Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rocky'

English Word: rocky

Key Russian Translations:

• скалистый [skɐˈlʲistɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Used to describe terrain or surfaces]

Frequency: Medium (Common in geographical or descriptive contexts, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding adjective inflections; learners at this level can grasp basic usage with practice)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скалистый: [skɐˈlʲistɨj]

Note on скалистый: The stress is on the second syllable ('lis'). Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Having many rocks or stones, often describing terrain or surfaces.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скалистый - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as geography, travel descriptions, or literature to denote rugged, rock-filled areas.

Usage Examples:

• Этот путь очень скалистый, поэтому будьте осторожны при ходьбе.

  This path is very rocky, so be careful when walking. (Shows usage in a warning about terrain.)

• Скалистые берега Крыма привлекают многих туристов.

  The rocky shores of Crimea attract many tourists. (Demonstrates usage in a geographical description.)

• В скалистом регионе часто встречаются редкие виды животных.

  In the rocky region, rare species of animals are often found. (Illustrates usage with adjectives in a broader environmental context.)

• Ее сад полон скалистых холмов, что делает его уникальным.

  Her garden is full of rocky hills, which makes it unique. (Shows variation in possessive or descriptive structures.)

Meaning: Figurative or metaphorical, implying instability or roughness (e.g., in emotions or situations).

Translation(s) & Context:

• скалистый - Less common, but used metaphorically in informal or literary contexts to describe emotional turbulence, e.g., a "rocky" relationship.

Usage Examples:

• Их отношения были скалистыми, полными взлетов и падений.

  Their relationship was rocky, full of ups and downs. (Highlights metaphorical usage in personal narratives.)

• Скалистый путь к успеху требует упорства.

  The rocky path to success requires persistence. (Demonstrates idiomatic expression in motivational contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Скалистый is an adjective, which follows the standard pattern for Russian adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The base form is masculine singular nominative.

Note: This is a regular adjective, so it follows standard inflection rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: каменистый (kamenistyj) - Similar, but more focused on stones; утесистый (utesistyj) - Emphasizes cliffs or steepness.
• Antonyms: гладкий (gladkij) - Smooth, opposite in texture; равнинный (ravninnij) - Flat, contrasting with rugged terrain.

Related Phrases:

• Скалистый берег - Rocky shore; A common phrase in descriptions of coastlines or beaches.
• Скалистый ландшафт - Rocky landscape; Used in geography or travel contexts to describe uneven terrain.
• Путь через скалистые горы - Path through rocky mountains; An idiomatic expression for challenging journeys.

Usage Notes:

Скалистый directly corresponds to the English "rocky" in literal senses, but English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case. For example, use скалистая for feminine nouns. In metaphorical uses, it's less common in everyday speech and more suited to literary or formal writing. When choosing between translations like скалистый and каменистый, opt for скалистый if emphasizing larger rocks or geological features.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the base form "скалистый" without inflection, e.g., saying "Я вижу скалистый река" instead of "Я вижу скалистую реку" (for feminine noun).
  Correct: Я вижу скалистую реку. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; here, "река" is feminine, so use скалистую.
• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using каменистый when скалистый is more appropriate for mountainous areas.
  Correct: Use скалистый for broader rocky features. Explanation: Каменистый implies smaller stones, which might not convey the same ruggedness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like скалистый often evoke images of Russia's vast, rugged landscapes, such as the Ural Mountains or the Caucasus. This can carry a romantic or adventurous connotation in literature, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where rocky terrains symbolize life's hardships and resilience.

Related Concepts:

• горный (gornij) - Mountainous
• утес (utes) - Cliff
• камень (kamen') - Stone