Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'torpedo'

English Word: torpedo

Key Russian Translations:

• торпеда /tɐrˈpʲedə/ - [Formal, Technical; Used in military and naval contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical, military, or historical discussions but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary, per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

торпеда: /tɐrˈpʲedə/

Note on торпеда: The stress falls on the second syllable, which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the palatalized 'п' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A self-propelled underwater missile used as a weapon (Primary military sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• торпеда - Used in formal, technical, or historical contexts, such as naval warfare or discussions about weaponry.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В Первой мировой войне подводные лодки часто использовали торпеды для атаки вражеских кораблей.

  English: In World War I, submarines often used torpedoes to attack enemy ships.

• Русский: Современные торпеды оснащены сложными системами наведения для повышения точности.

  English: Modern torpedoes are equipped with advanced guidance systems for improved accuracy.

• Русский: Во время учений флот выпустил несколько торпед в учебные цели.

  English: During the exercises, the fleet launched several torpedoes at practice targets.

• Русский: Торпеда может развивать высокую скорость под водой, делая её опасным оружием.

  English: A torpedo can achieve high speeds underwater, making it a dangerous weapon.

• Русский: Историки изучают эволюцию торпед от первых моделей до сегодняшних технологий.

  English: Historians study the evolution of torpedoes from early models to today's technologies.

Meaning 2: Less common, referring to a type of fish (e.g., electric torpedo ray)

Translation(s) & Context:

• торпеда - Used in biological or zoological contexts, though rare; often informal when discussing marine life.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Электрическая торпеда — это вид ската, способный генерировать электрический разряд.

  English: The electric torpedo is a type of ray that can generate an electric discharge.

• Русский: В океанариуме мы наблюдали за поведением торпеды в её естественной среде.

  English: At the aquarium, we observed the behavior of the torpedo in its natural habitat.

• Русский: Некоторые виды торпед обитают в тёплых морях и используются в научных исследованиях.

  English: Some species of torpedoes inhabit warm seas and are used in scientific research.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "торпеда" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table showing its declensions in the singular form (plural is less common but follows similar rules).

Note: In plural, it becomes "торпеды" in nominative, with further changes by case. This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • рыботорпеда (specifically for fish-related contexts; implies a biological torpedo-like creature)
  • подводная мина (underwater mine, in broader military senses; slight difference in precision)
• Antonyms:
  • не имеет прямых антонимов (No direct antonyms, as it is a specific object; conceptually opposite might be "защитное устройство" - protective device)

Related Phrases:

• Пустить торпеду - Launch a torpedo; Used in military contexts to describe an attack.
• Торпедный удар - Torpedo strike; Refers to a targeted assault in naval warfare.
• Электрическая торпеда - Electric torpedo; A phrase for the fish species, often in educational or scientific discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "торпеда" directly corresponds to the English "torpedo" in both military and biological senses, but it's more commonly associated with weaponry due to historical and cultural emphasis on naval history. Use the formal register in technical or professional settings; avoid in casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "торпеда" for precision, as alternatives like "подводная мина" may imply a broader or less specific meaning. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, e.g., in genitive for possession ("торпеды корабля").

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /tor-PEE-da/ instead of /tɐrˈpʲedə/, leading to confusion with similar words.

  Correct: Use the proper IPA /tɐrˈpʲedə/ and practice the palatalized 'п'. Example of error: Saying "Я видел торPEEда" (incorrect stress); Correct: "Я видел торпеду" (proper pronunciation and stress).

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases.

  Correct: Adjust for case, as in "атаковать торпедой" (instrumental case for "with a torpedo"). This mistake often stems from English's lack of declensions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "торпеда" is often linked to military history, particularly the Soviet era's advancements in naval technology during World Wars and the Cold War. It symbolizes innovation in defense but can evoke themes of conflict and strategy in literature or films, such as in war memoirs or documentaries about the Russian Navy.

Related Concepts:

• ракета (rocket)
• подводная лодка (submarine)
• миномёт (mortar)