Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'firecracker'

English Word: firecracker

Key Russian Translations:

• петарда /pʲɪˈtardə/ - [Informal, often used in festive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about holidays, fireworks, or celebrations, but not everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and their inflections, suitable for learners with some prior exposure to Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

петарда: /pʲɪˈtardə/

Note on петарда: The initial 'п' is palatalized (as in 'pʲ'), which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds softer than a standard English 'p'. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A small explosive device used for entertainment, often producing a loud bang or light.

Translation(s) & Context:

• петарда - Used in informal contexts like festivals or children's play; implies a small, handheld firework.

Usage Examples:

• Дети зажгли петарду на празднике, и она громко хлопнула.

  Children lit a firecracker at the party, and it made a loud bang.

• Во время фейерверка петарды освещали ночное небо разноцветными вспышками.

  During the fireworks, firecrackers lit up the night sky with colorful flashes.

• Не трогай петарду, она может быть опасной, если не обращаться с ней правильно.

  Don't touch the firecracker; it can be dangerous if not handled properly.

• В новогоднюю ночь улицы заполнились звуками петард и хлопушек.

  On New Year's Eve, the streets were filled with the sounds of firecrackers and party poppers.

• Петарда в его руке неожиданно сдетонировала, вызвав панику среди толпы.

  The firecracker in his hand detonated unexpectedly, causing panic among the crowd.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

петарда is a feminine noun in Russian (first declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a feminine noun, it does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фейерверк (firework display) - More general, often refers to larger shows.
  • хлопушка (party popper) - Similar but typically smaller and less explosive.
• Antonyms:
  • тишина (silence) - Implies the opposite in terms of sound and activity.

Related Phrases:

• Запускать петарду (To launch a firecracker) - Refers to igniting or setting off a firecracker in a celebratory context.
• Петарда на День Победы (Firecracker on Victory Day) - A phrase used for holiday-specific fireworks traditions.
• Опасная петарда (Dangerous firecracker) - Highlights safety concerns in handling explosives.

Usage Notes:

"Петарда" directly corresponds to "firecracker" in English but is more commonly used in Russian for small, recreational explosives rather than professional fireworks. It is informal and often appears in contexts like holidays or children's games. Be mindful of its feminine gender when constructing sentences, as it affects adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большая петарда" for "big firecracker"). If multiple translations exist, choose "петарда" for everyday scenarios; opt for "фейерверк" for larger displays. Avoid using it in formal writing without context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел петарда" instead of "Я видел петарду" (Accusative case required after "видел").

  Correct: Я видел петарду. Explanation: Russian verbs of seeing or perceiving require the Accusative case for direct objects.

• Error: Confusing it with "фейерверк" and using it interchangeably, e.g., "Петарда в небе" for a large sky display.

  Correct: Use "фейерверк в небе" instead. Explanation: "Петарда" implies something handheld, while "фейерверк" is for aerial shows.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, петарды are often associated with major holidays like New Year's Eve or Victory Day, symbolizing joy and celebration. However, due to safety concerns and legal restrictions in urban areas, their use has become more regulated, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards safer public festivities.

Related Concepts:

• фейерверк
• хлопушка
• праздничный салют