Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sierra'

English Word: sierra

Key Russian Translations:

• горная цепь [ɡɐrˈnəjə ˈt͡sɛpʲ] - [Formal; Used in geographical and descriptive contexts]
• хребет [xrʲɪˈbʲɛt] - [Formal; Often used for rugged mountain ridges]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in geographical, literary, or scientific texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to nature, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горная цепь: [ɡɐrˈnəjə ˈt͡sɛpʲ]

хребет: [xrʲɪˈbʲɛt]

Note on горная цепь: The stress falls on the second syllable of "цепь" (/ˈt͡sɛpʲ/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the rolled 'r' and palatalized consonants. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Note on хребет: The initial 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch." Ensure a soft pronunciation for the final 'т."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A mountain range with jagged or serrated peaks, often used in geographical contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горная цепь - Typically used in formal descriptions of landscapes, such as in maps or travel guides.
• хребет - Applied in contexts emphasizing ruggedness, like in mountaineering or geological discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Калифорнии расположена знаменитая Сьерра-Невада, где горная цепь тянется на сотни километров.

  In California, the famous Sierra Nevada is located, where the mountain range stretches for hundreds of kilometers.

• Путешественники преодолели хребет, чтобы достичь вершины.

  The travelers crossed the sierra to reach the summit.

• Горная цепь в Андах формирует естественный барьер для климата.

  The sierra in the Andes forms a natural barrier for the climate.

• Хребет Сьерры привлекает альпинистов своей сложной терраинной структурой.

  The sierra's ridge attracts climbers with its complex terrain structure.

• В поэзии горная цепь часто символизирует неприступность и вечность.

  In poetry, the sierra often symbolizes inaccessibility and eternity.

Meaning 2: A metaphorical or poetic reference to something jagged or uneven, though less common.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горная цепь - Used metaphorically in literature to describe emotional or physical barriers.

Usage Examples:

• Его воспоминания о прошлом образовали горную цепь, которую он не мог пересечь.

  His memories of the past formed a sierra that he could not cross.

• Горная цепь проблем в жизни иногда кажется непреодолимой.

  The sierra of problems in life sometimes seems insurmountable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns in Russian and follow standard inflection patterns for feminine and masculine nouns, respectively. "Горная цепь" is a feminine noun phrase, while "хребет" is a masculine noun. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender.

Note: These inflections are regular for their respective genders. "Горная цепь" includes an adjective ("горная") that agrees with the noun in case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • горный хребет (similar to хребет, emphasizing elevation)
  • массив (more general for a mountain mass, with a slight difference in connotation for broader areas)
• Antonyms:
  • равнина (plain; contrasts with the ruggedness of a sierra)
  • долина (valley; represents low-lying areas opposite to elevated features)

Related Phrases:

• Горная цепь Анд - The Andes mountain range; Used in discussions of South American geography.
• Преодолеть хребет - To overcome the sierra; A metaphorical phrase for conquering challenges.
• Хребет гор - Ridge of mountains; Common in hiking or adventure contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "sierra" is not a direct loanword but is translated based on context. "Горная цепь" is preferred for precise geographical descriptions, while "хребет" suits more rugged or narrative uses. Be mindful of noun gender when constructing sentences—e.g., adjectives must agree. English speakers should note that Russian often requires prepositions for location (e.g., "в горах" for "in the mountains"). Choose between translations based on formality: "горная цепь" for academic writing and "хребет" for literary or spoken language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сьерра" as a direct transliteration without context. Correct: In Russian, it's better to use "горная цепь" for accuracy, as "сьерра" might confuse readers unfamiliar with English loanwords. Example of error: "Я видел сьерра в Калифорнии" (incorrect). Correct: "Я видел горную цепь в Калифорнии." Explanation: Russian prefers native equivalents for natural features to maintain clarity and idiomatic expression.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., saying "горная цепь" in the wrong case. Correct: Ensure proper case agreement, as in "по горной цепи" (along the sierra) for dative/locative contexts. Explanation: This is a common mistake for beginners due to Russian's complex case system.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "горная цепь" often evoke themes from literature, such as in works by authors like Tolstoy, where mountains symbolize resilience and the vastness of the Russian landscape. Historically, the Ural Mountains (a major "хребет") have cultural significance as the boundary between Europe and Asia, reflecting Russia's dual identity.

Related Concepts:

• гора (mountain)
• долина (valley)
• плато (plateau)