Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'droplet'

English Word: droplet

Key Russian Translations:

• капля [ˈkaplʲə] - [Common, Singular, Used in everyday and scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily conversations, literature, and scientific texts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "вода" (water)).

Difficulty: A2 (According to CEFR, suitable for elementary learners, as it involves basic noun forms and pronunciation challenges for English speakers).

Pronunciation (Russian):

капля: [ˈkaplʲə]

Note on капля: The soft 'л' sound ([lʲ]) can be tricky for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small drop of liquid (e.g., water, oil, or other substances).

Translation(s) & Context:

• капля - Used in literal contexts for small amounts of liquid, such as in scientific discussions (e.g., in chemistry or medicine) or everyday descriptions. It can also appear metaphorically.

Usage Examples:

• Вода падает с крыши каплями во время дождя.

  Water falls from the roof in droplets during the rain.

• Учёные изучают, как капли масла распространяются в воздухе.

  Scientists study how droplets of oil spread in the air.

• Каждая капля росы на листьях сверкает на рассвете.

  Each droplet of dew on the leaves sparkles at dawn.

• В лаборатории мы наблюдаем за каплями химических веществ под микроскопом.

  In the lab, we observe droplets of chemicals under a microscope.

• Капли пота стекали по лбу после интенсивной тренировки.

  Droplets of sweat were running down the forehead after an intense workout.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Капля" is a feminine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners. For example, in plural, it changes to "капли" in nominative, which is used when referring to multiple droplets.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • крупица (krupitsa) - Often used for a small particle or grain, with a slight connotation of something granular.
  • просачивание (prosachivanie) - More specific to seepage or leaking, but less common for literal droplets.
• Antonyms:
  • река (reka) - Refers to a large body of water, contrasting with the small scale of a droplet.
  • озеро (ozero) - Indicates a lake, emphasizing volume over minuteness.

Related Phrases:

• Капля в море (kaplya v more) - A drop in the ocean; used to describe something insignificant in a larger context.
• Капля за каплей (kaplya za kapley) - Drop by drop; implies gradual accumulation or collection.
• Капли дождя (kapli dozhdya) - Rain droplets; a common phrase for describing light rain.

Usage Notes:

"Капля" directly corresponds to "droplet" in English as a small, discrete unit of liquid. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both everyday and technical contexts. Be mindful of case changes in Russian sentences; for instance, use the genitive form "капли" after prepositions like "из" (from). When choosing between translations, "капля" is the most precise for literal droplets, while synonyms like "крупица" might fit metaphorical uses. In scientific writing, it's often paired with adjectives for specificity, e.g., "мелкая капля" (tiny droplet).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "капля" in all cases, e.g., saying "из капля" instead of "из капли".

  Correct: "Из капли воды" (From a droplet of water). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so the genitive "капли" is needed after "из".

• Error: Confusing it with "капелька" (a diminutive form), which implies endearment or smallness, e.g., using "капелька" in a formal scientific context.

  Correct: Use "капля" for neutral descriptions. Explanation: "Капелька" adds a affectionate tone, which might not suit professional settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "капля в море" reflect a philosophical view on the insignificance of individual efforts in vast contexts, often drawn from literary works by authors like Tolstoy. This idiom highlights the Russian emphasis on collectivism and the human scale against nature's grandeur.

Related Concepts:

• вода (voda) - Water
• дождь (dozhd') - Rain
• роса (rosa) - Dew