Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rocket'

English Word: rocket

Key Russian Translations:

• ракета [ˈrakʲɪta] - [Formal, Common in scientific and military contexts]
• ракетный [rɐˈkʲetnɨj] - [Adjective form, Informal, Used to describe something related to rockets]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in contexts like space exploration, military discussions, or sports, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; learners should understand basic noun forms and contexts, though inflection patterns may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ракета: [ˈrakʲɪta]

Note on ракета: The stress falls on the first syllable. The soft sign (ь) in "rakʲɪta" indicates a palatalized 'k' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers—similar to the 'k' in "kite" but softer.

ракетный: [rɐˈkʲetnɨj]

Note on ракетный: Stress on the second syllable; the ending '-ый' is a common adjective suffix and may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A vehicle propelled by engines that travels at high speeds, often used in space exploration or military applications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ракета - Used in formal, technical, or scientific contexts, such as discussing space launches or weaponry.

Usage Examples:

• Космонавты готовят ракету к запуску.

  The astronauts are preparing the rocket for launch.

• Эта ракета может достичь орбиты за несколько минут.

  This rocket can reach orbit in a few minutes.

• Во время войны ракета была использована для обороны.

  During the war, the rocket was used for defense.

• Ракета пронеслась по небу, оставляя след дыма.

  The rocket streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of smoke.

Meaning 2: A fast-moving object or action, such as in sports (e.g., a powerful serve in tennis) or a metaphorical rapid rise.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ракета - Informal in sports contexts; can also imply speed metaphorically.
• ракетный - As an adjective, for describing fast-paced elements.

Usage Examples:

• Его подача была как ракета, и соперник не успел отреагировать.

  His serve was like a rocket, and the opponent didn't have time to react.

• Акции компании взлетели, как ракета, после новости о слиянии.

  The company's stocks skyrocketed like a rocket after the merger news.

• Ракетный рост экономики удивил аналитиков.

  The rocket-like growth of the economy surprised analysts.

• В футболе его удар был ракетным, и мяч влетел в ворота.

  In soccer, his shot was rocket-fast, and the ball went into the goal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ракета" is a feminine noun (3rd declension) and follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

For "ракетный" (adjective), it inflects based on gender, number, and case. Example: Masculine singular - ракетный; Feminine singular - ракетная; Neuter singular - ракетное; Plural - ракетные. This follows regular adjective patterns with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Снаряд (snaряд) - More general term for a projectile, often used in military contexts; less specific than ракета.
  • Пусковая установка (puskovaya ustanovka) - For launch vehicles; implies a system rather than just the rocket.
• Antonyms:
  • Падение (padjenije) - Implies falling or descent, contrasting with upward motion.
  • Торпеда (torpeda) - A underwater projectile, contrasting in context (sea vs. air/space).

Related Phrases:

• Космическая ракета - Space rocket; Used in discussions of space travel, implying advanced technology and exploration.
• Запуск ракеты - Rocket launch; Common in news or events, often with ceremonial connotations in Russian culture.
• Ракетный удар - Rocket strike; A phrase from military contexts, emphasizing precision and impact.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ракета" directly corresponds to the English "rocket" in most literal senses, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical agreement (e.g., in prepositional phrases like "о ракете" for "about the rocket"). For metaphorical uses, like rapid growth, "ракета" is idiomatic but less common than in English—opt for it in dynamic contexts. When choosing between translations, use "ракета" for nouns and "ракетный" for adjectives; be mindful of formal settings where precise terminology is expected. Avoid direct word-for-word translation in sentences to maintain natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "ракета" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу ракета" instead of "Я вижу ракету" (accusative for direct object).
  Correct: "Я вижу ракету." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; "вижу" governs accusative, so "ракета" becomes "ракету."
• Mistake: Confusing "ракета" with "ракета" in sports contexts, leading to overuse in non-literal situations, e.g., "Его машина едет ракета" (incorrect word order and phrasing).
  Correct: "Его машина мчится, как ракета." Explanation: Use simile structures for metaphors to sound natural; direct translations often feel awkward.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ракета" often evokes pride in national achievements, such as the Soviet space program (e.g., Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin's flight). It symbolizes technological prowess and innovation, frequently referenced in media and education to highlight Russia's contributions to space exploration, which fosters a sense of patriotism.

Related Concepts:

• Сателлит (satellit) - Satellite
• Космодром (kosmodrom) - Spaceport
• Астронавт (astronavt) - Astronaut