Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ziggurat'

English Word: ziggurat

Key Russian Translations:

• зиггурат [zɨɡʊˈrat] - [Formal, Technical; Used in historical, archaeological, or academic contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is rarely used in everyday conversation; it's primarily encountered in specialized texts on history or architecture.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires familiarity with loanwords and historical terminology, suitable for proficient learners with interest in cultural studies.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зиггурат: [zɨɡʊˈrat]

Note on зиггурат: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ra"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft 'г' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers used to harder 'g' pronunciations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: An ancient Mesopotamian stepped pyramidal tower, often associated with temples.

Translation(s) & Context:

• зиггурат - Used in formal discussions of ancient architecture, history, or archaeology; typically refers to structures from Sumerian or Babylonian civilizations.

Usage Examples:

• В Месопотамии были построены огромные зиггураты, служившие религиозными центрами.

  In Mesopotamia, enormous ziggurats were built, serving as religious centers.

• Археологи обнаружили руины зиггурата, датируемого третьим тысячелетием до н.э.

  Archaeologists discovered the ruins of a ziggurat dating back to the third millennium BCE.

• Зиггурат в Уре считается одним из самых впечатляющих памятников древней цивилизации.

  The ziggurat in Ur is considered one of the most impressive monuments of ancient civilization.

• Во время экскурсии мы увидели модель зиггурата, иллюстрирующую его архитектурные особенности.

  During the tour, we saw a model of a ziggurat illustrating its architectural features.

• Зиггурат символизирует связь между землей и небом в мифологии древних шумеров.

  The ziggurat symbolizes the connection between earth and heaven in the mythology of ancient Sumerians.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Зиггурат" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for inanimate nouns. It is inflected based on case and number, though as a loanword, it may not always vary in informal use.

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple structures, which is common in historical discussions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пирамида (pyramid) - Often used interchangeably in broad contexts, but less precise for Mesopotamian structures.
  • ступенчатая башня (stepped tower) - A descriptive phrase for similar architectural forms.
• Antonyms:
  • современное здание (modern building) - Contrasts with ancient, historical structures.

Related Phrases:

• древний зиггурат (ancient ziggurat) - Refers to historical examples, often in archaeological contexts; meaning: A reference to well-preserved or famous ziggurats from antiquity.
• зиггурат Ура (ziggurat of Ur) - A specific historical site; meaning: Denotes the famous ziggurat in the ancient city of Ur, symbolizing Sumerian engineering.
• архитектура зиггурата (architecture of the ziggurat) - Discusses design elements; meaning: Used in academic or educational settings to explore Mesopotamian building techniques.

Usage Notes:

"Зиггурат" is a direct loanword from English (via other languages like French or German), making it a precise equivalent for the English term. It is typically restricted to formal, academic, or historical contexts, such as lectures, books on ancient history, or museum descriptions. English speakers should note that Russian requires proper declension based on case, so avoid using it in its base form universally. When choosing between synonyms like "пирамида," opt for "зиггурат" for accuracy in Mesopotamian-specific discussions. Grammatically, it functions as a standard masculine noun, so pay attention to agreement with adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing the word as [zɪɡəˈræt] (like the English version) instead of the Russian [zɨɡʊˈrat]. Correct: Use the Russian IPA to emphasize the softer vowels. Example of error: Saying "зиггурат" with a hard 'g' and English stress. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to master the phonetics.

• Error: Confusing it with "пирамида" and using it interchangeably. Correct: Reserve "зиггурат" for stepped Mesopotamian towers, not general pyramids. Example of error: "Этот пирамида в Египте похож на зиггурат" (incorrect overlap). Explanation: This dilutes the specific cultural reference; always check historical context for precision.

Cultural Notes:

Ziggurats hold significant cultural importance in Russian studies of ancient civilizations, as they represent the architectural prowess of Sumerian and Babylonian societies. In Russian literature and education, they are often linked to themes of mythology and religion, symbolizing the "stairway to heaven" in ancient beliefs. This reflects broader Russian interest in world history, where such terms are used to draw parallels with Slavic or other cultural heritages.

Related Concepts:

• пирамида
• храм
• древняя архитектура
• месопотамия