Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alarm'

English Word: Alarm

Key Russian Translations:

• тревога [trʲɪˈvoɡə] - [Formal, Emotional or Situational Alarm]
• сигнал [sʲɪɡˈnal] - [Neutral, Often Technical or Signal-Based Alarm]
• будильник [buˈdʲilʲnʲɪk] - [Informal, Specifically for Alarm Clock]

Frequency: High (especially "тревога" and "будильник" in everyday contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "тревога" and "сигнал" are A2, while nuanced usage may reach B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тревога: [trʲɪˈvoɡə]

Note on тревога: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a voiced fricative [ɡ], which may sound softer to English speakers.

сигнал: [sʲɪɡˈnal]

Note on сигнал: Stress on the second syllable. The "с" is always soft due to the following "и".

будильник: [buˈdʲilʲnʲɪk]

Note on будильник: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "л" sound, which requires the tongue to touch the palate.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Alarm as a Warning or Signal of Danger

Translation(s) & Context:

• тревога - Used for emotional or situational alarm, often implying worry or distress (e.g., air raid alarm).
• сигнал - Refers to a technical or neutral signal of alarm (e.g., fire alarm system).

Usage Examples:

• В городе объявили тревогу из-за пожара.

  An alarm was declared in the city due to a fire.

• Сигнал тревоги прозвучал в здании.

  The alarm signal sounded in the building.

• Его голос был полон тревоги.

  His voice was full of alarm.

2. Alarm as a Device (Alarm Clock)

Translation(s) & Context:

• будильник - Specifically refers to an alarm clock or a wake-up device.

Usage Examples:

• Будильник зазвонил в шесть утра.

  The alarm clock rang at six in the morning.

• Я забыл поставить будильник на завтра.

  I forgot to set the alarm for tomorrow.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

тревога (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

сигнал (masculine noun): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

будильник (masculine noun): Follows the second declension pattern, similar to "сигнал".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for тревога:

• беспокойство (more emotional, "worry")
• опасение (milder, "apprehension")

Antonyms for тревога:

• спокойствие (calmness)
• уверенность (confidence)

Related Phrases:

• объявить тревогу - Declare an alarm (used for emergencies or warnings).
• сигнал тревоги - Alarm signal (often technical, e.g., in systems).
• ставить будильник - Set the alarm (clock) (common in daily routines).

Usage Notes:

• "тревога" often carries an emotional connotation, so it is used when describing feelings of alarm or distress, as well as formal warnings.
• "сигнал" is more neutral and technical, best for devices or systems (e.g., car alarm as "сигнал автомобиля").
• "будильник" is strictly for alarm clocks or wake-up devices and cannot be used in other contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "будильник" for a general alarm like a fire alarm. Incorrect: "Будильник пожара". Correct: "Сигнал тревоги" or "Пожарная тревога". Explanation: "будильник" only refers to alarm clocks.
• Error: Overusing "тревога" in technical contexts. Incorrect: "Тревога автомобиля". Correct: "Сигнал автомобиля". Explanation: "тревога" implies emotional distress or formal warning, not a device signal.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тревога" is often associated with historical contexts like wartime air raid alarms (e.g., during World War II), so it may evoke strong emotional or historical connotations for native speakers.

Related Concepts:

• опасность (danger)
• предупреждение (warning)
• чрезвычайная ситуация (emergency)