Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'region'

English Word: region

Key Russian Translations:

• регион [rʲɪˈɡʲon] - [Formal]
• край [kraj] - [Informal, often used for larger or remote areas]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday language, media, and administrative contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and cases, but not advanced vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

регион: [rʲɪˈɡʲon]

край: [kraj]

Note on регион: The initial "р" is a palatalized "r" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the English "r". Pronounce it as in "measure" but with a rolled quality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A geographical or administrative area distinct from others

Translation(s) & Context:

• регион - Used in formal contexts like politics, geography, or business to refer to a defined territory.
• край - Applied in informal or regional contexts, often implying a border area or vast expanse.

Usage Examples:

• В этом регионе преобладает сельское хозяйство. (In this region, agriculture predominates.)

  English Translation: In this region, agriculture predominates.

• Край Сибири известен своими суровыми зимами. (The region of Siberia is known for its harsh winters.)

  English Translation: The region of Siberia is known for its harsh winters.

• Региональный фестиваль привлекает туристов со всей страны. (The regional festival attracts tourists from across the country.)

  English Translation: The regional festival attracts tourists from across the country.

• Этот край богат природными ресурсами, такими как леса и реки. (This region is rich in natural resources, such as forests and rivers.)

  English Translation: This region is rich in natural resources, such as forests and rivers.

• В регионе наблюдается быстрый экономический рост. (In the region, rapid economic growth is observed.)

  English Translation: In the region, rapid economic growth is observed.

A broader sense, such as in biology or abstract concepts

Translation(s) & Context:

• регион - Used metaphorically, e.g., in anatomy for a body part area.

Usage Examples:

• В биологии регион ДНК отвечает за определенные функции. (In biology, the region of DNA is responsible for certain functions.)

  English Translation: In biology, the region of DNA is responsible for certain functions.

• Этот регион мозга контролирует эмоции. (This region of the brain controls emotions.)

  English Translation: This region of the brain controls emotions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Регион" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern. It inflects based on case and number. "Край" is also masculine and inflects similarly.

Note: These are regular inflections; no irregularities for these words.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • округ (district; often used for administrative divisions)
  • район (area; more local than регион)
  • провинция (province; implies a larger administrative unit)
• Antonyms:
  • центр (center; opposite in terms of location)

Related Phrases:

• Региональный центр - (Regional center; refers to a main hub in an area)
• Крайний север - (Far north; a phrase for extreme regions)
• Экономический регион - (Economic region; used in business contexts to denote zones of economic activity)

Usage Notes:

"Регион" directly corresponds to the English "region" in formal and administrative contexts, making it the most straightforward translation. Use "край" for more poetic or informal descriptions, especially in literature or when emphasizing vastness. Be mindful of case agreements in Russian sentences; for example, always adjust the noun based on the preposition used (e.g., в регионе for "in the region"). When choosing between translations, opt for "регион" in modern, urban discussions and "край" for historical or rural themes.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "регион" without proper case inflection, e.g., saying "в регион" instead of "в регионе".
  Correct: "в регионе" (in the region). Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case after prepositions like "в".
• Mistake: Confusing "регион" with "район", leading to misuse in scale (e.g., using "район" for a large area).
  Correct: Use "регион" for broader areas and "район" for smaller ones. Explanation: This can alter the meaning significantly in context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "регион" often carry implications of federal structure, as seen in Russia's federal subjects. For instance, regions like Siberia (Сибирский регион) evoke a sense of vast, resource-rich wilderness tied to national identity and history, influencing how Russians discuss geography and identity.

Related Concepts:

• федеральный округ
• территория
• провинция