Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hurrah'

English Word: hurrah

Key Russian Translations:

• ура [ˈurə] - [Informal, Exclamatory, Used in celebrations or cheers]

Frequency: Medium (Common in expressive contexts like sports, holidays, or historical events, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; Easy to learn and use due to its simplicity and universal exclamatory nature)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ура: [ˈurə]

Note on ура: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'у' is pronounced like the 'oo' in "boot." It can vary slightly in speed based on emotional intensity, but it's generally straightforward.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: An exclamation expressing joy, approval, or triumph.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ура - Used in informal settings for cheering, such as during sports events, victories, or festive occasions. It conveys enthusiasm and is often shouted in groups.

Usage Examples:

• Русские болельщики кричали: "Ура!" на стадионе.

  Russian fans shouted: "Hurrah!" at the stadium.

• После победы в войне, народ пел: "Ура, свобода!"

  After the war victory, the people sang: "Hurrah, freedom!"

• Дети закричали "Ура!" при виде фейерверков.

  The children shouted "Hurrah!" at the sight of fireworks.

• Солдаты подняли оружие и прокричали: "Ура!" в атаке.

  The soldiers raised their weapons and shouted: "Hurrah!" in the attack.

• На празднике, все хором сказали: "Ура!" после тоста.

  At the party, everyone chorused: "Hurrah!" after the toast.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Ура is an interjection (exclamatory word) in Russian and does not undergo typical inflection for gender, number, case, or tense. It remains unchanged in all contexts, making it simple for learners. For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: браво (bravo) - Used similarly for applause, often in performance contexts; хвала (khvala) - More formal praise.
• Antonyms: нет (net) - Simply means "no," but for expressions of disapproval, consider увы (uvy) - Alas, indicating regret or disappointment.

Related Phrases:

• Ура, победа! - Hurrah, victory! (Used in triumphant contexts, such as sports or historical events.)
• Ура, друзья! - Hurrah, friends! (A cheer to rally or celebrate with companions.)
• Трижды ура! - Three hurrahs! (Repeated for emphasis in formal toasts or celebrations.)

Usage Notes:

"Ура" directly corresponds to "hurrah" in English as an exclamatory expression of excitement or approval. It is primarily informal and energetic, often used in group settings like rallies, holidays, or victories. Be cautious with context: in Russian culture, it's common in patriotic or military scenarios, so it might feel overly dramatic in everyday conversation. When choosing between translations, "ура" is the most precise for exclamatory joy, while alternatives like "браво" suit applause. Grammatically, it stands alone as an interjection and doesn't require conjugation.

• Avoid overusing it in formal writing; it's best for spoken language.
• In dialogues, it can be intensified by repetition, e.g., "Ура! Ура! Ура!"

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is mispronouncing "ура" as [u-ra] with equal stress, instead of the correct [ˈurə] with stress on the first syllable, which can make it sound unnatural. For example:

• Incorrect: Pronouncing it as "oo-rah" with a drawn-out second syllable.
• Correct: [ˈurə], as in a quick, sharp exclamation.
• Another error is using it in inappropriate contexts, like formal business meetings, where it might come across as unprofessional. Instead, opt for more neutral expressions like "отлично" (excellent).

Cultural Notes:

"Ура" has deep roots in Russian culture, often associated with military history and patriotism. It was famously used by Russian troops during battles, such as in the Napoleonic Wars, and remains a staple in celebrations like Victory Day (May 9th). This gives it a heroic connotation, evoking national pride and communal spirit, which might not directly translate to English "hurrah" in everyday use.

Related Concepts:

• Победа (victory)
• Торжество (celebration)
• Аплодисменты (applause)