Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ambience'

English Word: ambience

Key Russian Translations:

• атмосфера [ɐtˈmosfʲɪrə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• обстановка [ɐpˈstanofkə] - [Neutral, Often Contextual]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

атмосфера: [ɐtˈmosfʲɪrə]

Note on атмосфера: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly.

обстановка: [ɐpˈstanofkə]

Note on обстановка: Stress on the second syllable. The 'вк' cluster may be tricky for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Atmosphere or Mood (of a Place)

Translation(s) & Context:

• атмосфера - Used to describe the overall mood or vibe of a location or event (e.g., a cozy café or festive gathering).

Usage Examples:

• В этом кафе такая приятная атмосфера.

  This café has such a pleasant ambience.

• Атмосфера на вечеринке была очень дружелюбной.

  The ambience at the party was very friendly.

• Мы создали романтическую атмосферу с помощью свечей.

  We created a romantic ambience with candles.

2. Surrounding Conditions or Environment

Translation(s) & Context:

• обстановка - Refers to the physical or situational environment, often with a focus on specific conditions or settings.

Usage Examples:

• Обстановка в офисе была напряжённой из-за дедлайнов.

  The ambience in the office was tense due to deadlines.

• Нам нужно улучшить обстановку в этой комнате.

  We need to improve the ambience in this room.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

атмосфера (Feminine Noun):

обстановка (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for атмосфера:

• настроение (mood, often emotional)
• дух (spirit, often abstract)

Antonyms for атмосфера:

• пустота (emptiness)

Synonyms for обстановка:

• ситуация (situation)
• условия (conditions)

Related Phrases:

• создавать атмосферу - to create an ambience (often positive or specific mood)
• напряжённая обстановка - tense ambience (used for stressful environments)
• домашняя атмосфера - homely ambience (cozy, comfortable setting)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between атмосфера and обстановка: Use "атмосфера" when emphasizing the emotional or intangible mood of a place. Use "обстановка" when referring to the physical or situational setting.
• Both terms are neutral in register and can be used in formal and informal contexts, though "обстановка" might sound more technical in certain discussions (e.g., political or work environments).

Common Errors:

• Mixing up атмосфера and обстановка: English speakers often use "атмосфера" in contexts where "обстановка" is more appropriate. For example, saying "атмосфера в офисе напряжённая" is less natural than "обстановка в офисе напряжённая" when referring to a tense work environment. Use "атмосфера" for emotional tones and "обстановка" for conditions.
• Incorrect case usage: Beginners often forget to adjust the noun case after prepositions like "в" (in). For instance, "в атмосфере" (correct) vs. * "в атмосфера" (incorrect).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "атмосфера" often carries a strong emotional connotation, especially in social or family settings. Russians might emphasize creating a warm "атмосфера" during gatherings, reflecting the importance of emotional connection in interpersonal interactions.

Related Concepts:

• настроение (mood)
• уют (coziness)
• среда (environment)