Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nippy'

English Word: nippy

Key Russian Translations:

• холодный [xə'lɔdnɨj] - [Informal, used for describing chilly or cold weather conditions]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations about weather, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; learners should understand basic adjective declensions and weather-related vocabulary to use it effectively.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

холодный: [xə'lɔdnɨj]

Note on холодный: The initial "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch". Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Describing something as cold or chilly, often in the context of weather or temperature.

Translation(s) & Context:

• холодный - Used in informal daily conversations to describe a sudden chill or cool breeze, especially in British English contexts where "nippy" is common.

Usage Examples:

• На улице сегодня холодно, так что надень куртку.

  English: "It's nippy outside today, so put on your jacket." (This example shows the adjective in a simple declarative sentence about weather.)

• Ветер стал холодным ближе к вечеру.

  English: "The wind turned nippy towards the evening." (Illustrates use in describing changing weather conditions.)

• Эта холодная погода идеальна для прогулки в парке.

  English: "This nippy weather is perfect for a walk in the park." (Demonstrates positive connotation in recreational contexts.)

• Холодный воздух помог мне проснуться утром.

  English: "The nippy air helped me wake up in the morning." (Shows metaphorical or sensory use.)

• В холодную зиму мы всегда носим перчатки.

  English: "In nippy winters, we always wear gloves." (Highlights seasonal application with plural forms.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Холодный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it undergoes full declension based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прохладный (prohladnyy) - Slightly cooler, often implying a refreshing coolness rather than biting cold.
  • морозный (moroznyy) - Used for frosty or freezing conditions, with a connotation of ice.
• Antonyms:
  • теплый (teplyy) - Warm, directly opposite for comfortable temperatures.
  • жаркий (zharkiy) - Hot, especially in summer contexts.

Related Phrases:

• холодный ветер - A nippy wind; used to describe a chilling breeze in outdoor settings.
• холодная погода - Nippy weather; common in weather forecasts or casual talks.
• холодный душ - A nippy shower; metaphorically for something invigorating or shocking.

Usage Notes:

"Холодный" directly corresponds to the informal British English "nippy" when describing sudden coldness, but it's more versatile in Russian for various contexts. Use it in informal settings for weather; in formal writing, opt for more precise terms like "прохладный" if needed. Always decline it according to the noun it modifies to maintain grammatical agreement. When choosing between translations, "холодный" is best for everyday coldness, while synonyms might fit nuanced scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective, e.g., saying "холодный день" incorrectly as "холодный дня" in genitive case.

  Correct: Use "холодного дня" for genitive. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case, number, and gender with their nouns; this is a common oversight for English speakers used to invariable adjectives.

• Error: Confusing it with "холод" (cold as a noun), leading to misuse like "Я чувствую холодный" instead of "Я чувствую холод".

  Correct: "Я чувствую холодный ветер". Explanation: Ensure the adjective is paired with a noun; standalone use is rare and context-specific.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "холодный" often evoke the harsh winters of Russia, symbolizing resilience and endurance. It's frequently used in literature and folklore to describe the climate, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where cold weather reflects emotional or thematic depth.

Related Concepts:

• погода (weather)
• мороз (frost)
• зима (winter)