Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raindrop'

English Word: raindrop

Key Russian Translations:

• капля дождя /ˈkaplə ˈdoʒdʲə/ - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts]
• дождевой капля /ˈdoʒdʲevəj ˈkaplə/ - [More formal or descriptive, often in literary or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in weather-related discussions, literature, and casual speech, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "water".)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers learning Russian, as it involves basic noun structures, though understanding cases may require some practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

капля дождя: /ˈkaplə ˈdoʒdʲə/

дождевой капля: /ˈdoʒdʲevəj ˈkaplə/

Note on капля дождя: The stress is on the first syllable of each word; pay attention to the palatalized 'л' in "капля", which can be tricky for non-native speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'ж' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal meaning: A single drop of water falling from the sky during rain.

Translation(s) & Context:

• капля дождя - Used in everyday, descriptive contexts, such as describing weather or nature.
• дождевой капля - Preferred in formal, scientific, or poetic contexts to emphasize the origin of the drop.

Usage Examples:

• Капля дождя упала на окно и медленно скатилась вниз.

  A raindrop fell on the window and slowly slid down.

• Дети ловили дождевые капли языками во время летнего ливня.

  Children were catching raindrops with their tongues during a summer downpour.

• Каждый дождевой капля на листьях блестела, как алмаз, после грозы.

  Every raindrop on the leaves sparkled like a diamond after the storm.

• В тихий вечер капля дождя разбилась о крышу, нарушая тишину.

  In the quiet evening, a raindrop hit the roof, breaking the silence.

• Учёные изучают, как дождевые капли формируются в облаках.

  Scientists study how raindrops form in clouds.

Metaphorical meaning: Symbolizing something small, transient, or emotional, e.g., a tear or a moment of sadness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• капля дождя - Often used metaphorically in poetry or emotional descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Её слёзы были как капли дождя, скрывая глубокую грусть.

  Her tears were like raindrops, hiding deep sadness.

• Капля дождя в океане времени – такова жизнь каждого из нас.

  A raindrop in the ocean of time – that's what each of our lives is.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Капля" is a feminine noun in the first declension, which means it undergoes regular case and number changes. "Дождя" is the genitive form of "дождь" (rain). "Дождевой" is an adjective that agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.

For "капля дождя", here is a basic inflection table for "капля" (as it is the core noun):

For "дождевой капля", the adjective "дождевой" changes accordingly: e.g., nominative singular feminine is "дождевая", genitive singular is "дождевой". This phrase is invariant in basic forms but must agree with the noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • капелька (a diminutive form, implying something small and cute)
  • росинка (more poetic, often used for dew but can imply raindrop)
• Antonyms:
  • снежинка (snowflake, contrasting with rain)
  • ураган (hurricane, implying something large and destructive)

Related Phrases:

• Капли дождя стучат по крыше – This phrase means "Raindrops are tapping on the roof" and is used to describe rainy weather sounds.
• Дождевые капли на стекле – Meaning "Raindrops on the glass," often in contexts of observation or poetry.
• Ливень с каплями величиной с горошину – Translates to "A downpour with raindrops as big as peas," used for heavy rain descriptions.

Usage Notes:

• While "raindrop" directly translates to "капля дождя", English speakers should note that Russian often requires the genitive case for possession, as in "капля дождя" (drop of rain). Use "дождевой капля" for more formal or attributive descriptions.
• In informal speech, "капелька" might be preferred for endearment, similar to how English uses "little raindrop".
• Be mindful of gender agreement: "капля" is feminine, so adjectives and verbs must align accordingly.
• When choosing between translations, opt for "капля дождя" in everyday contexts and "дождевой капля" in scientific or literary ones for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "капля" without the genitive "дождя", e.g., saying "капля" alone to mean "raindrop".
  Correct: "Капля дождя" – This ensures the phrase specifies it's a raindrop, not just any drop. Explanation: Russian requires explicit possession for clarity.
• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., "Я видел капля" instead of "Я видел каплю".
  Correct: "Я видел каплю дождя" – Explanation: "Каплю" is the accusative form; learners often forget case changes in sentences.
• Error: Overusing diminutives like "капелька" in formal contexts.
  Correct: Stick to "капля дождя" for neutrality – Explanation: Diminutives add affection, which may not fit professional or scientific discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, raindrops are often romanticized in literature and poetry, symbolizing renewal or melancholy, as seen in works by Pushkin or in folk songs. For instance, raindrops might represent tears in emotional contexts, reflecting the Slavic tradition of linking nature with human emotions.

Related Concepts:

• дождь (rain)
• туча (cloud)
• ливень (downpour)