Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ton'

English Word: ton

Key Russian Translations:

• тонна [ˈtonə] - [Formal; Used for metric weight measurements]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts involving weights)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of noun declensions and basic measurement vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тонна: [ˈtonə]

Note on тонна: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the final 'a' sound, which can vary slightly in rapid speech to [ə] or [a].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A unit of weight equivalent to 1,000 kilograms (metric ton)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тонна - Used in formal, scientific, or commercial contexts for measuring large quantities, such as cargo or produce. Avoid in informal speech where approximations like "много" (a lot) might suffice.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В порту разгрузили тонну яблок для экспорта.

  English: At the port, they unloaded a ton of apples for export.

• Русский: Эта машина может перевезти до двух тонн груза за раз.

  English: This vehicle can transport up to two tons of cargo at a time.

• Русский: Фермеры собрали тонну зерна в этом сезоне.

  English: The farmers harvested a ton of grain this season.

• Русский: Стоимость тонны стали на рынке возросла на 10%.

  English: The cost of a ton of steel on the market has increased by 10%.

• Русский: В музее выставлена модель, weighing около тонны.

  English: In the museum, there's a model on display that weighs about a ton.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тонна" is a feminine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard first-declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions for singular and plural forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • метрическая тонна (metric ton) - Often used interchangeably in scientific contexts, with a slight emphasis on the metric system.
  • тысяча килограммов (thousand kilograms) - A descriptive alternative for informal explanations.
• Antonyms:
  • килограмм (kilogram) - A smaller unit of weight, used for contrast in measurements.
  • грамм (gram) - Even smaller unit, highlighting scale differences.

Related Phrases:

• Метрическая тонна - A specific type of ton based on the metric system; used in international trade.
• Короткая тонна - Refers to the US short ton (approximately 907 kg); note cultural differences in measurement systems.
• Тонна в год - Meaning "a ton per year," often used in environmental or production contexts, e.g., carbon emissions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "тонна" directly corresponds to the English "ton" in metric contexts, but always ensure you're referring to the metric system unless specifying otherwise (e.g., "короткая тонна" for the US ton). It's a formal term, so use it in professional or technical writing rather than casual conversation. Grammatically, remember that as a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "большая тонна" for "big ton"). When choosing between translations, opt for "тонна" for standard metric weights; alternatives like "тысяча килограммов" are useful for clarity with non-native speakers.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я купил тонна" instead of "Я купил тонну" (Accusative case required after verbs like "купить").

  Correct: "Я купил тонну яблок." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on their role in the sentence; here, "тонну" is the direct object.

• Error: Confusing with English imperial tons, leading to "тонна" being used for non-metric weights.

  Correct: Specify "короткая тонна" if needed, or use "907 килограммов." Explanation: This can cause measurement errors in international contexts; always clarify the system.

• Error: Forgetting plural forms, e.g., "Две тонна" instead of "Две тонны."

  Correct: "Две тонны груза." Explanation: In nominative plural, the ending changes to "-ы," and adjectives must agree (e.g., "две большие тонны").

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the metric ton ("тонна") is the standard unit in everyday and official measurements, reflecting the country's adoption of the metric system during the Soviet era. This contrasts with English-speaking countries like the US, which use imperial tons, highlighting cultural differences in standardization. Historically, the term ties into industrial growth, such as in mining and agriculture, symbolizing Russia's emphasis on heavy industry.

Related Concepts:

• килограмм
• метр
• вес
• измерение