Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gunpowder'

English Word: gunpowder

Key Russian Translations:

• порох (/ˈpo.rəx/) - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (Used in historical, military, or scientific contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation).

Difficulty: A2 (Basic vocabulary, suitable for elementary learners, as it follows standard noun patterns in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

порох: /ˈpo.rəx/ (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the final 'х' is a guttural sound similar to the Scottish 'loch').

Note on порох: Be mindful of the rolled 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it softens in some dialects but remains prominent in standard Russian. Variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A explosive powder used in firearms, fireworks, or historical weaponry.

Translation(s) & Context:

• порох - Used in neutral, formal, or historical contexts, such as describing ammunition or chemistry; common in written and spoken Russian about military history.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлен старинный порох, использовавшийся в наполеоновских войнах.

  In the museum, there is an exhibit of ancient gunpowder used in the Napoleonic Wars.

• Для изготовления фейерверков требуется специальный порох, который не взрывается случайно.

  For making fireworks, special gunpowder is required that doesn't explode accidentally.

• Современные патроны содержат порох, но его состав сильно изменился с XIX века.

  Modern cartridges contain gunpowder, but its composition has changed significantly since the 19th century.

• Во время эксперимента химик осторожно смешал ингредиенты для пороха.

  During the experiment, the chemist carefully mixed the ingredients for gunpowder.

• Порох в старых ружьях мог быть опасным из-за своей нестабильности.

  Gunpowder in old rifles could be dangerous due to its instability.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Порох" is a masculine noun (third declension) and follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It is indeclinable in some contexts due to its ending, but generally changes by case and number. Below is a declension table for clarity:

Note: This noun is relatively regular, but in plural forms, it can vary slightly in informal speech. If used as a compound in phrases, it may not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: взрывчатка (explosive material; more general, used for modern contexts), пороховой заряд (gunpowder charge; specific to ammunition)
• Antonyms: огнеупор (fire-resistant material; implies the opposite in terms of flammability and explosion risk)

Explanation: "Взрывчатка" is a broader synonym often used in safety or industrial settings, while "пороховой заряд" emphasizes the loaded form in weapons.

Related Phrases:

• Чёрный порох - Black gunpowder; a traditional type used in historical firearms.
• Дымный порох - Smoky gunpowder; refers to older varieties that produce smoke when ignited.
• Пороховой склад - Gunpowder storage; a facility for keeping explosives, often with historical connotations.

Usage Notes:

"Порох" directly corresponds to "gunpowder" in English, but it's most commonly used in formal, historical, or technical contexts rather than everyday speech. English learners should note that Russian often pairs it with adjectives for specificity (e.g., "чёрный порох" for black powder). Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives and verbs. When choosing among translations, opt for "порох" in military or chemical discussions, but "взрывчатка" for broader explosives to avoid over-specification.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "порох" as a feminine noun and using incorrect adjectives, e.g., saying "хорошая порох" instead of "хороший порох".
  Correct: Use masculine adjectives like "хороший порох" (good gunpowder).
  Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and "порох" is masculine, so mismatches can confuse native speakers.
• Error: Omitting case changes in sentences, e.g., "Я взял порох" when it should be "Я взял пороха" in genitive contexts.
  Correct: Adjust for case, as in "Я взял пакет пороха" (I took a packet of gunpowder).
  Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian's case system, leading to grammatical errors in complex sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "порох" is often associated with historical events like the Napoleonic Wars or World War II, symbolizing military innovation. It appears in literature and folklore as a metaphor for explosive change or hidden power, reflecting Russia's history of warfare and technological adaptation. For instance, in classic Russian novels, it might represent the volatile nature of revolution.

Related Concepts:

• оружие (weapons)
• взрыв (explosion)
• патрон (cartridge)