Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'system'

English Word: system

Key Russian Translations:

• система /sʲɪˈstʲemə/ - [Formal, Commonly used in technical and everyday contexts]
• схема /ˈsxʲemə/ - [Formal, Often for structural or diagrammatic systems]

Frequency: Medium (Frequently encountered in scientific, technical, and general discussions in Russian media and literature)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun declensions; for 'система', it's straightforward, but 'схема' may require understanding of context-specific usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

система: /sʲɪˈstʲemə/

схема: /ˈsxʲemə/

Note on система: The initial 'с' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers; pronounce it with a soft 's' sound as in 'measure'. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole (e.g., a computer system)

Translation(s) & Context:

• система - Used in formal and technical contexts, such as describing organizational or technological structures.
• схема - Applied in contexts involving plans or diagrams, like electrical systems.

Usage Examples:

• Эта система управления компанией работает эффективно. (This system of company management works efficiently.)

  Translation: This system of company management works efficiently.

• В компьютере есть операционная система, которая координирует все процессы. (In the computer, there is an operating system that coordinates all processes.)

  Translation: In the computer, there is an operating system that coordinates all processes.

• Схема водоснабжения города нуждается в модернизации. (The city's water supply system needs modernization.)

  Translation: The city's water supply system needs modernization.

• Без надёжной системы безопасности данные могут быть утеряны. (Without a reliable security system, data can be lost.)

  Translation: Without a reliable security system, data can be lost.

Meaning 2: An organized method or way of doing something (e.g., a political system)

Translation(s) & Context:

• система - Common in abstract or societal contexts, emphasizing structure and order.

Usage Examples:

• Политическая система России основана на федерализме. (The political system of Russia is based on federalism.)

  Translation: The political system of Russia is based on federalism.

• В этой системе обучения акцент на практических навыках. (In this education system, the emphasis is on practical skills.)

  Translation: In this education system, the emphasis is on practical skills.

• Система общественного транспорта в Москве очень развита. (The public transport system in Moscow is highly developed.)

  Translation: The public transport system in Moscow is highly developed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Система' is a feminine noun (3rd declension) and follows standard Russian noun patterns. It is inflected based on case and number. 'Схема' is also feminine and follows similar patterns.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively easy for learners, but pay attention to the soft endings in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • механизм (mechanism) - Often used interchangeably but implies more mechanical operation.
  • структура (structure) - Focuses on organizational framework.
• Antonyms:
  • хаос (chaos) - Represents disorder or lack of system.
  • беспорядок (disorder) - Emphasizes lack of organization.

Related Phrases:

• Операционная система - (Operating system; Refers to software that manages computer hardware.)
• Система координат - (Coordinate system; Used in mathematics and geography for positioning.)
• Иммунная система - (Immune system; Pertains to biological defense mechanisms.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word 'система' directly corresponds to the English 'system' in most contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal or technical settings. Choose 'схема' when referring to visual or planned systems. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like 'без' (without). In everyday Russian, 'система' can appear in idiomatic expressions, so context is key for accurate translation.

• Grammar tip: As a feminine noun, it agrees with adjectives and verbs in gender.
• Selection guide: Use 'система' for broad concepts and 'схема' for specific designs to avoid redundancy.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse the declensions, such as using 'система' in the wrong case. For example:

• Incorrect: Без система (Wrong: Missing genitive case)
• Correct: Без системы (Explanation: The genitive 'системы' is required after 'без' to indicate "without the system".)
• Another error: Overusing 'схема' for all system types, e.g., saying 'схема компьютера' instead of 'система компьютера'. (Explanation: 'Схема' implies a diagram, not the overall system.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'система' often carry connotations of Soviet-era bureaucracy, as in references to the 'Soviet system' (советская система), which can imply rigidity and inefficiency. This adds a layer of historical context, especially in discussions of politics or society, where it might evoke mixed emotions.

Related Concepts:

• процесс (process)
• механизм (mechanism)
• структура (structure)