Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'siren'

English Word: siren

Key Russian Translations:

• сирена [ˈsʲirʲɪnə] - [Formal, Used for both literal devices and mythological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in contexts like emergencies or literature)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сирена: [ˈsʲirʲɪnə]

Note on сирена: The stress falls on the first syllable. The 'р' is a rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A loud warning device that produces a prolonged sound (e.g., on ambulances or in alarms)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сирена - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as emergency services or public announcements.

Usage Examples:

• Сирена скорой помощи раздавалась по всему городу.

  The siren of the ambulance echoed throughout the city.

• В случае пожара, сирена автоматически активируется.

  In case of a fire, the siren activates automatically.

• Полицейская сирена предупредила нас о приближающемся патруле.

  The police siren warned us of the approaching patrol.

• Сирена завода сигнализировала о конце смены.

  The factory siren signaled the end of the shift.

Meaning 2: In mythology, a creature (often depicted as a beautiful but dangerous woman) that lures people, especially sailors, to their doom

Translation(s) & Context:

• сирена - Used in literary, poetic, or cultural contexts, often with a metaphorical connotation.

Usage Examples:

• В греческой мифологии сирены заманивали моряков своими песнями.

  In Greek mythology, sirens lured sailors with their songs.

• Сирена в этой сказке символизирует опасность скрытую за красотой.

  The siren in this fairy tale symbolizes danger hidden behind beauty.

• Художник изобразил сирену как соблазнительное, но роковое существо.

  The artist depicted the siren as a seductive yet fatal creature.

• Сирены в литературе часто ассоциируются с морскими приключениями.

  Sirens in literature are often associated with sea adventures.

• Модернистские писатели используют образ сирены для критики общества.

  Modernist writers use the image of the siren to critique society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сирена" is a feminine noun in the first declension group, which follows regular patterns for most Russian nouns. It inflects based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сигнал (signal) - Often used interchangeably in technical contexts, but less specific to loud alarms.
  • ревун (buzzer or howler) - Informal synonym for the device, emphasizing the sound.
• Antonyms:
  • тишина (silence) - The opposite of a loud warning sound.

Related Phrases:

• Звуковая сирена (Sound siren) - Refers to an audible alarm system, commonly used in security contexts.
• Мифическая сирена (Mythical siren) - Describes the legendary creature, often in storytelling or cultural discussions.
• Сирена тревоги (Alarm siren) - A fixed phrase for emergency alerts, implying urgency and immediate action.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "сирена" directly corresponds to the English "siren" in both its literal (device) and figurative (mythological) senses, but it's important to consider context for accurate usage. In formal or technical settings, it's neutral and widely applicable. For mythological references, it carries a poetic connotation. When choosing this translation, ensure the sentence structure aligns with Russian grammar, such as proper declension. For example, English speakers might overuse the nominative form; always adjust for case based on the sentence role.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сирена" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я слышал сирена" instead of "Я слышал сирену" (accusative case for direct object).

  Correct Usage: Я слышал сирену. (Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case; here, it's the direct object, so accusative is needed.)

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "сигнал," leading to imprecise meanings, e.g., using "сигнал" when "сирена" is needed for a specific alarm sound.

  Correct Usage: Use "сирена" for the device itself, as in "Сирена включилась," not "Сигнал включилась." (Explanation: "Сигнал" is more general and might not convey the auditory intensity.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сирена" as a mythological figure draws heavily from Greek myths but has been adapted in Russian literature, such as in works by Pushkin or modern folklore. It often symbolizes temptation and danger, reflecting themes in Russian storytelling where beauty masks peril, similar to Western interpretations but with a emphasis on emotional depth in Slavic traditions.

Related Concepts:

• сигнал (signal)
• тревога (alarm)
• морская нимфа (sea nymph)