Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hooray'

English Word: hooray

Key Russian Translations:

• Ура [uˈra] - [Informal, Exclamatory, Often used in celebrations or expressions of triumph]

Frequency: High (This interjection is commonly used in everyday Russian speech, especially in informal contexts like sports events or victories.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; simple to pronounce and understand, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Ура: [uˈra] (The stress is on the first syllable, with a clear 'u' sound like in "boot", followed by a short 'ra'.)

Note on Ура: This word is straightforward but can vary slightly in intonation based on emotion—rising pitch for excitement. Be mindful of the rolled 'r' if speaking with a native accent.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Expression of joy, triumph, or excitement, similar to 'hooray' in English.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Ура - Used in informal settings to cheer or celebrate successes, such as in sports, parties, or military contexts. It conveys enthusiasm and is often shouted in groups.

Usage Examples:

• Ура! Мы выиграли матч!

  Hooray! We won the match! (This example shows the word in a sports context, expressing team victory.)

• Ура, наконец-то отпуск!

  Hooray, finally vacation! (Here, it's used to express personal excitement about an upcoming break, highlighting everyday informal usage.)

• Дети закричали: "Ура!" при виде подарков.

  The children shouted: "Hooray!" when they saw the gifts. (This demonstrates the word in a family or holiday setting, with a focus on emotional response.)

• Ура! Новый год пришел!

  Hooray! The New Year has come! (This example illustrates its use in cultural celebrations, varying the grammatical structure for diversity.)

• После долгой борьбы, все закричали: "Ура, свобода!"

  After a long struggle, everyone shouted: "Hooray, freedom!" (This shows it in a more dramatic, historical or protest context, emphasizing compound phrases.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ура" is an exclamatory interjection in Russian and does not undergo typical inflection for gender, number, case, or tense, as it is an invariant word. This means it remains unchanged in all contexts, making it simple for learners.

For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Браво [brávo] (Used for applause, similar to 'bravo' in English, but less common for pure excitement); Ура! can be interchanged in celebratory contexts, though Браво implies more artistic appreciation.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "Ура" is a positive exclamation. However, in negative contexts, one might use words like "Ой" [oj] for surprise or disappointment, though not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Ура, победа! - Hooray, victory! (A common phrase used in triumphant situations, often in sports or competitions.)
• Ура товарищам! - Hooray to comrades! (Historically used in military or group settings, with a nod to Soviet-era connotations.)
• Ура, Новый год! - Hooray, New Year! (A festive phrase for holidays, emphasizing seasonal excitement.)

Usage Notes:

"Ура" directly corresponds to "hooray" as an interjection of joy, but it's more commonly used in group or public settings in Russian culture. It's informal and exclamatory, so avoid it in formal writing or professional contexts. When choosing between translations, "Ура" is the most straightforward for everyday enthusiasm, while alternatives like "Браво" might suit artistic events. Grammatically, it stands alone or at the end of a sentence for emphasis, e.g., "Мы победили! Ура!" Pay attention to intonation to convey genuine excitement.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Ура" in formal contexts, such as business emails, which might sound out of place. Correct: Opt for more neutral expressions like "Отлично!" (Great!). Example of error: "Ура, проект завершен!" in a professional report. Corrected: "Отлично, проект завершен!" (This maintains enthusiasm without informality.)

• Error: Mispronouncing the 'r' sound as in English, making it [u:ra] instead of the rolled Russian [uˈra]. Correct: Practice the trill to ensure native-like pronunciation, as in "Ура [uˈra]". This can lead to confusion with similar words.

Cultural Notes:

"Ура" has deep roots in Russian history, often associated with military victories and national pride, dating back to the Napoleonic Wars. It's frequently heard in parades, sports events, or even in literature like Tolstoy's works, symbolizing collective euphoria. For English speakers, it evokes a sense of communal celebration, reflecting Russia's emphasis on unity and resilience in cultural expressions.

Related Concepts:

• Браво
• Виват
• Хвала