Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'semicolon'

English Word: semicolon

Key Russian Translations:

• точка с запятой [ˈtotkə s zɐˈpʲatəj] - [Formal; Used in standard written Russian]

Frequency: Low-Medium (Common in formal writing and technical contexts, but less frequent in everyday spoken language)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Straightforward punctuation mark with minimal grammatical complexity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

точка с запятой: [ˈtotkə s zɐˈpʲatəj]

Note on точка с запятой: The stress falls on the first syllable of "точка" and the third syllable of "запятой." Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) in "запятой," which affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A punctuation mark used to separate two independent but related clauses in a sentence.

Translation(s) & Context:

• точка с запятой - Used in formal writing, such as essays or technical documents, to connect ideas without starting a new sentence (e.g., in literary or academic contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю читать; это помогает мне расслабиться. (I love reading; it helps me relax.)

  This example shows the semicolon separating two related clauses in a simple declarative sentence.

• Он приехал в Москву; мы встретились в центре города. (He arrived in Moscow; we met in the city center.)

  Here, it connects two sequential events, emphasizing their relationship in narrative writing.

• В письме было много деталей; однако, они не были важными. (The letter had many details; however, they were not important.)

  This demonstrates usage in contrasting ideas, similar to English semicolon with conjunctions.

• Она изучила историю; это повлияло на её карьеру. (She studied history; it influenced her career.)

  Illustrates cause-and-effect structures in explanatory contexts.

• Книга интересная; автор мастерски описывает персонажей. (The book is interesting; the author masterfully describes the characters.)

  Shows semicolon in literary reviews or critiques, providing additional commentary.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As "точка с запятой" is a fixed phrase referring to punctuation, it does not undergo typical inflection like nouns or verbs. It remains unchanged in all contexts:

• Base form: точка с запятой (invariant across singular/plural, cases, or tenses).

For completeness, if used in a sentence, surrounding words may inflect. For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • разделительный знак (razdelitel'nyj znak) - A more general term for separators, often used interchangeably in informal contexts, but less precise.
  • двоеточие с запятой (dvotočie s zapyatoj) - Rarely used; implies a variant in some stylistic guides, with subtle differences in emphasis.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as it is a specific punctuation mark. However, contrasting marks like "запятая" (comma) could be seen as alternatives in less formal separations.

Related Phrases:

• Поставить точку с запятой (Postavit' tochku s zapyatoj) - Meaning: To use a semicolon in writing; often in editing contexts.
• Знак препинания: точка с запятой (Znak prepinanija: tochka s zapyatoj) - Meaning: Punctuation mark: semicolon; used in grammar lessons.
• В предложении с точкой с запятой (V predloženii s tochkoj s zapyatoj) - Meaning: In a sentence with a semicolon; refers to complex sentence structures.

Usage Notes:

The Russian equivalent "точка с запятой" directly corresponds to the English semicolon and is used similarly to separate related independent clauses. It is more common in formal writing than in spoken language. When choosing this over a comma or period, consider the need for a stronger pause than a comma but less than a full stop. For English learners, note that Russian punctuation rules are influenced by German traditions, so "точка с запятой" might appear more frequently in translated texts.

• In informal contexts, Russians often use periods or commas instead to simplify.
• Grammar tip: Always follow it with a space, as per standard Russian typesetting rules.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "точка с запятой" with "двоеточие" (colon), using it incorrectly in lists or introductions. For example:

• Error: "Я купил фрукты: яблоки, бананы." (Incorrect use of colon instead of comma for lists.)
• Correct: "Я купил фрукты; это были яблоки и бананы." (Proper use to connect clauses.)
• Explanation: The semicolon should not replace a colon in lists; misuse can make sentences unclear. Always ensure it links two complete thoughts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and formal writing, the semicolon reflects a tradition of elaborate sentence structures, influenced by 19th-century authors like Tolstoy, who used it to weave complex narratives. It symbolizes a balance between connection and separation, mirroring Russia's historical emphasis on unity within diversity in its cultural expressions.

Related Concepts:

• запятая (comma)
• двоеточие (colon)
• тире (dash)