Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wingspan'

English Word: wingspan

Key Russian Translations:

• размах крыльев (/rɐˈzmax ˈkrɨlʲɪf/) - [Formal, Technical; Used in contexts related to biology, aviation, or measurements]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in specialized fields like ornithology or engineering.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun phrases and technical vocabulary, though accurate pronunciation and case usage may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

размах крыльев: /rɐˈzmax ˈkrɨlʲɪf/

Note on размах крыльев: The stress falls on the second syllable of "размах" (/ˈzmax/), and "крыльев" has a soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the rolled 'р' and palatalized consonants. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel lengths.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other in birds, aircraft, or similar structures.

Translation(s) & Context:

• размах крыльев - Used in formal, scientific, or technical contexts, such as describing animal anatomy or aviation specifications.

Usage Examples:

• Птица имеет размах крыльев в два метра, что делает её одной из самых больших в регионе.

  The bird has a wingspan of two meters, making it one of the largest in the region.

• Самолёт с размахом крыльев более 50 метров требует специальной взлётно-посадочной полосы.

  An aircraft with a wingspan of over 50 meters requires a specialized runway.

• В музее экспонируется ископаемая птица с впечатляющим размахом крыльев.

  In the museum, a fossilized bird with an impressive wingspan is on display.

• Размах крыльев у этой бабочки позволяет ей преодолевать значительные расстояния во время миграции.

  The wingspan of this butterfly allows it to cover significant distances during migration.

• Инженеры измеряют размах крыльев прототипа, чтобы убедиться в аэродинамической эффективности.

  Engineers measure the wingspan of the prototype to ensure aerodynamic efficiency.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Размах крыльев" is a noun phrase where "размах" is a masculine noun and "крыльев" is the genitive plural form of "крыло" (wing). Russian nouns inflect based on case, number, and gender. Here's a breakdown:

Note: The phrase "размах крыльев" is invariable as a whole in most contexts but adjusts based on the governing case in sentences (e.g., "измерение размаха крыльев" for genitive).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • протяженность крыльев (slight emphasis on length, used interchangeably in technical contexts)
  • ширина крыльев (more literal, but less precise for wingspan)
• Antonyms:
  • свёрнутость крыльев (folded wings, implying the opposite of extended span)

Related Phrases:

• Размах крыльев птицы – The wingspan of a bird (used in biological descriptions).
• Максимальный размах крыльев – Maximum wingspan (common in aviation engineering).
• Измерение размаха крыльев – Measuring wingspan (technical phrase for scientific contexts).

Usage Notes:

"Размах крыльев" directly corresponds to the English "wingspan" and is typically used in formal or technical settings rather than casual conversation. English learners should note that Russian requires agreement in case and number; for example, always use the genitive plural "крыльев" when describing the span. If the context involves measurements, pair it with units like "метры" (meters). When choosing between synonyms like "протяженность крыльев," opt for "размах крыльев" for precision in aviation or biology. Avoid literal translations; instead, focus on idiomatic Russian phrasing for natural expression.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "размах крыла" (singular genitive) instead of "размах крыльев" (plural genitive). This is incorrect because "wingspan" implies both wings.

  Correct: Птица имеет размах крыльев в два метра. (The bird has a wingspan of two meters.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns like "крыло" must be pluralized and put in the genitive case for this phrase to make sense grammatically.

• Error: Mispronouncing the phrase with English phonetics, e.g., saying /ræz-mɑh kri-liv/ instead of /rɐˈzmax ˈkrɨlʲɪf/.

  Correct: Practice the rolled 'р' and soft 'л' sounds.

  Explanation: This can lead to misunderstandings in spoken Russian, especially in technical discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and science, terms like "размах крыльев" are often highlighted in educational contexts, such as in biology textbooks or aviation history. For instance, it's commonly referenced when discussing iconic aircraft like the Tupolev Tu-144, emphasizing Russia's contributions to aerospace technology. This reflects a broader cultural appreciation for engineering feats and natural sciences in Russian education.

Related Concepts:

• крыло (wing)
• аэродинамика (aerodynamics)
• птичий полёт (bird flight)