Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parachute'

English Word: parachute

Key Russian Translations:

• парашют [pɐrɐˈʂut] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in contexts like aviation, military, or adventure sports, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun declensions and technical vocabulary, though the specific pronunciation may pose a challenge for English speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

парашют: [pɐrɐˈʂut]

Note on парашют: The sound 'ш' (as in [ʂ]) is a voiceless retroflex fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "shoe" but with a more curled tongue. Be cautious with the stress on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The device used for slowing descent from an aircraft

Translation(s) & Context:

• парашют - Used in formal, technical, or descriptive contexts, such as in aviation, military operations, or sports like skydiving.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Солдат использовал парашют, чтобы безопасно приземлиться после прыжка с самолёта.

  English Translation: The soldier used a parachute to land safely after jumping from the plane.

• Русский: В экстремальных видах спорта, таких как парашютный прыжок, правильное использование парашюта критически важно.

  English Translation: In extreme sports like skydiving, the proper use of a parachute is critically important.

• Русский: Пилот активировал парашют, когда самолёт потерял управление на большой высоте.

  English Translation: The pilot activated the parachute when the plane lost control at a high altitude.

• Русский: Детям в музее показали, как работает парашют в исторических военных операциях.

  English Translation: Children at the museum were shown how a parachute works in historical military operations.

• Русский: Авиаконструктор изобрёл новый тип парашюта для более точного приземления.

  English Translation: The aircraft designer invented a new type of parachute for more precise landings.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Парашют" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard second declension pattern for most nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections for cases and numbers, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun does not have any irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • спасательный парашют (emergency parachute) - Used specifically for life-saving contexts, with a slight emphasis on rescue operations.
  • тормозной парашют (brake parachute) - Applied in aviation for deceleration, highlighting a functional subset.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "парашют" is a specific object without a clear opposite in Russian vocabulary.

Related Phrases:

• Прыжок с парашютом - A common phrase meaning "skydiving" or "parachute jump," often used in sports and adventure contexts.
• Спасательный парашют - Refers to an "emergency parachute," typically in military or aviation safety discussions.
• Парашютный спорт - Means "parachuting sport," describing organized activities like competitive skydiving.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "парашют" directly corresponds to the English "parachute" and is used in similar contexts, such as technical, military, or recreational settings. It is a formal term and rarely appears in informal everyday speech. When using it, pay attention to case endings based on sentence structure—for example, in the genitive case (e.g., "парашюта" for "of the parachute"). If multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "спасательный парашют" for rescue scenarios. Grammatically, it functions as a standard masculine noun, so articles or adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел парашют" when it should be "Я видел парашют" in accusative, but mistakenly using nominative in contexts requiring other cases.

  Correct Usage: "Я пользуюсь парашютом" (I am using the parachute) - Here, instrumental case is correct.

  Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case systems, leading to grammatical errors. Always check the sentence's role for the noun.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by softening the 'ш' sound or placing stress incorrectly.

  Correct Pronunciation: [pɐrɐˈʂut] - Emphasize the second syllable and use the proper retroflex 'ш'.

  Explanation: This can make the word sound like a different term, potentially causing confusion in communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "парашют" is often associated with historical aviation achievements, such as those during World War II when parachutes were crucial for pilots. It also ties into modern adventure sports, with events like the annual parachute festivals in Russia symbolizing bravery and exploration. This reflects Russia's emphasis on military and aerospace heritage, as seen in figures like Yuri Gagarin, though parachutes themselves are more practical than symbolic.

Related Concepts:

• самолёт (airplane)
• прыжок (jump)
• авиация (aviation)