Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Airforce'

English Word: Airforce

Key Russian Translations:

• Военно-воздушные силы [ˌvɐˈjenːə vɐzˈduʂnɨjə ˈsʲilɨ] - [Formal, Plural]
• ВВС [ˌve ve ˈes] - [Abbreviation, Informal, Commonly used in media]

Frequency: Medium (often used in military or political contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "Военно-воздушные силы"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "ВВС"

Pronunciation (Russian):

Военно-воздушные силы: [ˌvɐˈjenːə vɐzˈduʂnɨjə ˈsʲilɨ]

Note on Военно-воздушные силы: Stress falls on the second syllable of "военно" and "воздушные". The word "силы" has a soft 'l' sound, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

ВВС: [ˌve ve ˈes]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Military Branch (Air Force as an organization)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Военно-воздушные силы - Used in formal contexts to refer to the air force as a branch of the military.
• ВВС - Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in news or abbreviations.

Usage Examples:

• Военно-воздушные силы России провели учения над Черным морем.

  The Russian Air Force conducted exercises over the Black Sea.

• ВВС страны готовы к любым угрозам с воздуха.

  The country's Air Force is ready for any aerial threats.

• Он служит в Военно-воздушных силах уже десять лет.

  He has been serving in the Air Force for ten years.

• ВВС провели успешную операцию ночью.

  The Air Force carried out a successful operation at night.

• Правительство инвестирует в модернизацию ВВС.

  The government is investing in the modernization of the Air Force.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Военно-воздушные силы: This is a compound noun phrase, primarily used in the plural form. It follows standard Russian declension rules for plural nouns.

ВВС: As an abbreviation, it does not decline or change form regardless of grammatical case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Авиация (Aviation - broader term, can refer to civilian or military)

Note: "Авиация" is broader and less specific to the military context compared to "Военно-воздушные силы".

Antonyms:

• Сухопутные войска (Ground Forces)
• Военно-морской флот (Navy)

Related Phrases:

• Командование ВВС - Command of the Air Force (used to refer to the leadership or headquarters of the air force).
• Истребители ВВС - Air Force fighters (refers to fighter jets under the air force).
• Учения Военно-воздушных сил - Air Force exercises (common in military contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "Военно-воздушные силы" is the full, formal term for "Air Force" and is used in official documents, speeches, and contexts requiring precision.
• "ВВС" is an abbreviation widely recognized in both formal and informal settings, especially in media and casual conversation. It is more concise and frequently used.
• Be mindful of the context: "Военно-воздушные силы" always refers to a military entity, while "авиация" can sometimes mean civilian aviation depending on the context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "авиация" interchangeably with "Военно-воздушные силы" in a military context.
  Incorrect: Авиация России атаковала цели. (This could imply civilian aviation, which is incorrect.)
  Correct: Военно-воздушные силы России атаковали цели. (This clearly refers to the military air force.)
  Explanation: "Авиация" is a broader term and should not be used when specifically referring to the military air force.
• Error: Declining "ВВС" as if it were a regular noun.
  Incorrect: Я горжусь ВВС-ом.
  Correct: Я горжусь ВВС.
  Explanation: "ВВС" is an abbreviation and does not change form in different grammatical cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the Air Force (Военно-воздушные силы) holds significant historical importance, especially due to its role in World War II (known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia). The term "ВВС" is often associated with national pride and military achievements, and it frequently appears in historical documentaries, literature, and media.

Related Concepts:

• Истребитель (Fighter jet)
• Бомбардировщик (Bomber)
• Авиабаза (Airbase)
• Пилот (Pilot)