Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Daydream'

English Word: daydream

Key Russian Translations:

• мечта [mʲɪt͡ɕˈta] - [Neutral, Common]
• грёзы [ˈɡrʲozɨ] - [Poetic, Less Common]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "мечта"); B2 (Intermediate for "грёзы")

Pronunciation (Russian):

мечта: [mʲɪt͡ɕˈta]

Note on мечта: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ч" sound is soft, similar to "ch" in "church."

грёзы: [ˈɡrʲozɨ]

Note on грёзы: Stress on the first syllable. The "ё" is always stressed and pronounced like "yo."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention (verb/noun):

Translation(s) & Context:

• мечта - Often used for a cherished dream or aspiration, can also refer to daydreaming as a noun.
• грёзы - More poetic or literary, often used for fanciful or unrealistic daydreams.

Usage Examples:

• Она сидела у окна и погрузилась в мечты о будущем.

  She sat by the window and got lost in daydreams about the future.

• Его грёзы о славе никогда не сбудутся.

  His daydreams of fame will never come true.

• Мечта о путешествии вдохновляла её каждый день.

  The daydream of traveling inspired her every day.

• Не витай в грёзах, пора работать!

  Stop daydreaming, it’s time to work!

• У неё была мечта стать писателем с детства.

  She had a daydream of becoming a writer since childhood.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мечта (noun, feminine): Follows the standard feminine noun declension in Russian.

грёзы (noun, feminine, plural only): This word is used only in the plural form and follows the corresponding declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for мечта:

• мечтание
• фантазия

Note: "мечтание" is more about the act of daydreaming, while "фантазия" emphasizes imagination.

Antonyms for мечта:

• реальность

Related Phrases:

• погрузиться в мечты - to get lost in daydreams
• строить воздушные замки - to build castles in the air (daydream about unrealistic things)
• грёзы наяву - daydreams (literally "dreams while awake")

Usage Notes:

• "мечта" is the most common and versatile term for "daydream" as a noun and can also mean a cherished dream or aspiration. It is suitable for most everyday contexts.
• "грёзы" carries a more poetic or old-fashioned tone and is often used in literature or to describe fanciful, unrealistic thoughts. It is less common in casual speech.
• When using these words, pay attention to the context: "мечта" can refer to a realistic goal, while "грёзы" often implies something unattainable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "грёзы" in casual conversation. Wrong: "У меня вчера были грёзы о море." Correct: "У меня вчера была мечта о море." Explanation: "грёзы" sounds overly poetic for everyday speech; "мечта" is more natural.
• Error: Incorrect case usage with "мечта." Wrong: "Я думаю о мечта." Correct: "Я думаю о мечте." Explanation: Prepositional case requires "мечте," not the nominative form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, daydreaming (especially expressed through "мечта") often carries a positive connotation of hope and aspiration. Many Russian literary works and songs emphasize "мечта" as a driving force for personal growth, reflecting a cultural value of dreaming big despite hardships.

Related Concepts:

• надежда (hope)
• фантазия (fantasy)
• мечтание (daydreaming as a process)