Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bombshell'

English Word: Bombshell

Key Russian Translations:

• бомба [ˈbɒmbə] - [Literal, Neutral]
• сенсация [sʲɪnˈsat͡sɨjə] - [Figurative, Informal, Often used for surprising news]

Frequency: Medium (both translations are used, though "сенсация" is more common in figurative contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate; "бомба" is simpler, "сенсация" requires understanding of context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бомба: [ˈbɒmbə]

Note on бомба: Stress falls on the first syllable, a straightforward pronunciation for English speakers.

сенсация: [sʲɪnˈsat͡sɨjə]

Note on сенсация: Stress on the second syllable; the soft 'с' and 'ц' sounds may be challenging for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Explosive Device)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бомба - Used for a literal bomb or explosive device, often in military or technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Самолёт сбросил бомбу на цель.

  The plane dropped a bomb on the target.

• Сапёры обезвредили бомбу в центре города.

  Sappers defused a bomb in the city center.

• Это была бомба замедленного действия.

  It was a time bomb.

2. Figurative Meaning (Shocking News or Revelation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сенсация - Refers to a shocking or surprising piece of news, often in media or gossip contexts.
• бомба - Occasionally used figuratively to mean something explosive or surprising, but less common than "сенсация".

Usage Examples:

• Эта новость стала настоящей сенсацией в прессе.

  This news became a real bombshell in the press.

• Его заявление было как бомба на собрании.

  His statement was like a bombshell at the meeting.

• Сенсация! Найдены новые доказательства в деле.

  Bombshell! New evidence found in the case.

• Она бросила бомбу, рассказав всем правду.

  She dropped a bombshell by telling everyone the truth.

• Эта статья — настоящая сенсация для читателей.

  This article is a real bombshell for readers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бомба (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine noun declension in Russian (1st declension).

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	бомба	бомбы
Genitive	бомбы	бомб
Dative	бомбе	бомбам
Accusative	бомбу	бомбы
Instrumental	бомбой	бомбами
Prepositional	о бомбе	о бомбах

сенсация (feminine noun): Also follows the standard feminine noun declension (1st declension).

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	сенсация	сенсации
Genitive	сенсации	сенсаций
Dative	сенсации	сенсациям
Accusative	сенсацию	сенсации
Instrumental	сенсацией	сенсациями
Prepositional	о сенсации	о сенсациях

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бомба (literal):

• взрывчатка
• снаряд

Note: "взрывчатка" refers more to explosive material, while "снаряд" can mean a projectile or shell.

Synonyms for сенсация (figurative):

• шок
• открытие

Note: "шок" emphasizes emotional impact, while "открытие" focuses on a discovery.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either meaning in common usage.

Related Phrases:

• сбросить бомбу - Literally "to drop a bomb," often used figuratively to mean revealing shocking news.
• настоящая сенсация - "A real bombshell," used to emphasize the impact of surprising news.
• бомба замедленного действия - "A time bomb," used both literally and figuratively for delayed impact.

Usage Notes:

• "бомба" is the primary translation for the literal meaning of "bombshell" as an explosive device. It is neutral in tone and widely used in technical, military, or casual contexts.
• "сенсация" is the preferred term for the figurative sense of "bombshell" (shocking news). It is more common in media, journalism, and informal speech for surprises or revelations.
• While "бомба" can occasionally be used figuratively, it is less natural than "сенсация" in most contexts involving news or surprises.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between translations, as using "бомба" in a figurative sense might confuse listeners if the context isn’t clear.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бомба" exclusively for figurative meanings (e.g., saying "Эта новость — бомба" without context). While it can work, it may sound odd or overly dramatic compared to "сенсация".
  Correct: "Эта новость — сенсация" (This news is a bombshell).
• Error: Mispronouncing "сенсация" by stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., stressing the first syllable instead of the second).
  Correct: Stress the second syllable: [sʲɪnˈsat͡sɨjə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian media and journalism, "сенсация" is frequently used to describe breaking news or tabloid-style revelations, often with a sensationalist tone. The term carries a cultural connotation of drama or public interest, much like "bombshell" in English. On the other hand, "бомба" in a literal sense may evoke strong historical associations with wartime imagery, especially related to World War II, which is deeply ingrained in Russian collective memory.

Related Concepts:

• новость (news)
• шок (shock)
• взрыв (explosion)