Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ambush'

English Word: Ambush

Key Russian Translations:

• засада [zɐˈsadə] - [Neutral, Common]
• ловушка [lɐˈvuʂkə] - [Neutral, Often Figurative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

засада: [zɐˈsadə]

Note on засада: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'д' is pronounced softly due to the following vowel.

ловушка: [lɐˈvuʂkə]

Note on ловушка: Stress on the second syllable. The 'ш' is a retroflex sound, distinct from English 'sh'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A surprise attack from a hidden position

Translation(s) & Context:

• засада - Used in military or tactical contexts to describe a hidden attack.

Usage Examples:

• Враг устроил засаду в лесу.

  The enemy set up an ambush in the forest.

• Мы попали в засаду на дороге.

  We fell into an ambush on the road.

• Засада была тщательно спланирована.

  The ambush was carefully planned.

2. A trap or deceptive setup (often figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ловушка - Often used metaphorically for a trap or deceptive situation.

Usage Examples:

• Это была ловушка, чтобы заманить нас.

  It was a trap to lure us in.

• Он попал в ловушку своих собственных слов.

  He fell into the trap of his own words.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

засада (feminine noun): Declines according to the first declension pattern in Russian.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	засада	засады
Genitive	засады	засад
Dative	засаде	засадам
Accusative	засаду	засады
Instrumental	засадой	засадами
Prepositional	о засаде	о засадах

ловушка (feminine noun): Also follows the first declension pattern.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	ловушка	ловушки
Genitive	ловушки	ловушек
Dative	ловушке	ловушкам
Accusative	ловушку	ловушки
Instrumental	ловушкой	ловушками
Prepositional	о ловушке	о ловушках

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for засада:

• подстережение
• западня (more figurative)

Note: "западня" often implies a more elaborate or deceptive setup compared to "засада".

Synonyms for ловушка:

• капкан
• сеть (figurative, as in a web of deceit)

Antonyms:

• открытая атака (open attack, for засада)

Related Phrases:

• устроить засаду - To set up an ambush.
• попасть в ловушку - To fall into a trap.
• ловушка для туристов - A tourist trap (figurative usage).

Usage Notes:

• "засада" is the primary term for a literal ambush, especially in military or tactical contexts. It is less likely to be used figuratively.
• "ловушка" can refer to both a physical trap and a metaphorical one, such as a deceptive situation or trick. It is more versatile in non-military contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as using "ловушка" in a military context may sound odd.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ловушка" to describe a military ambush.
  Incorrect: Враг устроил ловушку в лесу.
  Correct: Враг устроил засаду в лесу.
  Explanation: "ловушка" is more suited for traps or deceptive setups, not tactical ambushes.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions.
  Incorrect: Мы попали в засада.
  Correct: Мы попали в засаду.
  Explanation: The preposition "в" requires the accusative case for "засада".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "засада" is often associated with historical military tactics, especially in narratives about partisan warfare during World War II. The term may evoke imagery of hidden resistance fighters attacking from forests or remote areas.

Related Concepts:

• атака (attack)
• оборона (defense)
• стратегия (strategy)