Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rainproof'

English Word: rainproof

Key Russian Translations:

• водонепроницаемый [vɐdənʲɪprəˈnʲit͡sənʲɪj] - [Adjective, Formal/Technical]
• непромокаемый [nʲɪprəmɐˈkaɛmɨj] - [Adjective, Informal/Evryday]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts related to weather, outdoor gear, and materials, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "water" or "rain").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; involves understanding adjective inflections. For 'водонепроницаемый', it's more challenging due to its length and technical nature; 'непромокаемый' is slightly easier at A2 for beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

водонепроницаемый: [vɐdənʲɪprəˈnʲit͡sənʲɪj]

непромокаемый: [nʲɪprəmɐˈkaɛmɨj]

Note on водонепроницаемый: This word has a complex consonant cluster in the middle, which can be tricky for English speakers; stress falls on the fourth syllable. A common variant in rapid speech might soften the 'т' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Waterproof or resistant to rain, typically describing materials, clothing, or devices that prevent water penetration.

Translation(s) & Context:

• водонепроницаемый - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing outdoor equipment or scientific materials (e.g., in manufacturing or weatherproofing).
• непромокаемый - Applied in everyday, informal situations, like casual clothing or household items.

Usage Examples:

• Мой новый плащ водонепроницаемый, поэтому он идеален для дождливой погоды.

  My new coat is rainproof, so it's ideal for rainy weather.

• Эта ткань непромокаемая, но она не выдержит сильный ливень.

  This fabric is rainproof, but it won't hold up against a heavy downpour.

• Водонепроницаемые телефоны популярны среди путешественников.

  Rainproof phones are popular among travelers.

• Не забывай надеть непромокаемую обувь, если пойдёт дождь.

  Don't forget to wear rainproof shoes if it rains.

• Производитель гарантирует, что куртка водонепроницаемая на 100%.

  The manufacturer guarantees that the jacket is 100% rainproof.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'водонепроницаемый' and 'непромокаемый' are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case to agree with the nouns they modify. Russian adjectives follow regular patterns for most forms, but these words are derived from compounds and maintain standard adjectival endings.

For 'непромокаемый', the inflections follow the same pattern:

These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward once the basic rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водостойкий (more general, implying resistance to water; often used interchangeably but slightly less emphatic)
  • защищённый от воды (literal phrase, used in protective contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • проницаемый (permeable, allowing water through)
  • незащищённый (unprotected, vulnerable to water)

Related Phrases:

• Водонепроницаемая одежда - Refers to rainproof clothing, commonly used for outdoor activities.
• Непромокаемый материал - Indicates a rainproof material, often in manufacturing or DIY contexts.
• Защищённый от дождя - A phrase meaning protected from rain, used in weather-related discussions.

Usage Notes:

Choose 'водонепроницаемый' for more formal or technical scenarios, such as product descriptions or scientific texts, as it precisely matches the English 'rainproof' in implying complete water resistance. 'Непромокаемый' is better for everyday conversations and is less formal. Always ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies—e.g., use 'водонепроницаемая' for feminine nouns like 'куртка' (jacket). Be cautious with regional variations; in some dialects, synonyms like 'водостойкий' might be preferred. For English learners, remember that Russian adjectives don't have comparative forms like English 'more rainproof'; use adverbs or rephrase instead.

• Context tip: In Russian, these words often appear in phrases related to weather, so pair them with nouns like 'плащ' (coat) or 'телефон' (phone).

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the inflections, such as using the masculine form 'водонепроницаемый' with a feminine noun (e.g., incorrectly saying 'водонепроницаемый куртка' instead of 'водонепроницаемая куртка'). Error: "Мой телефон водонепроницаемый." (Incorrect because it doesn't specify agreement.) Correct: "Мой телефон водонепроницаемый." (This works if 'телефон' is treated as masculine, but ensure context.) Another common mistake is confusing it with 'влагостойкий' (moisture-resistant); explanation: 'Влагостойкий' implies tolerance to humidity, not full rainproofing, so use 'водонепроницаемый' for direct equivalents.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, terms like 'водонепроницаемый' are particularly relevant due to the country's variable weather, including frequent rain and snow. This vocabulary ties into cultural practices like preparing for outdoor activities in adverse conditions, such as hiking in the Ural mountains or daily commutes in Moscow's rainy seasons, emphasizing practicality in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• дождь (rain)
• плащ (coat)
• защита (protection)
• материал (material)