Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lightning'

English Word: lightning

Key Russian Translations:

• молния [ˈmolnʲɪjə] - [Formal, commonly used in scientific, weather, and everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is frequently encountered in everyday Russian, especially in weather reports, literature, and casual conversation.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, per CEFR standards; straightforward for beginners due to its regular noun form, but pronunciation of the soft 'н' sound may pose a slight challenge for English speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молния: [ˈmolnʲɪjə]

Note on молния: The soft 'н' (as in [nʲ]) is a palatalized sound, which may be difficult for English speakers. It sounds similar to the 'n' in "onion." Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A sudden electrostatic discharge during a thunderstorm, often accompanied by thunder.

Translation(s) & Context:

• молния - Used in literal weather-related contexts, such as describing storms or natural phenomena; formal and neutral in tone.

Usage Examples:

• Во время грозы сверкнула молния, осветив небо ярким светом.

  During the storm, lightning flashed, illuminating the sky with bright light.

• Молния ударила в дерево, вызвав небольшой пожар.

  Lightning struck the tree, causing a small fire.

• Дети боялись молнии и грома во время летней бури.

  The children were afraid of lightning and thunder during the summer storm.

• В научных фильмах часто показывают, как формируется молния.

  Scientific films often show how lightning is formed.

• Молния в горах может быть особенно опасной для туристов.

  Lightning in the mountains can be particularly dangerous for tourists.

2. Metaphorical use, e.g., something fast or sudden (e.g., "lightning speed").

Translation(s) & Context:

• молния - Used figuratively in informal or expressive contexts, such as describing quick actions; may be paired with adjectives like "быстрая" (fast).

Usage Examples:

• Его реакция была как молния, он поймал мяч в воздухе.

  His reaction was like lightning; he caught the ball in the air.

• Молния мысли осенила её, и она быстро решила проблему.

  A flash of insight hit her like lightning, and she quickly solved the problem.

• В спорте скорость бега иногда сравнивают с молнией.

  In sports, running speed is sometimes compared to lightning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Молния" is a feminine noun (third declension in Russian grammar). It follows regular inflection patterns for most cases, but like many Russian nouns, it changes based on grammatical case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners. In metaphorical uses, it remains inflected the same way.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вспышка (vspyška) - More poetic, used for a flash of light; subtle difference in emphasizing brevity.
  • электрический разряд (elektricheskiy razryad) - Technical synonym, preferred in scientific contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • тьма (t'ma) - Darkness, contrasting with the light of lightning.
  • спокойствие (spokoystvo) - Calmness, implying the opposite of sudden, disruptive energy.

Related Phrases:

• Молния ударила (Molniya udarila) - Lightning struck; used to describe a direct impact in weather events.
• Сверкающая молния (Sverkayushchaya molniya) - Flashing lightning; common in descriptive narratives or poetry.
• Молния в небе (Molniya v nebe) - Lightning in the sky; a basic phrase for everyday weather descriptions.
• Быстрая как молния (Bystraya kak molniya) - Fast as lightning; a metaphorical expression for speed in informal speech.

Usage Notes:

"Молния" directly corresponds to "lightning" in English as a natural phenomenon, but in Russian, it's versatile for both literal and figurative uses. It's neutral and formal in scientific or news contexts, but can be informal in everyday speech. When using in sentences, always consider Russian case endings for grammatical accuracy—e.g., use accusative "молнию" after verbs like "увидеть" (to see). If multiple translations exist, choose "молния" for general purposes; opt for synonyms like "вспышка" for poetic flair. Be mindful of word order in complex sentences to maintain natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "молния" with "гром" (thunder). English learners often mix them up, thinking they mean the same thing.

  Correct: "Молния" refers to the visual flash, while "гром" is the sound. Example: Incorrect - "Гром сверкнул в небе" (Thunder flashed in the sky). Correct - "Молния сверкнула в небе, а затем раздался гром."

  Explanation: This error stems from the English phrase "thunder and lightning," but in Russian, they are distinct and must be used separately for precision.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative "молния" in all contexts.

  Correct: Adjust for case, like "из-за молнии" (because of lightning, genitive). Example: Incorrect - "Я боюсь молния" (I fear lightning). Correct - "Я боюсь молнии."

  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English lacks, leading to grammatical errors in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "молния" often appears in folklore and literature as a symbol of divine power or sudden change, such as in Slavic myths where lightning is associated with the thunder god Perun. This adds a layer of poetic or historical connotation, making it more than just a weather term—it's sometimes used in expressions of awe or fear, reflecting Russia's vast landscapes and frequent thunderstorms.

Related Concepts:

• гроза (groza) - Storm
• гром (grom) - Thunder
• ураган (uragan) - Hurricane
• электричество (elektrichestvo) - Electricity