Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'snow'

English Word: snow

Key Russian Translations:

• снег (/snʲek/) - [Noun, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in winter contexts in Russian-speaking regions)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary word introduced early in language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

снег: /snʲek/

Note on снег: The 'с' is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, similar to 's' in "snake," and the 'нʲ' involves a palatalized 'n' sound, which is a common feature in Russian that English speakers may find challenging at first.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The frozen precipitation consisting of ice crystals that fall from the atmosphere.

Translation(s) & Context:

• снег - Used in general weather descriptions, literature, and everyday conversation to refer to snow as a natural phenomenon. Context: Neutral, applicable in formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Снег падает с неба, покрывая землю белым ковром.

  Snow is falling from the sky, covering the ground with a white blanket.

• Зимой в Москве часто лежит снег на улицах.

  In winter, snow often lies on the streets in Moscow.

• Дети лепят снеговика из свежего снега.

  Children are building a snowman from fresh snow.

• Снег тает под лучами весеннего солнца.

  Snow melts under the rays of the spring sun.

• Во время снегопада дороги становятся скользкими.

  During a snowfall, roads become slippery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Снег" is a masculine noun in the second declension group. It undergoes regular inflection based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its declensions for singular and plural forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: снегопад (snowfall; implies a weather event rather than the substance itself), иней (hoarfrost; similar in winter contexts but specifically for frozen dew)
• Antonyms: дождь (rain; opposite in weather phenomena), тепло (warmth; conceptual opposite in seasonal contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Снежный покров - Snow cover; Refers to the layer of snow on the ground, commonly used in meteorological or environmental discussions.
• Снегопад в разгаре - Snowfall in full swing; Indicates heavy snow, often in weather forecasts.
• Лепить снежного человека - To build a snowman; A playful phrase for winter activities.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "снег" directly corresponds to the English "snow" as a noun, but it must agree in case, number, and gender with other elements in the sentence, which is a key grammatical difference from English. For example, use the genitive case (снега) when indicating possession or origin. It is neutral in tone and can be used across formal (e.g., scientific reports) and informal contexts (e.g., casual conversation). When choosing among translations, "снег" is the most straightforward for general use, while "снегопад" is preferred for describing events. Be mindful of regional variations in pronunciation across Russian dialects.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "снег" in all cases, e.g., saying "Я вижу снег" when it should be "Я вижу в снеге" (I see in the snow). Correct: Always adjust for case; here, prepositional "снеге" is needed. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

• Error: Confusing "снег" with "снегопад," e.g., using "снег" to mean a snowstorm. Correct: Use "снегопад" for the event. Explanation: "Снег" refers specifically to the substance, not the meteorological event, so precision in vocabulary choice is essential to avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "снег" is deeply tied to winter traditions, symbolizing both beauty and hardship. Russia experiences long, snowy winters, influencing folklore, literature (e.g., in Pushkin's works), and holidays like New Year's, where snow is celebrated in songs and decorations. It often evokes a sense of resilience and coziness, as seen in the custom of drinking tea by the window during a snowfall.

Related Concepts:

• зима (winter)
• мороз (frost)
• снеговик (snowman)