Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'zigzag'

English Word: zigzag

Key Russian Translations:

• зигзаг [zɨɡˈzaɡ] - [Noun, Common, Used in general contexts like paths or patterns]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday descriptions of paths, designs, or movements, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner, as it is a borrowed word with straightforward pronunciation and usage, suitable for early intermediate learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зигзаг: [zɨɡˈzaɡ]

Note on зигзаг: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "z" sounds are soft and similar to English, but the vowel in the first syllable is a central vowel [ɨ], which may be challenging for English speakers. Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A winding or zigzag path or line (e.g., describing a non-straight trajectory).

Translation(s) & Context:

• зигзаг - Used in contexts involving roads, patterns, or movements, often in informal or descriptive writing/speech.

Usage Examples:

• Дорога шла зигзагом через горы, делая подъем менее крутым.

  The road went in a zigzag through the mountains, making the ascent less steep.

• Ее подпись имеет зигзаг, который делает ее уникальной.

  Her signature has a zigzag that makes it unique.

• В танце партнеры двигались зигзагом по паркету.

  In the dance, the partners moved in a zigzag across the floor.

• Зигзаг на ткани придает одежде современный вид.

  The zigzag on the fabric gives the clothing a modern look.

• Река течет зигзагом, извиваясь между холмами.

  The river flows in a zigzag, winding between the hills.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Зигзаг" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard third declension pattern for borrowed words. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its nominative and genitive forms for singular and plural:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: зигзагообразный (zigzag-shaped, used for adjectives), петля (loop, in contexts of winding paths) - Note: петля implies a more circular bend, while зигзаг suggests sharper angles.
• Antonyms: прямой (straight) - Used when contrasting with non-linear paths.

Related Phrases:

• зигзаг движения - Zigzag movement; often used in descriptions of traffic or dance.
• зигзаг линии - Zigzag line; common in design or drawing contexts.
• зигзаг пути - Zigzag path; refers to a route that twists and turns, like in hiking.

Usage Notes:

"Зигзаг" directly corresponds to the English "zigzag" as a borrowed word, making it easy for English speakers to recognize. It is typically used in neutral or informal contexts, such as describing geography, art, or motion. Be mindful of grammatical gender (masculine) and declensions when integrating it into sentences. For example, choose this word over synonyms like "петля" if the path involves sharp, angular turns rather than smooth curves. In formal writing, it pairs well with prepositions like "через" (through) or "по" (along).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "зигзаг" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я иду к зигзаг" instead of "Я иду к зигзагу". Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "к зигзагу" (to the zigzag). Explanation: Russian requires nouns to agree with prepositions and cases, which English speakers might overlook.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "спираль" (spiral), e.g., describing a straight path as "зигзаг". Correct: Use "зигзаг" only for angular, back-and-forth patterns. Explanation: This can lead to miscommunication in directions or descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

"Зигзаг" is a borrowed term from English and French, reflecting Russia's influence from Western languages in modern contexts like engineering and design. It doesn't carry strong cultural connotations but is often associated with practical applications in Russian folklore or literature, such as describing winding roads in rural areas, symbolizing life's unpredictable paths in stories by authors like Chekhov.

Related Concepts:

• спираль (spiral)
• петля (loop)
• извилины (windings or meanders)