Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cloud'

English Word: cloud

Key Russian Translations:

• облако [ˈobləkə] - [Neutral, Singular]
• туча [ˈtutʃə] - [Often used for dark, stormy clouds]
• облачность [əbˈlaʧnəsʲtʲ] - [Abstract, refers to cloud cover or cloudiness]

Frequency: High (for "облако"); Medium (for "туча" and "облачность")

Difficulty: A2 (for "облако"); B1 (for "туча"); B2 (for "облачность")

Pronunciation (Russian):

облако: [ˈobləkə]

Note on облако: Stress is on the first syllable. The "o" is pronounced as a reduced schwa in unstressed positions.

туча: [ˈtutʃə]

Note on туча: The "ч" is a soft sound, similar to "ch" in "church".

облачность: [əbˈlaʧnəsʲtʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal meaning (a visible mass of water droplets in the sky)

Translation(s) & Context:

• облако - General term for any type of cloud, most common and neutral.
• туча - Refers specifically to dark, heavy, or storm clouds, often implying rain or bad weather.

Usage Examples:

• Небо покрыто облаками.

  The sky is covered with clouds.

• Над городом нависла туча.

  A storm cloud hung over the city.

• Сегодня облачно, но дождя нет.

  It's cloudy today, but there's no rain.

2. Abstract meaning (cloudiness or weather condition)

Translation(s) & Context:

• облачность - Used in meteorological contexts to describe the degree of cloud cover.

Usage Examples:

• По прогнозу ожидается переменная облачность.

  The forecast predicts variable cloudiness.

• Облачность мешает наблюдать звёзды.

  Cloud cover prevents us from observing the stars.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

облако (neuter noun):

туча (feminine noun): Follows regular feminine noun declension patterns. Nominative singular: туча, Nominative plural: тучи.

облачность (feminine noun, abstract): Does not have a plural form, used only in singular. Follows standard feminine declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for облако:

• тучка (diminutive, affectionate form)

Note: "тучка" is less formal and often used in poetic or childlike contexts.

Antonyms for облако/туча:

• ясное небо (clear sky)

Related Phrases:

• на седьмом небе от облаков - "to be on cloud nine" (literal: to be on the seventh sky from the clouds), meaning to be extremely happy.
• тучи сгущаются - "clouds are gathering," used metaphorically to indicate a looming problem or conflict.
• облако пыли - "a cloud of dust," often used in descriptions of movement or chaos.

Usage Notes:

• "облако" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "cloud" in Russian, suitable for most contexts.
• Use "туча" when emphasizing a threatening or stormy aspect of clouds, especially in weather descriptions.
• "облачность" is a technical or abstract term, often found in weather forecasts or scientific contexts, and should not be used to describe a single cloud.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "туча" for any type of cloud. Wrong: "На небе белые тучи." Correct: "На небе белые облака." (White clouds in the sky). Explanation: "туча" implies dark or stormy clouds, so it’s incorrect for light or fluffy clouds.
• Error: Misusing "облачность" for a single cloud. Wrong: "Я вижу облачность." Correct: "Я вижу облако." (I see a cloud). Explanation: "облачность" refers to general cloud cover, not an individual cloud.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, clouds, especially "туча," often carry a symbolic meaning of impending trouble or melancholy in literature and poetry. The imagery of dark clouds is frequently used to represent emotional or societal turmoil, as seen in classic works by Pushkin or Chekhov.

Related Concepts:

• небо (sky)
• дождь (rain)
• гроза (thunderstorm)