Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Barometer'

English Word: Barometer

Key Russian Translations:

• барометр [bɐˈromʲɪtr] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific or meteorological contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

барометр: [bɐˈromʲɪtr]

Note on барометр: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sounds are rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Instrument for Measuring Atmospheric Pressure (Literal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• барометр - Used in scientific, meteorological, or technical discussions to refer to the device.

Usage Examples:

• Барометр показывает падение давления перед штормом.

  The barometer shows a drop in pressure before the storm.

• Ученые используют барометр для прогнозирования погоды.

  Scientists use a barometer to forecast the weather.

• Этот старый барометр всё ещё работает.

  This old barometer still works.

2. Indicator or Measure (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• барометр - Used metaphorically to indicate a measure or indicator of something, e.g., public opinion or economic health.

Usage Examples:

• Выборы часто служат барометром общественного мнения.

  Elections often serve as a barometer of public opinion.

• Фондовый рынок – это барометр экономического состояния страны.

  The stock market is a barometer of the country’s economic condition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

барометр is a masculine noun. It follows the standard second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• измеритель давления (lit. pressure measurer, less common)

Note: "измеритель давления" is rarely used and sounds more technical or descriptive rather than a direct synonym.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as it is a specific instrument)

Related Phrases:

• барометр давления - Barometer of pressure (redundant but sometimes used for emphasis).
• барометр общественного мнения - Barometer of public opinion (figurative usage).
• смотреть на барометр - To look at the barometer (literal, to check the weather).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "барометр" is a direct borrowing from European languages and is used in both literal (scientific instrument) and figurative (indicator) senses, much like in English.
• It is primarily used in formal or technical contexts. In casual conversation about weather, Russians might simply discuss "давление" (pressure) without referencing the tool.
• Ensure correct stress on the second syllable ([bɐˈromʲɪtr]) to avoid sounding unnatural.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect Stress: English speakers often stress the first syllable as in "barometer" ([ˈbærəˌmiːtər]). In Russian, stress must be on the second syllable: [bɐˈromʲɪtr].
• Wrong Case Usage: Beginners might misuse cases, e.g., saying *барометр* instead of *барометра* in genitive after prepositions like "без" (without). Correct: "без барометра" (without a barometer).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, barometers are often associated with traditional weather forecasting, especially in rural areas or among older generations. Some households may still have antique barometers as decorative or functional items, reflecting a historical reliance on personal weather prediction tools before modern technology.

Related Concepts:

• давление (pressure)
• погода (weather)
• метеорология (meteorology)