Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'skyscraper'

English Word: skyscraper

Key Russian Translations:

• небоскрёб [nʲɪbɐˈskrʲɵb] - [Formal, Singular, Used in architectural or urban contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions about cities, architecture, and modern urban development, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic knowledge of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary for buildings)

Pronunciation (Russian):

небоскрёб: [nʲɪbɐˈskrʲɵb]

Note on небоскрёб: The stress falls on the third syllable ("skrʲɵb"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. The "ё" sound is pronounced as a distinct [ɵ] vowel, similar to the "o" in "more" but shorter.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A tall, very high building typically used for offices or residences.

Translation(s) & Context:

• небоскрёб - Used in formal descriptions of modern architecture, such as in cities like Moscow or New York; appropriate for written articles or professional discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве есть множество небоскрёбов, которые доминируют в городском ландшафте.

  In Moscow, there are many skyscrapers that dominate the urban landscape.

• Этот небоскрёб был построен в 21 веке и имеет более 50 этажей.

  This skyscraper was built in the 21st century and has more than 50 floors.

• Небоскрёб в центре города привлекает туристов своей современной архитектурой.

  The skyscraper in the city center attracts tourists with its modern architecture.

• Из окна небоскрёба открывается потрясающий вид на реку.

  From the window of the skyscraper, there is a stunning view of the river.

• Строительство нового небоскрёба может изменить облик всего района.

  The construction of a new skyscraper can change the appearance of the entire district.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Небоскрёб" is a masculine noun in the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • высотное здание (vysotnoye zdaniye) - More general term for a tall building, often used interchangeably but implies height without emphasizing modernity.
  • неб scraper (rare loanword, but less common) - Directly borrowed from English, used in informal or technical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • низкое здание (nizkoye zdaniye) - Low building, contrasting in height and scale.
  • одноэтажный дом (odnoetazhnyy dom) - Single-story house, emphasizing simplicity and lack of height.

Related Phrases:

• небоскрёб в Нью-Йорке (neboskrёb v Nyu-Yorke) - Skyscraper in New York; used when discussing iconic architecture and international influences.
• современный небоскрёб (sovremennyy neboskrёb) - Modern skyscraper; highlights contemporary design in urban planning.
• строительство небоскрёба (stroitelstvo neboskrёba) - Skyscraper construction; common in contexts related to engineering and city development.

Usage Notes:

"Небоскрёб" directly corresponds to the English "skyscraper" in meaning, focusing on tall, multi-story buildings. It is typically used in formal or neutral contexts, such as news articles, architectural discussions, or educational materials. Be mindful of Russian case endings when using it in sentences; for example, in prepositional phrases, it changes to "в небоскрёбе" (in the skyscraper). If multiple translations exist, choose "небоскрёб" for precise, modern connotations, while "высотное здание" might be more versatile for general descriptions. Avoid using it in casual everyday speech, as it sounds overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу небоскрёб" when it should be "Я вижу небоскрёбы" in plural contexts. Correct: Always decline based on the sentence role; for example, "Я живу в небоскрёбе" (I live in a skyscraper) uses the prepositional case.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by ignoring the "ё" sound, which might lead to confusion with similar words. Correct: Pronounce it as [nʲɪbɐˈskrʲɵb] to maintain clarity; a common mistake for English speakers is to say [nʲɪbɐˈskreb] without the proper vowel.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "небоскрёб" often evokes images of rapid urbanization and modernization, especially in cities like Moscow with projects such as the Moscow International Business Center (Moscow City). Historically, the term gained prominence during the Soviet era with the construction of "Stalinist skyscrapers" (e.g., the Seven Sisters buildings), symbolizing post-war progress and architectural ambition. This reflects Russia's emphasis on grand-scale infrastructure as a marker of national pride.

Related Concepts:

• здание (zdaniye) - Building
• архитектура (arkhitektura) - Architecture
• городской ландшафт (gorodskoy landshaft) - Urban landscape