Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eddy'

English Word: eddy

Key Russian Translations:

• водоворот [vədəvɐˈrot] - [Formal, Singular, Used in descriptions of natural phenomena]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts like geography, weather, or literature, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to natural sciences)

Pronunciation (Russian):

водоворот: [vədəvɐˈrot]

Note on водоворот: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ro-'), which is a common challenge for learners. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'o' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A circular movement of water, creating a small whirlpool.

Translation(s) & Context:

• водоворот - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as in scientific or literary descriptions of water currents.

Usage Examples:

• В реке образовался водоворот, который уносил всё на своём пути.

  In the river, an eddy formed that carried everything in its path.

• Моряки должны избегать водоворотов во время шторма.

  Sailors should avoid eddies during a storm.

• Водоворот в озере был вызван сильным ветром и течением.

  The eddy in the lake was caused by strong wind and current.

• Дети с интересом наблюдали за водоворотом в ручье.

  The children watched the eddy in the stream with interest.

• Водоворот может быть опасным для пловцов, если он слишком сильный.

  An eddy can be dangerous for swimmers if it is too strong.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

водоворот is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern. It changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вихрь (whirlwind, but more general; used for air or water movements)
  • турбулентность (turbulence; more scientific and less specific to water)
• Antonyms:
  • штиль (calm, as in still water)
  • покой (peace, implying no movement)

Related Phrases:

• Водоворот в потоке - An eddy in the stream (Used in descriptions of river dynamics)
• Опасный водоворот - Dangerous eddy (Common in safety warnings for water activities)
• Сформировать водоворот - To form an eddy (In contexts like fluid mechanics)

Usage Notes:

водоворот directly corresponds to the English "eddy" in most contexts, particularly in natural or scientific settings. It is a formal term and less common in casual conversation, so use it in written descriptions or educational contexts. Be mindful of its declensions based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive case, it becomes "водоворота" to indicate possession. When choosing between synonyms like вихрь, opt for водоворот if the context specifically involves water currents.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "в водоворот" instead of "в водовороте" for prepositional case.

  Correct: "Я видел водовороте в реке" should be "Я видел водоворот в реке" (nominative), but for "in the eddy," use "в водовороте". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions, which can confuse English speakers used to fixed forms.

• Error: Confusing it with вихрь and using it interchangeably.

  Correct: вихрь is for wind-based whirlwinds, while водоворот is water-specific. Explanation: This misuse can lead to imprecise meaning in scientific or descriptive texts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and folklore, водоворот often symbolizes danger or the unknown, as seen in stories like those by Alexander Pushkin, where whirlpools represent perilous journeys. This reflects Russia's vast river systems and historical reliance on waterways, adding a layer of cultural depth beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• текучесть (fluidity)
• шторм (storm)