Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rainwater'

English Word: rainwater

Key Russian Translations:

• дождевая вода [doʒdevaja ˈvoda] - [Formal, used in scientific or environmental contexts]
• дождевой сток [doʒdevoj ˈstok] - [Informal, specific to drainage or runoff scenarios]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about weather, environment, or water collection, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun phrases and environmental vocabulary; for "дождевой сток," it may reach B2 due to more specialized usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дождевая вода: [doʒdevaja ˈvoda]

дождевой сток: [doʒdevoj ˈstok]

Note on дождевая вода: The stress is on the second syllable of "дождевая" (/doʒde'vaja/), which can be tricky for learners due to the soft sign and vowel shifts in related forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: Water that has fallen as rain, often collected for use or analyzed in environmental contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дождевая вода - Used in formal or technical settings, such as discussing rainwater harvesting or pollution.
• дождевой сток - Applied in contexts involving urban drainage, flooding, or water management systems.

Usage Examples:

• В сельской местности часто собирают дождевая вода для полива огорода.

  In rural areas, rainwater is often collected for watering the garden.

• Дождевой сток с крыш домов может содержать вредные примеси.

  Runoff rainwater from house roofs can contain harmful impurities.

• Экологи изучают, как дождевая вода влияет на качество грунтовых вод.

  Ecologists study how rainwater affects the quality of groundwater.

• Во время ливня дождевой сток быстро заполняет канавы.

  During heavy rain, runoff rainwater quickly fills the ditches.

• Система сбора дождевая вода помогает экономить пресную воду в засушливых регионах.

  A rainwater collection system helps conserve fresh water in arid regions.

Secondary meaning: Figurative or metaphorical use, such as fresh or natural water sources in literature.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дождевая вода - In poetic or metaphorical contexts, emphasizing purity or renewal.

Usage Examples:

• Как дождевая вода смывает пыль, так и новые идеи очищают разум.

  Just as rainwater washes away dust, new ideas cleanse the mind.

• В её глазах блестела дождевая вода, символизирующая надежду.

  In her eyes shone rainwater, symbolizing hope.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дождевая вода" is a noun phrase where "вода" (water) is a feminine noun that follows standard first-declension patterns, while "дождевая" is an adjective that agrees with it. "Дождевой сток" involves "сток" (a masculine noun) with its own declension. Below is a table for key inflections:

Note: These follow regular patterns, but adjectives like "дождевая" must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • осадки (precipitation) - More general term, often used in weather reports.
  • дождевые потоки (rain streams) - Emphasizes flow, suitable for dynamic contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • снег (snow) - Contrasts as a frozen form of precipitation.
  • речные воды (river water) - Represents non-rainfall sources.

Related Phrases:

• Сбор дождевой воды - Collection of rainwater; commonly used in sustainable living contexts.
• Дождевой урожай - Rainwater harvesting; refers to techniques for capturing and storing rain.
• Загрязнение дождевого стока - Pollution of rainwater runoff; discusses environmental issues.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "дождевая вода" directly corresponds to "rainwater" in literal contexts, but it's more formal and often paired with technical discussions. Choose "дождевой сток" for scenarios involving flow or drainage to match English nuances. Be mindful of case agreement, as Russian adjectives must align with the noun's gender and number. This vocabulary is neutral in tone but leans toward scientific or everyday practical use, avoiding slang.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дождь вода" instead of "дождевая вода" (omitting the adjective agreement). Correct: "Дождевая вода" ensures the adjective modifies the noun properly. Explanation: Russian requires adjectives to agree in form, so this mistake can make the phrase sound ungrammatical.

• Error: Confusing with "дождь" alone, which means "rain" but not specifically the water collected. Correct: Use "дождевая вода" for emphasis on the water itself. Explanation: Learners might oversimplify, but this loses precision in contexts like environmental science.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, rainwater is often associated with renewal and purity in folklore, such as in traditional beliefs where collecting rainwater during certain weather events is seen as a way to harness natural energy. This ties into broader themes of environmental respect in Russian literature, like in works by authors who depict rain as a symbol of rebirth in rural settings.

Related Concepts:

• осадки
• грунтовые воды
• ливень