Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'symmetrical'

English Word: symmetrical

Key Russian Translations:

• симметричный /sʲɪmʲɪˈtrʲɪt͡ɕnɨj/ - [Formal, Adjective, Used in scientific, mathematical, or artistic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and academic discussions but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and vocabulary related to geometry or design)

Pronunciation (Russian):

симметричный: /sʲɪmʲɪˈtrʲɪt͡ɕnɨj/

Note on симметричный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("trʲɪ"). Be mindful of the palatalized consonants, which are common in Russian and may pose challenges for English speakers. Variations in regional accents might soften the 't͡ɕ' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Relating to balance or equal parts on opposite sides (e.g., in geometry or design)

Translation(s) & Context:

• симметричный - Used in formal contexts like mathematics, art, or biology to describe objects or structures with balanced proportions. Common in written and spoken Russian in educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Эта фигура симметрична по оси. (Eta figura simmetrichna po osi.)

  This shape is symmetrical along the axis. (Demonstrates basic geometric usage in a neutral context.)

• Картина художника имеет симметричную композицию. (Kartina khudozhnika imet simmetrichnuyu kompozitsiyu.)

  The artist's painting has a symmetrical composition. (Shows application in art and design, highlighting adjective agreement with feminine nouns.)

• В природе часто встречаются симметричные узоры. (V prirode chasto vstrechayutsya simmetrichnye uzory.)

  In nature, symmetrical patterns are often found. (Illustrates plural usage in descriptive contexts, such as biology or nature discussions.)

• Симметричный дизайн здания подчеркивает его элегантность. (Simmetrichnyy dizayn zdaniya podcherkivaet ego elegatnost.)

  The symmetrical design of the building emphasizes its elegance. (Example in architecture, showing how the adjective modifies a neuter noun.)

• Ее лицо симметрично, что делает её привлекательной. (Eyo litso simmetrichno, chto delayet yeo privlekatel'noy.)

  Her face is symmetrical, which makes her attractive. (Contextualizes in everyday or aesthetic discussions, with potential cultural nuances.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Симметричный is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward once the basic rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пропорциональный (proportsional'nyy) - Emphasizes proportionality rather than exact symmetry.
  • равновесный (ravnovesnyy) - Often used in contexts of balance, with a slight nuance towards stability.
• Antonyms:
  • асимметричный (asimmetrichnyy) - Directly opposite, used for unbalanced or irregular forms.
  • несимметричный (nesimmetrichnyy) - A less formal variant, implying lack of symmetry in everyday language.

Related Phrases:

• симметричная фигура (simmetrichnaya figura) - Symmetrical shape; Common in mathematical or geometric descriptions.
• осевая симметрия (osevaya simmetriya) - Axial symmetry; Refers to symmetry along an axis, often in physics or design.
• симметричный узор (simmetrichnyy uzor) - Symmetrical pattern; Used in art, fashion, or nature-related contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "симметричный" directly corresponds to the English "symmetrical" but is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which can be a key difference from English. For example, choose the appropriate form based on the noun (e.g., use feminine forms with words like "фигура"). When deciding between synonyms like "пропорциональный," consider if the emphasis is on exact equality versus general balance. This word is neutral in tone but may carry positive connotations in aesthetic discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the base form "симметричный" without declension, e.g., saying "Эта фигура симметричный" instead of "Эта фигура симметричная."

  Correct: "Эта фигура симметричная." Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement; here, "фигура" is feminine, so the adjective must be in the feminine form.

• Error: Confusing with "симметрия" (the noun for symmetry), leading to incorrect phrasing like "Симметрия здание" instead of "Здание имеет симметрию."

  Correct: "Здание симметричное." Explanation: "Симметричный" is the adjective form; use it to describe, not as a standalone noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, symmetry often symbolizes harmony and beauty, as seen in traditional folk art like matryoshka dolls or Orthodox church architecture. This reflects a broader appreciation for balance in Slavic aesthetics, which can influence how the word is used in everyday language to evoke positive or ideal qualities.

Related Concepts:

• геометрия (geometriya)
• баланс (balans)
• пропорции (proportsii)