Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wind'

English Word: wind

Key Russian Translations:

• ветер /ˈvʲe.tʲɪr/ - [Common noun, used in everyday contexts]
• заводить /zɐˈvo.dʲɪtʲ/ - [Verb, informal, used for winding up objects like a clock or mechanism]

Frequency: High for "ветер" (commonly used in daily conversations and weather reports); Medium for "заводить" (more specific to mechanical or metaphorical contexts).

Difficulty: A1 for "ветер" (beginner level, basic vocabulary); B1 for "заводить" (intermediate, involves verb conjugations).

Pronunciation (Russian):

ветер: /ˈvʲe.tʲɪr/

Note on ветер: The initial "в" is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, similar to "v" in English "victory." Stress is on the first syllable, and the "е" can vary slightly in casual speech.

заводить: /zɐˈvo.dʲɪtʲ/

Note on заводить: This verb has a soft "дʲ" sound, which may be challenging for beginners; stress is on the second syllable. Pronunciation can soften in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A natural movement of air (as a noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ветер - Used in general weather descriptions, e.g., in forecasts or casual conversations about the outdoors.

Usage Examples:

• Сильный ветер дует с моря.

  A strong wind is blowing from the sea.

• Ветер развеял листья по улице.

  The wind scattered the leaves along the street.

• Холодный ветер пронизывает на прогулке.

  The cold wind pierces through during a walk.

• Ветер стихает к вечеру.

  The wind dies down by evening.

Meaning 2: To turn or wind something, like a mechanism (as a verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• заводить - Used in contexts involving starting or winding up devices, or metaphorically for initiating something.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда забываю заводить часы.

  I always forget to wind up the clock.

• Он заводит разговор о политике.

  He winds up the conversation about politics (starts or escalates it).

• Дети любят заводить игрушки.

  Children love to wind up toys.

• Не заводи машину без проверки масла.

  Don't wind up (start) the car without checking the oil.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "ветер" (a masculine noun, third declension):

Note: "ветер" follows regular declension patterns with no irregularities.

For "заводить" (a verb, imperfective aspect):

"заводить" is an imperfective verb and conjugates regularly in most tenses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ветерок (a light breeze; less intense than ветер)
  • сквозняк (a draft; used for indoor wind)
  • нагнетать (for заводить, meaning to build up pressure)
• Antonyms:
  • штиль (calm, no wind)
  • остановить (for заводить, meaning to stop)

Related Phrases:

• Холодный ветер с севера - A cold wind from the north; used in weather contexts to describe chilly conditions.
• Заводить механизм - To wind up a mechanism; refers to starting mechanical devices.
• Ветер перемен - Wind of change; a metaphorical phrase for shifts in life or society.

Usage Notes:

"Ветер" directly corresponds to the English "wind" as a natural phenomenon and is neutral in formality, making it suitable for all contexts. For the verb "заводить," it's more versatile but often implies an ongoing action; choose it when describing repetitive or preparatory actions. Be cautious with gender agreements for nouns like "ветер" in sentences. In formal writing, prefer precise contexts to avoid ambiguity between meanings.

• Always check the aspect for verbs: "заводить" is imperfective; use "завести" for perfective if needed.
• In conversational Russian, "ветер" can be poetic or literal, depending on the setting.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ветер" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу ветер" instead of "Я чувствую ветер" (as wind isn't visually prominent).
  Correct: "Я чувствую ветер" - Explanation: Wind is abstract; use appropriate verbs like "чувствовать" for accuracy.
• Error: Confusing "заводить" with "вести" (to lead), leading to misuse in mechanical contexts.
  Correct: Use "заводить" for winding; e.g., "Заводи машину" not "Веди машину" for starting it. - Explanation: "Заводить" specifically means to initiate or wind, while "вести" means to drive or lead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ветер" often appears in literature and folklore as a symbol of change or freedom, as in poems by Pushkin. Phrases like "Ветер в лицо" (wind in your face) evoke adventure or resilience, reflecting Russia's vast landscapes and harsh winters.

Related Concepts:

• буря (storm)
• ураган (hurricane)
• сквозняк (draft)