Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'structure'

English Word: structure

Key Russian Translations:

• структура [ˈstrʊk.tʊ.rə] - [Formal, used in scientific, organizational, or abstract contexts]
• сооружение [sə.ɐ.ˈruʒə.nʲɪ.jə] - [Informal/Technical, used specifically for physical buildings or constructions]
• строение [ˈstrɐ.ɪ.nʲɪ.jə] - [Neutral, often for architectural or simple structural forms]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday Russian, especially in technical, educational, and professional settings)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual usage; 'структура' is straightforward, but 'сооружение' may vary in nuance for advanced learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

структура: [ˈstrʊk.tʊ.rə]

Note on структура: The stress falls on the first syllable; be careful with the 'у' sound, which is a short 'u' as in "book". Variations may occur in fast speech.

сооружение: [sə.ɐ.ˈruʒə.nʲɪ.jə]

Note on сооружение: The 'ж' sound is soft and palatalized; practice with native speakers to master the rolling 'р'.

строение: [ˈstrɐ.ɪ.nʲɪ.jə]

Note on строение: Stress on the first syllable; the 'е' at the end can soften in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The arrangement of parts in a whole (e.g., organizational or abstract structure)

Translation(s) & Context:

• структура - Used in formal contexts like business, science, or grammar to describe systems or frameworks.
• строение - Applied in more everyday contexts, such as describing the internal layout of an object.

Usage Examples:

• В компании есть четкая структура, которая определяет роли сотрудников.

  English: In the company, there is a clear structure that defines employee roles. (Demonstrates 'структура' in a corporate context.)

• Структура предложений в русском языке сложная, но логичная.

  English: The structure of sentences in the Russian language is complex but logical. (Shows 'структура' in a linguistic context.)

• Изучение структуры атома помогает понять химию.

  English: Studying the structure of the atom helps understand chemistry. (Illustrates 'структура' in a scientific setting.)

• Это строение включает несколько этажей и колонн.

  English: This structure includes several floors and columns. (Uses 'строение' for physical architecture.)

2. A physical construction or building

Translation(s) & Context:

• сооружение - Common in technical or engineering discussions, implying a man-made edifice.
• структура - Less common here, but used metaphorically for the framework of a building.

Usage Examples:

• Это сооружение было построено в XIX веке и сохранилось до наших дней.

  English: This structure was built in the 19th century and has been preserved to this day. (Highlights 'сооружение' in historical architecture.)

• Сооружение моста заняло несколько лет из-за сложной структуры.

  English: Constructing the bridge took several years due to its complex structure. (Combines 'сооружение' with 'структура' in an engineering context.)

• В городе много старых сооружений, которые привлекают туристов.

  English: The city has many old structures that attract tourists. (Shows 'сооружение' in a tourism-related context.)

• Структура этого здания позволяет выдерживать землетрясения.

  English: The structure of this building allows it to withstand earthquakes. (Uses 'структура' for durability.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are nouns. 'Структура' is a feminine noun of the first declension, while 'сооружение' and 'строение' are neuter nouns with standard declensions. They follow regular patterns but can vary by case and number.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, but always check context for proper case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • организация (organization; similar to 'структура' but more about systems)
  • конструкция (construction; overlaps with 'сооружение' for physical forms)
  • система (system; broader than 'структура' in abstract contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • хаос (chaos; implies disorder opposite to structured organization)
  • разрушение (destruction; for physical structures like 'сооружение')

Related Phrases:

• Социальная структура общества - Social structure of society (Refers to the hierarchical organization in sociology.)
• Атомная структура - Atomic structure (Used in scientific contexts to describe molecular arrangements.)
• Строить структуру - To build a structure (Common phrase for construction projects.)
• Изменить структуру - To change the structure (Implies reorganization, e.g., in business.)

Usage Notes:

'Структура' is the most direct translation for abstract or organizational meanings of 'structure' in English, making it ideal for formal writing. 'Сооружение' or 'строение' should be chosen for physical contexts, as they carry a connotation of tangibility. Be mindful of Russian's case system; for example, use the genitive case (e.g., структуры) when indicating possession. In informal speech, 'структура' might be shortened or simplified, but always adapt based on register.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'структура' interchangeably with 'сооружение' without context. Correct: 'Структура' for abstract ideas, e.g., "Структура компании" (The company's structure), not for buildings. Incorrect: "Структура дома" (should be "Сооружение дома"). Explanation: This confuses abstract and physical meanings, leading to unclear communication.

• Error: Forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "в структура" instead of "в структуре". Correct: Always decline based on case, as in "Изучение структуры" (Studying the structure). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook, resulting in grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'структура' often reflect the historical emphasis on organization in Soviet-era planning and modern bureaucracy. For instance, 'сооружение' might evoke iconic structures like the Kremlin, symbolizing national heritage and resilience.

Related Concepts:

• организация
• система
• конструкция
• архитектура