Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'viaduct'

English Word: viaduct

Key Russian Translations:

• виадук [vʲɪɐˈduk] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in engineering, architecture, and transportation contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

виадук: [vʲɪɐˈduk]

Note on виадук: The stress is on the second syllable ('duk'). The 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers used to similar sounds in words like "vine".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A structure that carries a road or railway over a valley, river, or other obstacle.

Translation(s) & Context:

• виадук - Used in formal, technical, or architectural discussions; often refers to large-scale infrastructure projects.

Usage Examples:

• Этот виадук пересекает глубокую долину, соединяя два города.

  This viaduct crosses a deep valley, connecting two cities.

• Строительство виадука было завершено в рекордные сроки благодаря современной технике.

  The construction of the viaduct was completed in record time thanks to modern technology.

• Вiadук в Москве является важной частью транспортной сети.

  The viaduct in Moscow is an important part of the transportation network.

• Инженеры спроектировали виадук, чтобы выдерживать сильные ветры и землетрясения.

  Engineers designed the viaduct to withstand strong winds and earthquakes.

• Туристы любуются видами с вершины виадука во время заката.

  Tourists admire the views from the top of the viaduct at sunset.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вiadук" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian, which follows standard patterns for foreign loanwords. It inflects based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple viaducts. This word does not have irregular changes, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: мост (most - general term for bridge, but less specific to elevated structures); эстакада (estakada - overpass or elevated roadway)
• Antonyms: None direct, but could include туннель (tunnely - tunnel, as an underground alternative)

Explanation: "Мост" is a broader synonym but may imply a simpler bridge, while "эстакада" is often used interchangeably in urban contexts with subtle differences based on design.

Related Phrases:

• Железнодорожный виадук - Railway viaduct (A viaduct specifically for trains, common in transportation infrastructure)
• Автомобильный виадук - Road viaduct (A viaduct for vehicles, emphasizing automotive use)
• Строительство виадука - Viaduct construction (Refers to the process of building such structures)

Usage Notes:

"Вiadук" directly corresponds to the English "viaduct" as a borrowed term, making it a precise translation in technical contexts. It is typically used in formal or professional settings, such as engineering reports or discussions about infrastructure. Be mindful of Russian case endings when using it in sentences; for example, in the genitive case, it becomes "виадука" to indicate possession or relation. If multiple translations are available, choose "виадук" for exact matches and "эстакада" for more everyday urban references. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "виадук" with "мост" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Этот мост очень высокий" (when specifically meaning a viaduct). Correct: "Этот виадук очень высокий". Explanation: "Мост" is a general bridge, while "виадук" implies an elevated structure; misuse can lead to imprecision in technical descriptions.

• Error: Forgetting case endings, e.g., saying "на виадук" instead of "на виадуке" in prepositional case. Correct: "Мы стоим на виадуке" (We are standing on the viaduct). Explanation: Russian requires proper declension; ignoring it can make sentences grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, viaducts like the ones in Moscow's metro system or the Krasnodar viaduct symbolize modern engineering prowess and are part of the country's extensive transportation infrastructure. They often appear in discussions of Soviet-era architecture, reflecting the emphasis on rapid industrialization and connectivity across vast landscapes.

Related Concepts:

• мост (bridge)
• эстакада (overpass)
• транспортная инфраструктура (transport infrastructure)