Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'telescope'

English Word: telescope

Key Russian Translations:

• телескоп /tʲɪ.lʲɪˈskop/ - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, educational, and astronomical contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; Involves basic noun inflections and pronunciation of loanwords from English/Greek)

Pronunciation (Russian):

телескоп: /tʲɪ.lʲɪˈskop/

Note on телескоп: The initial 'т' is palatalized (soft), which can be challenging for English speakers; stress falls on the third syllable. Practice with native speakers to master the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The instrument for viewing distant objects (e.g., in astronomy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• телескоп - Used in formal, scientific, or educational settings, such as discussing space exploration or stargazing.

Usage Examples:

• Я смотрю на звёзды через телескоп в ясную ночь.

  I am looking at the stars through the telescope on a clear night.

• Астрономы используют телескоп для наблюдения за планетами.

  Astronomers use the telescope to observe planets.

• В музее есть большой телескоп, который дети любят рассматривать.

  In the museum, there is a large telescope that children love to examine.

• Чтобы увидеть галактики, учёные строят новые телескопы.

  To see galaxies, scientists are building new telescopes.

• Мой телескоп сломан, и я не могу сфокусироваться на луне.

  My telescope is broken, and I can't focus on the moon.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

телескоп is a masculine noun of the second declension (ending in -o). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word is invariant in terms of gender but changes regularly across cases, making it straightforward for intermediate learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • оптический прибор (optical instrument) - More general term, used when emphasizing the device's mechanism.
  • астрономический инструмент (astronomical instrument) - Contextual synonym in scientific discussions.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific tool. However, in broader contexts, something like "микроскоп" (microscope) could be considered an opposite for scale of observation.

Related Phrases:

• настроить телескоп - To adjust the telescope; Used when preparing for observation.
• наблюдать через телескоп - To observe through the telescope; Common in educational or hobbyist contexts.
• телескоп Хаббл - Hubble telescope; Refers to the famous space telescope in Russian discourse.

Usage Notes:

телескоп directly corresponds to the English "telescope" as a borrowed word, making it a straightforward translation in scientific contexts. However, in everyday Russian, it's primarily used in formal or technical settings; avoid it in casual conversation unless discussing astronomy. When choosing between translations, use телескоп for precision in scientific writing. Note the instrumental case (e.g., "через телескоп") for phrases indicating use of the device. English learners should pay attention to case agreements in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect pronunciation: English speakers often soften the 'л' incorrectly or misplace stress, saying something like /tɛləˈskop/ instead of /tʲɪ.lʲɪˈskop/. Correct usage: Practice the palatalized 'т' and ensure stress on the third syllable to sound natural.

• Case errors: Forgetting to change the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я смотрю звёзды через телескоп" (missing genitive for "stars") instead of the correct "Я смотрю на звёзды через телескоп." Always apply the appropriate case based on the preposition or verb.

• Overgeneralization: Mistaking it for a feminine noun and using wrong endings, e.g., "телескопа" as genitive (correct) but then incorrectly forming plural as "телескопи" instead of "телескопы." Remember, it's masculine second declension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, telescopes are often associated with the country's rich history in space exploration, such as the Soviet-era achievements with Sputnik and the International Space Station. Words like телескоп evoke national pride in scientific advancements, and they frequently appear in educational programs or public observatories, reflecting Russia's emphasis on STEM education.

Related Concepts:

• астрономия (astronomy)
• оптика (optics)
• космос (space or cosmos)
• наблюдение (observation)