Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'roof'

English Word: roof

Key Russian Translations:

• крыша [ˈkrɨʂə] - [Standard, used for the top covering of a building]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday conversations about architecture, weather, and daily life)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level, suitable for beginners as it involves basic noun forms and common vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

крыша: [ˈkrɨʂə]

Note on крыша: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "she", but ensure the rolled 'r' is pronounced. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The top covering of a building or structure

Translation(s) & Context:

• крыша - Used in literal contexts for houses, buildings, or vehicles; common in formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Крыша дома была покрыта снегом зимой.

  The roof of the house was covered in snow during the winter.

• Мы ремонтируем крышу гаража на выходных.

  We're repairing the roof of the garage on the weekends.

• Дождь стучит по крыше, создавая успокаивающий ритм.

  The rain is tapping on the roof, creating a soothing rhythm.

• Ветер сорвал часть крыши во время шторма.

  The wind tore off part of the roof during the storm.

Metaphorical or figurative meaning (e.g., protection or shelter)

Translation(s) & Context:

• крыша - Used metaphorically in informal contexts, such as in idioms for protection or safety; less common but appears in literature or everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Эта организация предоставляет крышу для бездомных.

  This organization provides a roof (shelter) for the homeless.

• Друзья всегда дают мне крышу в трудные времена.

  Friends always give me a roof (protection) in tough times.

• Крыша над головой — это базовая необходимость.

  A roof over one's head is a basic necessity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Крыша" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian grammar). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun has regular inflections, making it straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the soft sign (ь) in some forms, which affects pronunciation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кровля (krovlya) - More technical term for roofing material or covering.
  • покрытие (pokrytie) - General term for any type of covering, often used in broader contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • пол (pol) - Floor, referring to the bottom surface.
  • основа (osnova) - Base or foundation, contrasting with the top structure.

Related Phrases:

• Под крышей (pod kryshey) - Under the roof; meaning: Refers to being indoors or under protection.
• Крыша над головой (krysha nad golovoy) - A roof over one's head; meaning: Basic shelter or housing, often used in discussions about poverty or security.
• Снести крышу (snyat' kryshu) - To blow the roof off; meaning: Figuratively, to be extremely exciting or overwhelming, as in music or events.

Usage Notes:

"Крыша" directly corresponds to the English "roof" in most literal contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian nouns have grammatical gender (feminine in this case), which affects adjectives and verbs in sentences. For example, use feminine agreement: "большая крыша" (big roof). In metaphorical uses, it's less formal and often appears in idiomatic expressions. When choosing between synonyms like "кровля", opt for "крыша" in everyday conversation and "кровля" in technical or architectural discussions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "на крыша" instead of "на крыше" (on the roof). Correct: "На крыше дома" – Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case for locations, so always adjust for context to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Mistake: Confusing with similar words like "крышка" (lid or cover). Correct: Use "крыша" for building tops and "крышка" for smaller covers; Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in daily speech, as "крышка" is for objects like bottle caps.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "крыша" can carry metaphorical weight in expressions related to protection and stability, such as in the idiom "иметь крышу" (to have a roof), which might imply having influential connections or "protection" in informal or criminal contexts (e.g., in movies or literature about organized crime). This reflects historical themes of survival and community in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• дом (dom) - House
• здание (zdanie) - Building
• укрытие (ukrytie) - Shelter