Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recess'

English Word: recess

Key Russian Translations:

• перемена [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenə] - [Informal, commonly used in school contexts]
• перерыв [pʲɪrʲɪˈrʲif] - [Formal, general contexts for breaks, such as in meetings or work]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in educational and daily life discussions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun inflections and contextual usage; for 'перерыв', it may be B2 due to formal variations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перемена: [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲenə]

Note on перемена: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'р' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

перерыв: [pʲɪrʲɪˈrʲif]

Note on перерыв: The final 'в' is pronounced as a soft 'f' sound; common in formal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A break in school activities (e.g., time for students to play or rest)

Translation(s) & Context:

• перемена - Typically used in informal educational settings, such as primary schools in Russia.
• перерыв - Used in more formal or broader contexts, like scheduled breaks in work or events.

Usage Examples:

• Дети вышли на перемену, чтобы поиграть на улице.

  The children went out for recess to play outside.

• Во время перемены ученики обычно едят перекус.

  During recess, students usually have a snack.

• Учитель объявил короткий перерыв после урока.

  The teacher announced a short recess after the lesson.

• Школьная перемена – это время для общения и отдыха.

  School recess is a time for socializing and resting.

• После долгого перерыва дети вернулись в класс полные энергии.

  After the long recess, the children returned to class full of energy.

2. A recessed or indented area (e.g., in architecture or anatomy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• углубление - Used in technical or descriptive contexts, such as describing physical spaces.

Usage Examples:

• В стене было небольшое углубление для статуи.

  There was a small recess in the wall for the statue.

• Архитектор спроектировал углубление в фасаде для дополнительного освещения.

  The architect designed a recess in the facade for additional lighting.

• Это углубление в скале послужило естественным укрытием.

  This recess in the rock served as a natural shelter.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'перемена' (a feminine noun, 1st declension):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	перемена	перемены
Genitive	перемены	перемен
Dative	перемене	переменам
Accusative	перемену	перемены
Instrumental	переменой	переменами
Prepositional	перемене	переменах

For 'перерыв' (a masculine noun, follows standard patterns with no irregularities):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	перерыв	перерывы
Genitive	перерыва	перерывов
Dative	перерыву	перерывам
Accusative	перерыв	перерывы
Instrumental	перерывом	перерывами
Prepositional	перерыве	перерывах

For 'углубление' (a neuter noun): It follows regular neuter patterns with no significant irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: перерыв (similar to 'recess' in formal settings), отдых (more general, implying rest)
• Antonyms: урок (lesson, as it contrasts with a break in educational contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Большая перемена - A longer school break; Meaning: Often refers to a mid-day recess for lunch and play in Russian schools.
• Короткий перерыв - A short break; Meaning: Used in work or meetings to denote a brief pause, similar to a quick recess.
• Перемена погоды - A change in weather; Meaning: While not directly related, it uses 'перемена' metaphorically for shifts, extending the concept of 'recess' as a pause.

Usage Notes:

'Перемена' is the most direct translation for 'recess' in school contexts and is commonly used in informal Russian speech, especially among children and educators. In contrast, 'перерыв' is more versatile and formal, suitable for professional or adult scenarios. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these inflect based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for 'перемена' in educational settings and 'перерыв' for general breaks to ensure natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'перемена' in formal business contexts, where it sounds too casual. Correct: Use 'перерыв' instead, e.g., Incorrect: "Давайте возьмем перемену" (Let's take a recess) vs. Correct: "Давайте возьмем перерыв" (Let's take a break). Explanation: 'Перемена' is school-specific, while 'перерыв' is neutral.

• Error: Forgetting noun inflections, such as using nominative in all cases. Correct: In a sentence like "После перемены" (After recess), ensure the genitive form is used; Incorrect: "После перемена". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which can confuse English learners accustomed to fixed forms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'перемена' in schools often includes social activities, reflecting the emphasis on community and outdoor play in education. Historically, Soviet-era schooling systems standardized these breaks to promote physical health, which continues to influence modern practices.

Related Concepts:

• урок
• школьный день
• отдых