Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tempestuous'

English Word: tempestuous

Key Russian Translations:

• бурный [ˈbur.nɨj] - [Formal, Literary; used in descriptive contexts for stormy or turbulent situations]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary and descriptive texts, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and contextual nuances, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бурный: [ˈbur.nɨj]

Note on бурный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be challenging for English speakers as it is a back unrounded vowel. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Characterized by strong emotions, violent activity, or turbulence (e.g., in weather, relationships, or events)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бурный - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe intense, stormy situations, such as emotional outbursts or turbulent weather; appropriate for both metaphorical and literal applications.

Usage Examples:

• Ветер был бурным, и волны бились о берег с неистовой силой.

  The wind was tempestuous, and the waves crashed against the shore with furious force.

• Их брак всегда был бурным, полный страстей и конфликтов.

  Their marriage was always tempestuous, full of passions and conflicts.

• Бурный период в истории России привел к значительным изменениям в обществе.

  The tempestuous period in Russian history led to significant changes in society.

• Ее бурный темперамент часто вызывал споры среди друзей.

  Her tempestuous temperament often sparked arguments among friends.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Бурный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it undergoes declension based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • яростный (yarostnyy) - More intense, implying rage or fury; often used for emotional contexts.
  • страстный (strastnyy) - Emphasizes passion; suitable for romantic or emotional scenarios, with a subtle difference from бурный in its positive connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • спокойный (spokoynyy) - Calm and peaceful, directly contrasting the turbulent nature.
  • мирный (mirnyy) - Peaceful or tranquil, especially in social or relational contexts.

Related Phrases:

• бурный роман - A tempestuous romance; refers to a passionate and turbulent love affair, often with emotional highs and lows.
• бурный поток - A tempestuous stream; used metaphorically for fast-moving, chaotic situations like a river or life events.
• бурная погода - Tempestuous weather; common in weather forecasts or descriptions of storms.

Usage Notes:

"Бурный" is a precise translation for "tempestuous" in contexts involving intensity or turbulence, but it leans more toward formal or literary language. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which is a key difference from English. When choosing between synonyms like "страстный," opt for "бурный" if the emphasis is on chaos rather than positive passion. It's commonly used in narrative writing or historical descriptions, so practice with sentences involving emotions or natural phenomena for better mastery.

Common Errors:

• Error: Failing to decline "бурный" correctly, e.g., using "бурный" with a feminine noun like "бурный женщина" instead of "бурная женщина."

  Correct Usage: бурная женщина (tempestuous woman). Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this mistake often stems from treating Russian like English, where adjectives don't change form.

• Error: Overusing "бурный" in casual contexts, such as saying "бурный день" for a busy day, when it implies extreme turbulence.

  Correct Usage: Use "занятой день" (busy day) instead. Explanation: "Бурный" carries a strong connotation of storminess, so reserve it for dramatic situations to avoid exaggeration.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in the works of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, words like "бурный" often evoke the vast, unpredictable Russian landscape or the intense emotional lives of characters. This reflects a cultural emphasis on passion and turmoil in personal and historical narratives, helping English speakers appreciate the dramatic flair in Russian storytelling.

Related Concepts:

• шторм (shtorm) - Storm
• страсть (strast') - Passion
• конфликт (konflikt) - Conflict