Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sky'

English Word: sky

Key Russian Translations:

• небо /ˈnʲe.bə/ - [Neutral; commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is one of the most common in Russian for describing natural phenomena and appears frequently in daily conversation, literature, and media.)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary; suitable for beginners as it follows basic noun patterns, but understanding its inflections may require some early intermediate practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

небо: /ˈnʲe.bə/

Note on небо: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'н' (/nʲ/), which is a common sound in Russian. Be careful with the stress on the first syllable, as it can affect the word's natural flow in sentences.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The expanse of space above the Earth, often associated with weather, stars, or atmosphere.

Translation(s) & Context:

• небо - Used in general contexts for the sky, such as describing weather or celestial events (e.g., in poetry, science, or casual talk).

Usage Examples:

• Небо сегодня ясное и голубое.

  The sky is clear and blue today.

• Звёзды мерцают на ночном небе.

  The stars are twinkling in the night sky.

• Лётчик смотрит на небо, планируя полёт.

  The pilot is looking at the sky, planning the flight.

• Дети рисуют солнце и облака на небе.

  The children are drawing the sun and clouds in the sky.

• Во время грозы небо потемнело и загремело.

  During the storm, the sky darkened and thundered.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Небо" is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows regular inflection patterns for Russian nouns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural form "небеса" is often used in poetic or biblical contexts to refer to the heavens.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • воздух (air; used more for the atmosphere but can overlap in poetic contexts)
  • фирнамент (firmament; more formal or archaic, implying a celestial structure)
• Antonyms:
  • земля (earth; refers to the ground or land)
  • подземелье (underworld; in metaphorical or literary senses)

Related Phrases:

• Голубое небо - Blue sky; often used in descriptions of weather or idyllic scenes.
• Ночное небо - Night sky; commonly in astronomy or storytelling contexts.
• Под открытым небом - Under the open sky; means outdoors or in the elements, like camping.
• Небо в алмазах - Sky full of diamonds; a poetic phrase, referencing stars, from a famous song.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "небо" directly corresponds to the English "sky" in most contexts, but it can carry poetic or metaphorical connotations in Russian literature and culture. Use "небо" in neutral, everyday situations, but be aware of its inflections based on case (e.g., "в небе" for "in the sky"). If the context involves weather, pair it with adjectives like "ясное" (clear). For formal or scientific discussions, it remains versatile. When choosing between synonyms, opt for "небо" as it's the most straightforward and common translation.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "небо" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в небо" instead of "в небе" for "in the sky".
  Correct: в небе (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust based on the preposition.
• Mistake: Confusing "небо" with "воздух", thinking they are interchangeable.
  Correct: Use "небо" for visual or celestial aspects; "воздух" for atmospheric quality. Explanation: This can lead to imprecise descriptions in conversations about weather.
• Mistake: Overusing the plural "небеса" in everyday speech.
  Correct: Reserve "небеса" for poetic or religious contexts; use singular "небо" for general reference. Explanation: Incorrect usage might sound overly dramatic or archaic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "небо" often symbolizes freedom, infinity, or the divine, as seen in folklore, poetry (e.g., Pushkin's works), and even in expressions like "до седьмого неба" (to the seventh heaven, meaning extreme happiness). This reflects a historical connection to Orthodox Christianity and nature worship in Slavic traditions, where the sky is viewed as a gateway to the spiritual world.

Related Concepts:

• облако (cloud)
• звезда (star)
• солнце (sun)
• луна (moon)