Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'firework'

English Word: firework

Key Russian Translations:

• фейерверк [fʲɪˈjɛrvʲɪrk] - [Formal, Singular; Used in contexts like celebrations and holidays]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly encountered during festivals, holidays, or events, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; Involves understanding basic noun inflections and pronunciation of foreign loanwords)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фейерверк: [fʲɪˈjɛrvʲɪrk]

Note on фейерверк: The pronunciation includes a palatalized 'f' sound (fʲ), which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the 'f' in "few" but with a softer, more rolled quality. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A device containing chemicals that create a spectacular explosion of light and color, often used in celebrations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фейерверк - Typically used in formal or festive contexts, such as New Year's Eve or national holidays, to describe a display of fireworks.

Usage Examples:

• В небе расцветает яркий фейерверк во время новогодней ночи.

  In the sky, a bright firework blooms during New Year's night. (This example shows the noun in a descriptive, festive context.)

• Дети восторженно смотрят на фейерверк в парке.

  Children enthusiastically watch the firework in the park. (Illustrates the noun in a simple, everyday observational sentence.)

• Организаторы мероприятия запустили фейерверк, чтобы завершить праздник.

  The event organizers launched the firework to end the celebration. (Demonstrates the noun in an action-oriented context with event planning.)

• Фейерверк из тысяч огней осветил весь город в День Победы.

  A firework of thousands of lights illuminated the entire city on Victory Day. (Shows the noun with modifiers to emphasize scale and cultural events.)

• Безопасность фейерверка всегда должна быть на первом месте на публичных шоу.

  The safety of fireworks should always be a top priority at public shows. (Highlights the noun in a practical, safety-related context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фейерверк" is a masculine noun (third declension) borrowed from English/French via German. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of stress, but its plural form is less common unless referring to multiple individual fireworks. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: салют (salute; often used interchangeably for public displays, but implies a more military or official connotation), фейер (a shorter, informal variant for fireworks in some contexts).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "фейерверк" is a specific noun; however, conceptually, it contrasts with "тишина" (silence) in event settings.

Related Phrases:

• Новогодний фейерверк - A New Year's firework display; commonly used during holiday celebrations to refer to festive pyrotechnics.
• Запуск фейерверка - Launching a firework; refers to the act of setting off fireworks, often in organized events.
• Фейерверк в честь праздника - Firework in honor of a holiday; highlights cultural or ceremonial usage.

Usage Notes:

"Фейерверк" directly corresponds to the English "firework" in its literal sense, but it is more commonly used for organized displays rather than individual items. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical flow; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "во время" (during). In formal contexts, prefer "фейерверк" over synonyms like "салют" if the emphasis is on visual spectacle. Be mindful of regional variations; in some areas, it's associated with specific holidays like Victory Day.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "с фейерверк" instead of "с фейерверком" (instrumental case for "with"). Correct: "С фейерверком мы отметили праздник" (We celebrated the holiday with the firework). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions, which can confuse English learners used to fixed word forms.

• Error: Confusing it with "салют," leading to misuse in non-military contexts. Correct: Use "фейерверк" for civilian celebrations. Explanation: While synonyms exist, "салют" implies a more formal or historical tone, so context matters to avoid sounding out of place.

• Error: Mispronouncing the palatalized 'f' sound. Correct Pronunciation: [fʲɪˈjɛrvʲɪrk], not like the English "fire." Explanation: This can make the word harder to understand; practice with native audio to master the soft consonant.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "фейерверк" is deeply tied to national holidays like New Year's Eve, Victory Day (May 9th), and City Day celebrations. It symbolizes joy, victory, and communal festivity, often evoking historical events such as World War II commemorations. However, due to safety concerns, public fireworks are regulated, reflecting a balance between tradition and modern societal norms.

Related Concepts:

• салют
• праздник
• огни
• пиротехника