Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'symmetry'

English Word: symmetry

Key Russian Translations:

• симметрия [IPA: sɪmʲɪˈtrʲijə] - [Formal, Scientific/Mathematical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, scientific, and artistic contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves technical vocabulary and basic understanding of Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with a grasp of intermediate grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

симметрия: sɪmʲɪˈtrʲijə

Note on симметрия: Pay attention to the soft 'мʲ' sound, which is a palatalized consonant common in Russian. This word has a stressed syllable on the third vowel ('tri'), and the ending '-ия' is typically pronounced with a soft 'j' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis, often in mathematical, artistic, or natural contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• симметрия - Used in formal, scientific, or artistic discussions, such as in geometry, biology, or design, to describe balance and proportionality.

Usage Examples:

• В природе часто встречается симметрия, например, в форме снежинок.

  In nature, symmetry is often found, for example, in the shape of snowflakes.

• Архитекторы используют симметрию для создания гармоничных зданий.

  Architects use symmetry to create harmonious buildings.

• В математике симметрия играет ключевую роль в теории групп.

  In mathematics, symmetry plays a key role in group theory.

• Художники изучают симметрию, чтобы достичь визуального баланса в своих работах.

  Artists study symmetry to achieve visual balance in their works.

• Симметрия в человеческом теле делает его пропорциональным и эстетичным.

  Symmetry in the human body makes it proportional and aesthetically pleasing.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Симметрия" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for most cases. It does not have significant irregularities but changes based on grammatical case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word is invariant in terms of gender and does not change for adjectives or verbs directly, but always agrees with its modifiers in case, number, and gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • симметричность (simmetrichnost') - Emphasizes the property of being symmetrical, often in a more abstract sense.
  • баланс (balans) - Used interchangeably in artistic contexts, implying equilibrium.
• Antonyms:
  • асимметрия (asimmetriya) - The opposite, referring to lack of symmetry.

Related Phrases:

• Аксиальная симметрия (Aksial'naya simmetriya) - Axial symmetry; refers to symmetry along an axis, common in engineering and design.
• Радиальная симметрия (Radi-al'naya simmetriya) - Radial symmetry; describes symmetry around a central point, as seen in flowers or wheels.
• Симметрия относительно точки (Simmetriya otnositel'no tochki) - Point symmetry; used in geometry to indicate symmetry relative to a single point.

Usage Notes:

"Симметрия" directly corresponds to the English word "symmetry" in most contexts, particularly in scientific and artistic fields. It is a feminine noun, so any adjectives or verbs agreeing with it must be in the feminine form. Use it in formal settings, as it's not common in casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "симметричность," opt for "симметрия" for precise mathematical discussions. Be mindful of declensions to ensure grammatical accuracy in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "симметрия" with "симптом" (symptom): Learners might mix these due to similar sounds. Incorrect: "В математике симптом важен" (Wrong: "Symptom is important in mathematics"). Correct: "В математике симметрия важна" – Explanation: "Симптом" relates to medical signs, so always double-check the context.

• Incorrect declension: For example, using the nominative "симметрия" in all cases. Incorrect sentence: "О симметрия" (instead of "О симметрии" in genitive). Correct: "Разговор о симметрии" – Explanation: Always decline based on the sentence's grammatical requirements to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, symmetry often symbolizes harmony and balance, evident in traditional folk art like matryoshka dolls or Orthodox church architecture. Historically, Russian mathematicians like Nikolai Lobachevsky contributed to symmetry in non-Euclidean geometry, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for symmetrical forms in both art and science.

Related Concepts:

• геометрия (geometry)
• гармония (harmony)
• пропорция (proportion)