Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cannon'

English Word: Cannon

Key Russian Translations:

• пушка [ˈpuʂkə] - [General, Neutral]
• орудие [ɐˈrudʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often used in military contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пушка: [ˈpuʂkə]

Note on пушка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'ш' sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English 'sh'.

орудие: [ɐˈrudʲɪjə]

Note on орудие: Stress on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, and 'д' is palatalized before 'и'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A large, heavy gun (literal, military context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пушка - Commonly used for historical or modern cannons, especially in casual or general contexts.
• орудие - More formal, often used in technical or military discussions to refer to artillery.

Usage Examples:

• На площади стоит старая пушка из XVIII века.

  An old cannon from the 18th century stands in the square.

• Артиллерийское орудие было использовано в бою.

  The artillery cannon was used in battle.

• Эта пушка стреляет только холостыми зарядами на праздниках.

  This cannon only fires blank charges during celebrations.

• Орудия были установлены на крепостных стенах.

  The cannons were mounted on the fortress walls.

• Музей выставил пушку, найденную на поле битвы.

  The museum displayed a cannon found on the battlefield.

2. Slang or figurative use (e.g., something powerful or impressive)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пушка - Used in informal slang to describe something 'cool' or 'powerful' (e.g., a song or performance).

Usage Examples:

• Эта песня просто пушка, послушай!

  This song is a total banger, listen to it!

• Его новый фильм — настоящая пушка!

  His new movie is absolutely amazing!

• Ты видел его трюк? Это просто пушка!

  Did you see his trick? It’s just incredible!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пушка (Feminine Noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

орудие (Neuter Noun): Follows the second declension pattern. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for пушка:

• орудие (in military context)
• гаубица (howitzer, specific type of cannon)

Note: 'гаубица' is more specific and technical than 'пушка'.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable for literal meaning.

Related Phrases:

• пушка гремит - "The cannon roars" (used to describe the sound of a cannon firing).
• орудие массового поражения - "Weapon of mass destruction" (a broader military term).
• пушка-бомба - "Cannon-bomb" (slang for something extremely impressive or explosive in impact).

Usage Notes:

• 'пушка' is the more versatile and commonly used term for 'cannon' in everyday Russian, and it also carries a slang meaning of 'cool' or 'awesome' in informal contexts.
• 'орудие' is more formal and typically used in military or historical texts to refer to artillery or weaponry in general.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two translations, as 'орудие' would sound overly technical in casual conversation about historical cannons.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'орудие' in informal contexts or slang. For example, saying "Эта песня — орудие!" instead of "Эта песня — пушка!" is incorrect and sounds unnatural.
• Correction: Reserve 'орудие' for formal or technical discussions about weaponry.
• Error: Mispronouncing 'пушка' by stressing the second syllable (pu-SHKA). This changes the meaning or sounds incorrect.
• Correction: Stress the first syllable: [ˈpuʂkə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cannons are often associated with historical military victories and are frequently displayed in public squares or museums, such as the famous Tsar Cannon in Moscow's Kremlin. The term 'пушка' may evoke patriotic or historical sentiments. Additionally, the slang use of 'пушка' to mean 'cool' is popular among younger generations and in pop culture contexts.

Related Concepts:

• артиллерия (artillery)
• оружие (weapon)
• битва (battle)