The students built a model of a pyramid out of cardboard for their math lesson.

• Пирамида в этом уравнении представляет объём трёхмерной фигуры.

  The pyramid in this equation represents the volume of a three-dimensional shape.

• Расчёт площади поверхности пирамиды требует знания её высоты и основания.

  Calculating the surface area of a pyramid requires knowing its height and base.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пирамида" is a feminine noun (feminine singular nominative) in Russian, belonging to the first declension group. It follows regular declension patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to the soft sign (ь) in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Пирамидальный комплекс (pyramidal complex) - Often used for groups of pyramids, with a slight emphasis on the architectural ensemble.
  • Геометрическая пирамида (geometric pyramid) - Specific to mathematical contexts, highlighting the shape aspect.
• Antonyms:
  • Куб (cube) - Represents a contrasting three-dimensional shape without tapering sides.

Related Phrases:

• Египетская пирамида - Refers to pyramids in Egypt; commonly used in historical or travel contexts. (Egyptian pyramid)
• Пирамида власти - A metaphorical phrase for a power structure or hierarchy. (Pyramid of power)
• Геометрическая пирамида - Used in educational settings to describe a basic shape. (Geometric pyramid)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "пирамида" directly corresponds to the English "pyramid" in both literal and metaphorical senses, but it's more commonly used in formal or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. When translating, choose "пирамида" for architectural references (e.g., Egyptian pyramids) or geometric shapes, but be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure—for instance, use the genitive case for possession, like "вершина пирамиды" (the top of the pyramid). In metaphorical uses, such as organizational hierarchies, it maintains a neutral tone. English learners should note that Russian requires agreement in gender, number, and case, so adjectives and verbs must align accordingly (e.g., "большая пирамида" for "big pyramid").

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in different cases, e.g., saying "в пирамида" instead of "в пирамиде" (in the pyramid).

  Correct: в пирамиде. Explanation: Russian nouns must change form based on case; here, the prepositional case is required after prepositions like "в".

• Error: Using "пирамида" interchangeably without context, e.g., confusing it with "купол" (dome) in architectural descriptions.

  Correct: Ensure the context specifies the tapering shape; for example, use "пирамида" for pyramids and "купол" for domes to avoid semantic overlap.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "пирамида" often evokes images of ancient Egyptian pyramids, which are a symbol of mystery and engineering prowess. Russia has its own historical connections, such as the pyramids in the Caucasus region or metaphorical uses in literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin), representing stability and eternity. This word can carry connotations of grandeur and timelessness, influencing its use in modern Russian media and tourism narratives.

Related Concepts:

• Сфинкс (sphinx)
• Фараон (pharaoh)
• Гробница (tomb)