Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'width'

English Word: width

Key Russian Translations:

• ширина [ʂɨˈrʲinə] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday and technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered regularly in descriptions of measurements, but not as common as basic everyday vocabulary like colors or numbers.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, suitable for beginners learning basic measurement terms; focuses on simple nominative forms in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ширина: [ʂɨˈrʲinə]

Note on ширина: The initial "ш" sound is a voiceless retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the "sh" in "she" but with a rolled tongue. Variations may occur in dialects, but standard Russian uses this IPA.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The measurement from one side to the other of an object or space.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ширина - Used in general contexts for physical dimensions, such as in architecture, mathematics, or everyday descriptions. It is neutral and applies to both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Русская улица имеет ширину в десять метров.

  The Russian street has a width of ten meters. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing measurement in urban contexts.)

• Ширина реки позволяет пересечь её только на мосту.

  The width of the river makes it possible to cross it only via a bridge. (Illustrates use in natural geography, with the noun in the nominative case.)

• При покупке одежды важно учитывать ширину плеч.

  When buying clothes, it's important to consider the width of the shoulders. (Demonstrates application in everyday shopping, showing possessive structures.)

• В дизайне интерьера ширина окна влияет на освещение.

  In interior design, the width of the window affects the lighting. (Highlights technical usage in professional contexts, with the noun as a subject.)

• Измерьте ширину стола перед покупкой скатерти.

  Measure the width of the table before buying a tablecloth. (Shows imperative sentence structure in practical advice scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ширина" is a feminine noun in the second declension (third group in some classifications). It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. For example, in plural, it changes to indicate multiple widths, as in "ширины дорог" (widths of roads).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • протяженность (protyazhennost' - often used for broader extensions, but less precise for perpendicular measurements)
  • размах (razmakh - implies a span or extent, more poetic or figurative)
• Antonyms:
  • длина (dlina - length, referring to the longer dimension)
  • высота (vysota - height, for vertical measurements)

Related Phrases:

• ширина полосы - Width of a band (e.g., in telecommunications or fabric; refers to the extent of a strip or lane).
• полная ширина - Full width (used in contexts like full-width characters in computing or full road width in traffic).
• ширина спектра - Width of the spectrum (common in physics or signal processing; denotes range in frequencies).

Usage Notes:

"Ширина" directly corresponds to the English "width" as a noun for horizontal measurement. It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., scientific reports) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). Always consider the context: in Russian, measurements often require the genitive case, as in "ширина реки" (width of the river). If multiple translations exist, choose "ширина" for standard physical dimensions; alternatives like "размах" are better for abstract or metaphorical uses. Grammatically, it agrees with adjectives and verbs based on its feminine gender.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "ширина" with "длина" (length) when describing dimensions. For example, an English learner might say "ширина стола" when meaning the table's length.

  Correct: Use "длина стола" for length. Explanation: Russian, like English, distinguishes between width and length based on orientation, but learners often mix them due to similar contexts.

• Error: Forgetting case changes in sentences, e.g., using "ширина" in the accusative case incorrectly as "ширину" in a nominative context.

  Correct: "Эта ширина мала" (This width is small) vs. incorrect "Эту ширина мала". Explanation: Russian nouns must inflect properly; practice with declension tables to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

While "ширина" itself is a neutral term without strong cultural connotations, it often appears in Russian contexts related to vast landscapes, such as the "ширина полей" (width of fields) in literature by authors like Tolstoy, symbolizing the expansiveness of Russian geography. This reflects Russia's cultural emphasis on scale and endurance in daily life and art.

Related Concepts:

• длина (length)
• высота (height)
• глубина (depth)