Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mistral'

English Word: mistral

Key Russian Translations:

• мистраль [mɪˈstral] - [Formal, Used in meteorological or geographical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in specialized texts like weather reports or geography.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should recognize it through exposure to advanced vocabulary, but it requires contextual understanding of Russian noun declensions and specialized terms.

Pronunciation (Russian):

мистраль: [mɪˈstral]

Note on мистраль: The stress falls on the second syllable ("stral"), and the "и" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. Be cautious with the "r" sound, which is typically rolled in Russian. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The Mistral wind (a strong, cold wind from the northwest in the Mediterranean region)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мистраль - Typically used in formal or scientific discussions about weather patterns, such as in meteorology or travel descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• В южной Франции мистраль дует с осени по весну, влияя на местный климат.

  In southern France, the Mistral blows from autumn to spring, affecting the local climate.

• Мистраль может достигать скоростей до 100 км/ч, что делает его опасным для мореплавателей.

  The Mistral can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, making it dangerous for sailors.

• Туристы в Провансе часто жалуются на мистраль, который развеивает всё вокруг.

  Tourists in Provence often complain about the Mistral, which scatters everything around.

• Из-за мистраля в регионе иногда отменяют мероприятия на открытом воздухе.

  Due to the Mistral, outdoor events in the region are sometimes canceled.

• Мистраль, как и другие ветры, играет роль в формировании ландшафта южной Европы.

  The Mistral, like other winds, plays a role in shaping the landscape of southern Europe.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мистраль" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from French, and follows the standard third declension pattern for most masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It is relatively regular but may not inflect in all contexts if used as a proper name or in fixed phrases.

Note: As a loanword, it may remain undeclined in some modern usages, especially in scientific contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • северный ветер (northern wind) - A general term for winds from the north, with a less specific connotation.
  • трамонтана (tramontane) - Similar cold wind from the north, often used interchangeably in some contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • южный ветер (southern wind) - Refers to warm winds from the south, contrasting in direction and temperature.

Related Phrases:

• Дует мистраль - "The Mistral is blowing" (Used to describe current weather conditions; context: weather reports or casual conversation about climate.)
• Мистраль в Провансе - "The Mistral in Provence" (A phrase often seen in travel guides; implies the wind's cultural impact on the region.)
• Сильный мистраль - "Strong Mistral" (Emphasizes intensity; used in meteorological warnings or descriptions.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation "мистраль" directly corresponds to the English "mistral" as a specific wind phenomenon, but it's more commonly used in formal or educational contexts rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like this one require declension based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive "мистраля" after prepositions like "из-за"). If multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "северный ветер" is more general and versatile for informal use. Be mindful of regional variations in pronunciation across Russian-speaking areas.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мистраль" without declension, e.g., saying "из мистраль" instead of "из мистраля". Correct: "Из-за мистраля ветер был очень сильным" (Due to the Mistral, the wind was very strong). Explanation: In Russian, nouns in the genitive case after prepositions like "из-за" must be declined; failing to do so sounds unnatural and grammatically incorrect for learners.

• Error: Confusing it with similar winds, e.g., translating "mistral" as "сирокко" (sirocco). Correct: Use "мистраль" for the northwestern wind; "сирокко" refers to a different wind from the southeast. Explanation: These are distinct meteorological terms, and mixing them up can lead to factual errors in discussions about weather.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "мистраль" is not deeply embedded as a native concept but is often referenced in literature or media discussing European geography, such as in translations of French works by authors like Albert Camus. It symbolizes the harsh, unyielding forces of nature, much like in Western literature, and may evoke images of the Mediterranean without specific Russian cultural ties.

Related Concepts:

• бриз (breeze)
• ураган (hurricane)
• трамонтана (tramontane wind)