Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'skyline'

English Word: skyline

Key Russian Translations:

• siluet [ˈsʲilʊɛt] - [Neutral, commonly used in descriptive contexts]
• gorizont goroda [ɡɐˈrʲizɐnt ɡɐˈrodə] - [Formal, often in geographical or architectural discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Used regularly in travel, architecture, and media contexts, but not as common as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun inflections, but straightforward for learners familiar with basic Russian grammar. For 'siluet': B1; for 'gorizont goroda': B2 due to compound phrase structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

siluet: [ˈsʲilʊɛt]

Note on siluet: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'sʲ' sound is a palatalized 's', which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, almost 'sh'-like quality.

gorizont goroda: [ɡɐˈrʲizɐnt ɡɐˈrodə]

Note on gorizont goroda: 'Gorizont' has stress on the second syllable, and 'goroda' is the genitive form; pay attention to the soft 'rʲ' in 'gorizont'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The outline of a city's buildings against the sky

Translation(s) & Context:

• siluet - Used in everyday descriptions of urban landscapes, such as in photography or tourism.
• gorizont goroda - Applied in more formal or technical contexts, like urban planning or historical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве виден потрясающий силуэт небоскребов на фоне заката.

  In Moscow, you can see an amazing skyline of skyscrapers against the sunset backdrop.

• Фотограф запечатлел силуэт города с реки.

  The photographer captured the skyline of the city from the river.

• Горизонт города Нью-Йорка всегда вдохновляет туристов.

  The skyline of New York City always inspires tourists.

• С вершины холма открывается силуэт древнего Кремля.

  From the top of the hill, the skyline of the ancient Kremlin is visible.

• Архитекторы обсуждали, как изменить силуэт города для будущего развития.

  Architects discussed how to alter the skyline of the city for future development.

Figurative or metaphorical use (e.g., representing progress or modernity)

Translation(s) & Context:

• siluet - In metaphorical contexts, such as symbolizing urban growth.

Usage Examples:

• Силуэт мегаполиса символизирует прогресс и инновации.

  The skyline of the metropolis symbolizes progress and innovation.

• В фильме силуэт города отражает темные стороны цивилизации.

  In the film, the skyline of the city reflects the dark sides of civilization.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Siluet' is a masculine noun (second declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflections. Below is a table of its forms:

'Gorizont goroda' is a phrase where 'gorizont' is a masculine noun (second declension) and 'goroda' is the genitive form of 'gorod' (also masculine, third declension). 'Gorizont' inflects similarly to 'siluet', while 'goroda' changes based on context. It is not invariant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: panorama (more panoramic view), kontur (outline or contour; differs by emphasizing shape over horizon)
• Antonyms: pustota (emptiness; implies a lack of structures)

Related Phrases:

• силуэт города - City skyline (Refers to the overall outline of urban buildings, commonly used in travel descriptions)
• горизонт небоскребов - Horizon of skyscrapers (Emphasizes tall buildings in the skyline, often in modern contexts)
• панорама мегаполиса - Panorama of the metropolis (A broader view including the skyline, used for scenic or tourist phrases)

Usage Notes:

'Siluet' directly corresponds to 'skyline' in English when describing visual outlines, but it's more versatile in Russian for artistic or natural contexts. Use 'siluet' in neutral or informal settings, while 'gorizont goroda' is preferred in formal writing or technical discussions. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as 'siluet' is masculine. When choosing between translations, opt for 'siluet' for brevity and 'gorizont goroda' for precision in geographical contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'siluet' as if it were feminine or forgetting to inflect it (e.g., saying "silueta" in nominative case). Correct: Always treat it as masculine and inflect properly, e.g., "siluet" in nominative. Explanation: Russian nouns require case agreement, which English learners often overlook.

• Error: Confusing 'siluet' with 'siluetka' (a diminutive form meaning a small outline). Correct: Use 'siluet' for standard skylines; 'siluetka' implies something cute or miniature. Explanation: This can lead to unintended connotations in descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the skyline of cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg often symbolizes national pride and historical resilience. For instance, the Kremlin skyline represents Russia's imperial past, while modern skylines in cities like Moscow evoke rapid urbanization and progress since the post-Soviet era.

Related Concepts:

• небоскребы (skyscrapers)
• панорама (panorama)
• городской ландшафт (urban landscape)