Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Danger'

English Word: danger

Key Russian Translations:

• опасность [ɐˈpasnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• угроза [uˈɡrozə] - [Formal, Often used for threats or risks]
• риск [rʲisk] - [Neutral, Often used in context of taking chances]

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used in various contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; pronunciation and context usage may pose challenges)

Pronunciation (Russian):

опасность: [ɐˈpasnəsʲtʲ]

Note on опасность: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable and the soft 'сʲ' sound.

угроза: [uˈɡrozə]

Note on угроза: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'г' is voiced and firm.

риск: [rʲisk]

Note on риск: The 'р' is rolled, and the word is short and straightforward.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General sense of hazard or peril

Translation(s) & Context:

• опасность - Used for abstract or physical danger (e.g., natural disasters, unsafe conditions).

Usage Examples:

• Эта дорога представляет опасность для водителей.

  This road poses a danger to drivers.

• Опасность наводнения возрастает с каждым днём.

  The danger of flooding increases every day.

• Он не осознаёт всей опасности ситуации.

  He doesn’t realize the full danger of the situation.

2. Threat or menacing risk

Translation(s) & Context:

• угроза - Often implies a specific threat or potential harm (e.g., political, personal).

Usage Examples:

• Угроза войны пугает всех нас.

  The threat of war scares us all.

• Его слова звучали как угроза.

  His words sounded like a threat.

3. Risk or chance of loss

Translation(s) & Context:

• риск - Refers to risk in terms of probability or gamble (e.g., business, sports).

Usage Examples:

• Это большой риск для нашей компании.

  This is a big risk for our company.

• Он пошёл на риск, чтобы выиграть.

  He took a risk to win.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

опасность (feminine noun):

Case	Singular
Nominative	опасность
Genitive	опасности
Dative	опасности
Accusative	опасность
Instrumental	опасностью
Prepositional	об опасности

угроза (feminine noun): Follows similar declension patterns to "опасность."

риск (masculine noun): Follows regular masculine noun declension with inanimate endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for опасность:

• угроза
• риск
• бедствие (disaster, in extreme contexts)

Note: "угроза" often implies a direct threat, while "риск" focuses on probability.

Antonyms for опасность:

• безопасность (safety)
• защита (protection)

Related Phrases:

• представлять опасность - to pose a danger
• угроза безопасности - threat to security
• идти на риск - to take a risk
• в зоне риска - at risk / in the risk zone

Usage Notes:

• "Опасность" is the most general and versatile term for "danger" and can be used in both abstract and concrete contexts.
• "Угроза" is more specific to threats and often implies intent or a targeted risk.
• "Риск" is best used when referring to calculated risks or probabilities, not immediate danger.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "риск" when referring to an immediate physical danger. Incorrect: "Риск наводнения" (sounds like a calculated risk). Correct: "Опасность наводнения" (danger of flooding).
• Error: Using "угроза" for general hazards without a specific threat. Incorrect: "Угроза на дороге" (implies a targeted threat). Correct: "Опасность на дороге" (danger on the road).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of "опасность" or "угроза" may carry a heavier emotional weight, especially in historical or political contexts due to the country’s complex history with external and internal threats. Using these terms in casual conversation might sound overly dramatic unless the situation warrants it.

Related Concepts:

• безопасность (safety)
• защита (protection)
• бедствие (disaster)