Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Skeleton'

English Word: Skeleton

Key Russian Translations:

• скелет (/skɛˈlɛt/) - [Neutral, commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in educational, medical, and general discussions but not as frequently as basic everyday vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; learners at this level can handle it with some exposure to noun declensions and scientific terminology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скелет: /skɛˈlɛt/

Note on скелет: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈlɛt/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound. Ensure a clear separation between 'e' and 'l' for accurate pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The framework of bones supporting the body (Anatomical sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скелет - Used in medical, biological, or everyday contexts when referring to the bony structure of humans, animals, or even metaphorical frameworks.

Usage Examples:

• У человека 206 костей в скелете.

  Translation: A human has 206 bones in the skeleton. (This example shows the word in a factual, educational context.)

• Археологи обнаружили древний скелет в пещере.

  Translation: Archaeologists discovered an ancient skeleton in the cave. (Illustrates use in historical or exploratory scenarios.)

• Скелет динозавра выставлен в музее.

  Translation: The dinosaur skeleton is on display in the museum. (Demonstrates application in descriptive or cultural contexts.)

• В спорте скелет помогает поддерживать правильную осанку.

  Translation: In sports, the skeleton helps maintain proper posture. (Shows usage in health or physical activity discussions.)

Metaphorical or structural framework (Non-literal sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скелет - Applied metaphorically for the basic structure of something, like a building or an organization, in formal or technical writing.

Usage Examples:

• Скелет здания был построен из стали.

  Translation: The skeleton of the building was constructed from steel. (This highlights metaphorical use in architecture.)

• Эта книга представляет скелет истории России.

  Translation: This book outlines the skeleton of Russian history. (Example in literary or educational contexts.)

• Скелет проекта нуждается в доработке.

  Translation: The skeleton of the project needs refinement. (Demonstrates use in business or planning scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скелет" is a masculine noun (third declension) and follows standard Russian noun patterns. It has regular declensions for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: остов (framework, especially for structures; more poetic or archaic connotation), каркас (skeleton or frame, often used for man-made objects)
• Antonyms: плоть (flesh; implies the opposite of the bony structure)

Related Phrases:

• человеческий скелет - Human skeleton; often used in anatomical or educational contexts to specify human biology.
• скелет животного - Animal skeleton; refers to non-human skeletal structures, common in zoology.
• внутренний скелет - Internal skeleton; contrasts with exoskeletons in biological discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "скелет" directly corresponds to the English "skeleton" in both literal and metaphorical senses, but it is a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "большой скелет" for "big skeleton"). Be cautious with context: in formal or scientific writing, it's neutral, but in casual speech, it might evoke imagery from horror or anatomy. When multiple translations exist, choose "скелет" for general use, but "каркас" for structural frameworks to avoid confusion.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse the genitive case, saying "скелет человека" incorrectly as "человека скелет." Correct usage: "скелет человека" is fine, but for possession, use "скелета человека" in genitive contexts. Example of error: *Скелет от человека* (wrong); Correct: Скелета человека. This stems from over-literal translation from English possessives.

• Pronouncing it as /skɛlɛt/ without the stress on the second syllable, leading to confusion with similar words. Correct pronunciation emphasizes /ˈlɛt/ to maintain clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "скелет" is frequently referenced in educational contexts due to the emphasis on biology and anatomy in school curricula. It can also appear in folklore or literature, symbolizing mortality or the bare essentials, as in stories by authors like Gogol, where skeletal imagery evokes themes of the human condition.

Related Concepts:

• кости (bones)
• анатомия (anatomy)
• каркас (framework)