Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grenade'

English Word: grenade

Key Russian Translations:

• граната [ɡrɐˈnatə] - [Formal, Military context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in military, historical, or action-related discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; involves understanding noun declensions and specific contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

граната: [ɡrɐˈnatə]

Note on граната: The stress falls on the second syllable (na-TA). Be cautious with the rolled 'r' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional accents.

Audio: Play pronunciation audio (placeholder for audio file link)

Meanings and Usage:

The explosive device thrown by hand or launched.

Translation(s) & Context:

• граната - Used in military, warfare, or action scenarios; refers to a handheld explosive device.

Usage Examples:

• Во время боя солдат бросил гранату в сторону противника.

  During the battle, the soldier threw the grenade towards the enemy.

• Граната взорвалась, вызвав панику среди войск.

  The grenade exploded, causing panic among the troops.

• В фильме герой использовал гранату для разрушения баррикады.

  In the movie, the hero used the grenade to destroy the barricade.

• Армия снабжает солдат гранатами для оборонительных операций.

  The army supplies soldiers with grenades for defensive operations.

• Исторические музеи часто выставляют старые гранаты как экспонаты.

  Historical museums often display old grenades as exhibits.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

граната is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard noun declension patterns, which include changes for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бомба (bomba) - More general term for a bomb; used when referring to larger explosives, but can overlap in contexts.
  • взрывное устройство (vzryvnoe ustroystvo) - Literal for "explosive device"; less specific and more formal.
• Antonyms:
  • щит (shchit) - Meaning "shield" or "protection"; implies defense rather than offense.

Related Phrases:

• ручная граната (ruchnaya granata) - Hand grenade; commonly used in military contexts to specify a throwable type.
• граната с шариками (granata s sharikami) - Fragmentation grenade; refers to a grenade that disperses fragments upon explosion.
• кинуть гранату (kinit' granatu) - To throw a grenade; a common phrase in action descriptions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "граната" directly corresponds to the English "grenade" in military and explosive contexts, but it may carry connotations of warfare history, especially in Russian-speaking regions due to events like World War II. Use "граната" in formal or technical discussions; avoid in casual conversation to prevent sensitivity around violence. When choosing between translations, "граната" is the most precise for handheld devices, while "бомба" might be used for larger bombs. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules for accurate sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "граната" in all cases, e.g., "Я видел граната" instead of "Я видел гранату" (accusative).

  Correct: "Я видел гранату" – Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; accusative is needed after verbs like "видеть" (to see).

• Error: Confusing with "гранат" (pomegranate, a fruit), leading to misuse in contexts.

  Correct: Use "граната" only for explosives; for the fruit, it's the same word but context clarifies. – Explanation: Homophones exist in Russian, so context is key to avoid embarrassment.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "граната" often evokes memories of historical conflicts, such as World War II or the Soviet-Afghan War, where grenades played a significant role. It symbolizes both heroism and the horrors of war in literature and media, reflecting Russia's complex military history. This can add emotional weight to its use in conversations or stories.

Related Concepts:

• взрывчатка (vzryvchatka)
• мины (miny)
• оружие (oruzhie)