Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'daybreak'

English Word: daybreak

Key Russian Translations:

• рассвет [rɐsˈvʲet] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• заря [zɐˈrʲa] - [Poetic, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рассвет: [rɐsˈvʲet]

Note on рассвет: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

заря: [zɐˈrʲa]

Note on заря: The stress is on the second syllable, and the "я" is pronounced as a soft vowel sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The time of day when light first appears

Translation(s) & Context:

• рассвет - Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to the break of day or dawn.
• заря - Often used in poetic or literary contexts to evoke imagery of dawn or new beginnings.

Usage Examples:

• Мы вышли на улицу на рассвете.

  We went outside at daybreak.

• Рассвет был удивительно красивым сегодня.

  The daybreak was amazingly beautiful today.

• Заря новой эры наступила.

  The dawn of a new era has come. (Literary usage)

• На заре я услышал пение птиц.

  At daybreak, I heard the birds singing. (Poetic tone)

• Рассвет встретил нас холодным ветром.

  Daybreak greeted us with a cold wind.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рассвет (Masculine Noun):

Note: "рассвет" does not have a plural form as it is an abstract concept typically used in the singular.

заря (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for рассвет/заря:

• утро (morning - broader term, less specific to first light)
• светать (to dawn - verb form)

Antonyms for рассвет/заря:

• закат (sunset)
• сумерки (twilight, dusk)

Related Phrases:

• на рассвете - at daybreak (used to indicate a time of day)
• заря новой жизни - the dawn of a new life (figurative, poetic usage)
• встречать рассвет - to greet the dawn (common expression for watching the sunrise)

Usage Notes:

• "рассвет" is the most neutral and commonly used term for "daybreak" in everyday Russian speech. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
• "заря" carries a more poetic or literary tone and is often used in figurative expressions or older texts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless aiming for a dramatic effect.
• Both terms are typically used in the singular as they refer to a specific time or concept.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "рассвет" with "закат" (sunset). Example of incorrect usage: *Мы встретили закат утром* (We met the sunset in the morning). Correct: *Мы встретили рассвет утром* (We met the daybreak in the morning).
• Error: Using "заря" in casual speech, which can sound overly formal or out of place. Example of incorrect usage: *Я проснулся на заре* (I woke up at dawn - sounds poetic). Correct: *Я проснулся на рассвете* (I woke up at daybreak - neutral tone).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "рассвет" and "заря" often evoke imagery of renewal and hope, much like in English. "Заря" is particularly significant in Slavic folklore and literature, symbolizing new beginnings or divine light, often tied to historical or mythical narratives.

Related Concepts:

• утро (morning)
• солнце (sun)
• свет (light)