Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fireball'

English Word: fireball

Key Russian Translations:

• Огненный шар /ɐˈɡnʲenʲɪj ʂar/ - [Informal, used in contexts like games, meteorology, or metaphors]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specific contexts like science, fantasy, or gaming.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with compound nouns and basic adjective-noun agreements in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Огненный шар: /ɐˈɡnʲenʲɪj ʂar/

Note on Огненный шар: The stress falls on the second syllable of "огненный" (/ɐˈɡnʲenʲɪj/), and the "ш" sound in "шар" is a retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers. Practice the rolling 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A ball of fire, such as in a meteor, explosion, or metaphorical contexts (e.g., a fast-moving object or a gaming element).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Огненный шар - Used in informal or descriptive contexts, such as describing a meteor or a fireball in a video game; common in modern Russian media.

Usage Examples:

• В небе промчался огромный огненный шар, освещая ночное небо.

  In the sky, a huge fireball raced by, lighting up the night sky.

• В компьютерной игре игрок выпустил огненный шар, чтобы уничтожить врагов.

  In the computer game, the player released a fireball to destroy the enemies.

• Метеорит, похожий на огненный шар, упал в поле за городом.

  A meteor, resembling a fireball, fell in the field outside the city.

• Её машина мчалась по шоссе, как огненный шар, оставляя позади клубы дыма.

  Her car sped down the highway like a fireball, leaving clouds of smoke behind.

• В фольклоре огненный шар часто символизирует сверхъестественные силы.

  In folklore, a fireball often symbolizes supernatural forces.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Огненный шар" consists of an adjective ("огненный") and a noun ("шар"). As a masculine noun, "шар" follows the standard first-declension pattern for inanimate masculine nouns. "Огненный" is an adjective that agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Note: Adjectives like "огненный" change endings to match the noun's case, as shown. This is a regular pattern in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Пламенный шар (Similar, but implies a more intense flame; used in poetic or dramatic contexts)
  • Огненный ком (Emphasizes a rounded, compact form, often in scientific descriptions)
• Antonyms:
  • Ледяной шар (Ice ball; contrasts with fire, used metaphorically)

Related Phrases:

• Огненный шар в небе - A fireball in the sky; used to describe meteors or celestial events.
• Метательный огненный шар - A thrown fireball; common in gaming or fantasy contexts.
• Огненный шар взрыва - Fireball of an explosion; refers to blasts in action scenarios.

Usage Notes:

This translation directly corresponds to the English "fireball" in literal and metaphorical senses. In Russian, it's important to ensure adjective-noun agreement, as with "огненный шар." Use it in informal contexts like gaming or descriptions, but avoid in formal scientific writing where more precise terms like "метеорит" might be preferred. When choosing between synonyms, opt for "огненный шар" for general purposes, but "пламенный шар" for emphasis on intensity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement, e.g., saying "огненный шара" instead of "огненного шара" in genitive case.

  Correct: "Я видел огненного шара в небе." (I saw a fireball in the sky.)

  Explanation: Russian requires the adjective to change based on the noun's case; this is a common mistake for English speakers who don't inflect adjectives.

• Error: Using it literally when a metaphorical sense is intended, leading to confusion, e.g., translating a sports metaphor directly without context.

  Correct: In metaphors, ensure the context clarifies, as in "он мчится как огненный шар."

  Explanation: Russian idioms can be more literal, so provide context to avoid misinterpretation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and folklore, a "огненный шар" often appears in myths as a symbol of divine intervention or catastrophe, similar to Western legends of fireballs or comets. This ties into historical events like meteor showers, which have been documented in Russian literature, adding a layer of mystique to the term.

Related Concepts:

• Метеорит
• Взрыв
• Пламя