Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Atmosphere'

English Word: atmosphere

Key Russian Translations:

• атмосфера [ɐtˈmosfʲɪrə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• обстановка [ɐpˈstanofkə] - [Neutral, Often Used for Social or Emotional Context]

Frequency: High (both translations are widely used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for 'атмосфера'); B1 (Intermediate for 'обстановка' due to contextual nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

атмосфера: [ɐtˈmosfʲɪrə]

Note on атмосфера: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

обстановка: [ɐpˈstanofkə]

Note on обстановка: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' sounds are reduced due to unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Atmosphere (Air or Environment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• атмосфера - Used for the literal sense of the Earth's atmosphere or air surrounding a place.

Usage Examples:

• Атмосфера Земли защищает нас от солнечной радиации.

  The Earth's atmosphere protects us from solar radiation.

• В горах атмосфера более разрежённая.

  In the mountains, the atmosphere is thinner.

• Учёные изучают состав атмосферы Марса.

  Scientists are studying the composition of Mars' atmosphere.

2. Mood or Social Environment

Translation(s) & Context:

• атмосфера - Used for describing the mood or vibe of a place or situation.
• обстановка - Often used for the emotional or social setting, especially in specific contexts like a room or event.

Usage Examples:

• В кафе была очень уютная атмосфера.

  There was a very cozy atmosphere in the café.

• Обстановка на встрече была напряжённой.

  The atmosphere at the meeting was tense.

• Мы создали праздничную атмосферу в доме.

  We created a festive atmosphere in the house.

• Обстановка в офисе стала более дружелюбной.

  The atmosphere in the office has become friendlier.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

атмосфера (feminine noun, 1st declension):

обстановка (feminine noun, 1st declension): Follows similar declension patterns to 'атмосфера'. No irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for атмосфера (mood):

• обстановка
• настроение
• дух

Note: 'настроение' focuses more on personal mood, while 'дух' often implies a collective spirit.

Antonyms for атмосфера (mood):

• дискомфорт
• напряжение

Related Phrases:

• атмосфера праздника - Atmosphere of celebration.
• напряжённая обстановка - Tense atmosphere/situation.
• домашняя атмосфера - Homey atmosphere.

Usage Notes:

• 'атмосфера' is the more versatile term and can be used for both literal (air) and figurative (mood) meanings, while 'обстановка' is almost exclusively used for social or emotional contexts.
• When discussing scientific or environmental topics, always use 'атмосфера' for 'atmosphere' in the physical sense.
• Both terms are neutral in register and can be used in formal and informal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'обстановка' to refer to the Earth's atmosphere.
  Incorrect: Обстановка Земли защищает нас.
  Correct: Атмосфера Земли защищает нас.
  Explanation: 'Обстановка' refers to a situational or emotional setting, not the physical atmosphere.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of 'атмосфера').
  Explanation: Stress is on the second syllable; incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'обстановка' often carries a strong emotional connotation, especially in descriptions of home or social gatherings. Russians may place significant emphasis on creating a welcoming 'обстановка' or 'атмосфера' during family events or holidays, reflecting the value of warmth and hospitality.

Related Concepts:

• настроение (mood)
• климат (climate)
• среда (environment)