Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'overcast'

English Word: overcast

Key Russian Translations:

• пасмурный /pɐˈsmurnɨj/ - [Formal, commonly used in weather descriptions]

Frequency: Medium (This word is frequently used in weather-related contexts, such as forecasts or casual conversations about the sky.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level; suitable for elementary learners, as it involves straightforward adjective usage in everyday Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пасмурный: /pɐˈsmurnɨj/

Note on пасмурный: The stress is on the second syllable ('smur'). Be cautious with the 'р' sound, which is a rolled 'r' in Russian, and the vowel sounds can vary slightly by region, but this IPA represents standard Moscow pronunciation.

Audio: Audio placeholder for пасмурный (click to play) (Insert actual audio link here)

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Describing weather where the sky is covered with clouds, often implying gloominess or lack of sunshine.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пасмурный - Used in formal and informal contexts for weather reports, daily conversations, or literary descriptions to indicate cloudy conditions without rain.

Usage Examples:

• Сегодня пасмурно, и небо покрыто густыми облаками.

  Today is overcast, and the sky is covered with thick clouds.

• В пасмурный день мы решили остаться дома и читать книги.

  On an overcast day, we decided to stay home and read books.

• Пасмурная погода в Санкт-Петербурге часто вдохновляет художников.

  The overcast weather in St. Petersburg often inspires artists.

• Если пасмурно, то лучше взять зонт на прогулку.

  If it's overcast, it's better to take an umbrella for a walk.

• Летом пасмурные дни редки, но они приносят облегчение от жары.

  In summer, overcast days are rare, but they bring relief from the heat.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пасмурный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case to agree with the noun it modifies. It follows the standard first-declension adjective pattern, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective does not change in short form, but in modern usage, the full form is preferred.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • облачный (oblachnyy) - More neutral, often used interchangeably for cloudy skies.
  • хмурый (khmuiry) - Implies a gloomier or more sullen atmosphere, with a subtle emotional connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • ясный (yasnyy) - Clear or bright weather.
  • солнечный (solnechnyy) - Sunny, directly opposite in weather conditions.

Related Phrases:

• пасмурная погода - Overcast weather (Common in forecasts; implies dull, cloudy conditions without specifying rain).
• пасмурное небо - Overcast sky (Used poetically or in descriptions to evoke a moody atmosphere).
• пасмурный день - Overcast day (Often in casual talk about plans affected by weather).

Usage Notes:

"Пасмурный" directly corresponds to "overcast" in English, primarily as an adjective describing weather. It must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, which is a key feature of Russian adjectives. For example, use it in formal contexts like news reports or informal chats. When choosing between synonyms like "облачный," opt for "пасмурный" if you want to convey a sense of gloom. Be mindful of regional variations; in northern Russia, this word is more common due to frequent overcast conditions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "пасмурный" as an invariant word without changing forms. For instance, saying "пасмурный небо" instead of "пасмурное небо" (for neuter noun).

  Correct: пасмурное небо. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the noun's gender; "небо" is neuter, so the adjective ends in "-ое."

• Error: Confusing it with "дождливый" (rainy), leading to misuse like "пасмурный" for actual rain.

  Correct: Use "пасмурный" only for cloudiness without rain; for rainy weather, say "дождливый день." Explanation: This prevents overgeneralization and ensures precise weather descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "пасмурный" weather is a common reality, especially in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where overcast skies can dominate for days. This often ties into cultural expressions of melancholy in Russian literature and art, such as in the works of Pushkin or Chekhov, where gloomy weather symbolizes introspection or emotional depth.

Related Concepts:

• дождливый (rainy)
• облачный (cloudy)
• хмурый (gloomy or sullen)