Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vowel'

English Word: vowel

Key Russian Translations:

• гласный [ˈɡlasnɨj] - [Formal, Linguistic term]
• гласная буква [ˈɡlasnəj ˈbukvə] - [Formal, Referring specifically to vowel letters]

Frequency: Medium (Common in linguistic discussions and language learning contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of phonetics and Russian grammar, as it involves adjective forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гласный: [ˈɡlasnɨj]

гласная буква: [ˈɡlasnəj ˈbukvə]

Note on гласный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the sound [ɨ] can be tricky for English speakers, similar to the 'i' in 'bit' but more centralized. Be mindful of palatalization in certain contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A sound in speech produced without significant constriction of the vocal tract (e.g., in phonetics)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гласный - Used in formal linguistic or educational contexts to describe vowel sounds in Russian or other languages.
• гласная буква - Applied when discussing written letters that represent vowels, often in grammar lessons.

Usage Examples:

• В русском языке гласные звуки образуются без преграды в речевом тракте, например, а, о, у.

  In the Russian language, vowel sounds are formed without obstruction in the vocal tract, for example, a, o, u.

• Гласный звук в слове 'мама' делает его легко произносимым.

  The vowel sound in the word 'mama' makes it easy to pronounce.

• Изучение гласных букв помогает в освоении русского алфавита для иностранцев.

  Studying vowel letters helps foreigners master the Russian alphabet.

• В поэзии гласные часто используются для создания ритма, как в строке: 'Ах, эти гласные звуки!'

  In poetry, vowels are often used to create rhythm, as in the line: 'Oh, these vowel sounds!'

• Гласная буква 'е' может изменять значение слова, например, в 'дом' и 'дома'.

  The vowel letter 'e' can change the meaning of a word, for example, in 'dom' (house) and 'doma' (at home).

A letter representing such a sound in writing

Translation(s) & Context:

• гласная буква - Common in educational or typographical contexts, emphasizing the written form.

Usage Examples:

• Каждый ребенок должен знать, что гласные буквы — это а, э, ы, и так далее.

  Every child should know that vowel letters are a, e, y, and so on.

• В типографии гласные буквы часто выделяются для улучшения читаемости текста.

  In typography, vowel letters are often emphasized to improve text readability.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гласный" is an adjective, so it follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which are regular but depend on gender, number, and case. "Гласная буква" is a noun phrase where "гласная" is the adjective modifying "буква" (a feminine noun).

For "буква", as a feminine noun, it follows the first declension: Nominative singular "буква", Genitive "буквы", etc. The phrase "гласная буква" remains invariant in its core form but agrees in case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • самогласный (samoglasnyy) - Less common, used in more technical phonetic discussions.
  • вокалический (vokalicheskiy) - Implies a broader musical or phonetic connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • согласный (soglasnyy) - Directly opposite, referring to consonants.

Related Phrases:

• Гласные звуки - Vowel sounds; Common in phonetics to describe the basic elements of speech.
• Открытые гласные - Open vowels; Refers to vowels produced with a relatively open mouth, like in singing.
• Гласная гармония - Vowel harmony; A phonological process in some languages, explained in linguistic contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "гласный" directly corresponds to the English "vowel" in linguistic contexts, but it's primarily an adjective. Always pair it with a noun like "звук" or "буква" for clarity. Use "гласный" in formal or educational settings; in casual conversation, Russians might not discuss phonetics explicitly. When choosing between translations, opt for "гласный звук" for sounds and "гласная буква" for letters. Be aware of grammatical agreement: the adjective must match the noun's gender, number, and case.

• Grammar tip: In sentences, ensure proper declension, e.g., "Я изучаю гласные звуки" (I am studying vowel sounds).
• Contextual choice: "Гласный" is neutral and widely applicable, but "самогласный" might be used in advanced texts for nuance.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "гласный" with "согласный" (consonant), leading to incorrect classifications in phonetics. For example:

• Error: Saying "М в гласный звук" (incorrectly stating "M" as a vowel).
• Correct: "М — это согласный звук" (M is a consonant sound). Explanation: Vowels are defined by lack of obstruction, so always verify the phonetic properties before use.
• Another error: Failing to decline the adjective, e.g., using "гласный" with a feminine noun without changing to "гласная". Correct by matching forms as shown in the inflections table.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian language education, the concept of vowels ("гласные") is fundamental, reflecting the language's phonetic richness. Historically, Russian phonetics have been influenced by Slavic traditions, where vowel sounds play a key role in poetry and folk songs, emphasizing rhythm and melody in oral traditions.

Related Concepts:

• согласный
• фонетика
• алфавит