Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'subway'

English Word: subway

Key Russian Translations:

• метро [ˈmʲɛ.trə] - [Formal, Commonly used in urban contexts for public transportation]

Frequency: High (This word is very common in everyday Russian, especially in cities with public transport systems like Moscow or St. Petersburg).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; it's a basic vocabulary item for learners starting with Russian, as it follows simple noun patterns and is frequently encountered in travel or daily life contexts).

Pronunciation (Russian):

метро: [ˈmʲɛ.trə]

Note on метро: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'мʲ' represents a palatalized 'm' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Practice with native audio for the soft consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: An underground electric railway system used for public transportation in cities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• метро - Used in formal and informal contexts for referring to subway systems, especially in major Russian cities. It's the standard term for underground rail transport.

Usage Examples:

• Я каждый день езжу на метро в офис.

  I take the subway to the office every day.

• Метро в Москве — одно из самых глубоких в мире.

  The Moscow subway is one of the deepest in the world.

• Из-за ремонта метро было закрыто на несколько часов.

  Due to maintenance, the subway was closed for a few hours.

• Давай встретимся у входа в метро.

  Let's meet at the subway entrance.

• В выходные метро работает до полуночи.

  On weekends, the subway operates until midnight.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метро" is a neuter noun in Russian and follows the standard declension pattern for nouns ending in -o. It is often used in the singular form but can be pluralized. Below is a table showing its basic inflections:

Note: "Метро" is an indeclinable noun in most cases, meaning it does not change form across cases, which makes it straightforward for learners. However, in plural contexts, it remains unchanged but can imply multiple lines or systems.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • подземка [pəd.ˈzʲem.kə] - A more informal or colloquial term for subway, often used in everyday speech.
  • подземный транспорт [pəd.ˈzʲem.nɨj trɑn.ˈspɔrt] - Literally "underground transport," used in broader contexts but less specific.
• Antonyms:
  • наземный транспорт [nɑ.ˈzʲem.nɨj trɑn.ˈspɔrt] - Surface transport, referring to above-ground options like buses or trams.

Related Phrases:

• Метро в час пик - Refers to the subway during rush hour, often implying crowds and delays.
• Вход в метро - The entrance to the subway station; commonly used for directions.
• Карта метро - A subway map; essential for navigation in large cities.

Usage Notes:

"Метро" directly corresponds to the English "subway" in the context of urban underground rail systems and is the most precise translation. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both casual conversations and formal writing. Be aware that in Russian, it's common to use it with prepositions like "на метро" (by subway) to indicate means of transportation. When choosing between synonyms like "подземка," opt for it in informal settings to sound more natural. Grammatically, as an indeclinable noun, it simplifies usage but always ensure agreement in gender and number with accompanying words if applicable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "метро" with "автобус" (bus) when discussing public transport. Incorrect: "Я еду на автобусе в метро." (This implies taking a bus to the subway, which might not be intended.)

  Correct: "Я еду на метро." (I am going by subway.)

  Explanation: English learners often mix transport terms; ensure the context specifies underground rail to avoid ambiguity.

• Error: Forgetting that "метро" is indeclinable and trying to change its form, e.g., saying "метра" in genitive case.

  Correct: Use "метро" in all cases, as in "у метро" (at the subway).

  Explanation: This is a common mistake for speakers of languages with more flexible noun declensions; Russian indeclinable nouns like this one remain constant.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the metro system, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, is not just a mode of transport but a cultural icon. For instance, Moscow's metro features elaborate station designs with marble, chandeliers, and Soviet-era murals, often seen as "underground palaces." This reflects historical pride in infrastructure and can evoke a sense of national heritage when using the word "метро."

Related Concepts:

• автобус (bus)
• троллейбус (trolleybus)
• электричка (suburban train)