Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'window'

English Word: window

Key Russian Translations:

• окно /ɐkˈno/ - [Neutral, Common noun]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations and written language.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward pronunciation and usage in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

окно: /ɐkˈno/

Note on окно: The stress falls on the second syllable ('no'), which is a common feature in Russian neuter nouns. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects pronunciation by softening the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A opening in a wall or door that allows light, air, or visibility to pass through (physical window).

Translation(s) & Context:

• окно - Used in everyday contexts for literal descriptions, such as in homes, buildings, or vehicles. This is the standard translation for neutral, general usage.

Usage Examples:

• Я открыл окно, чтобы впустить свежий воздух.

  I opened the window to let in fresh air. (This example shows the noun in a simple declarative sentence, demonstrating basic subject-verb-object structure.)

• Из окна виден красивый вид на город.

  From the window, you can see a beautiful view of the city. (Here, the word is used in a prepositional phrase, highlighting its role in descriptive contexts.)

• Дети смотрят в окно, ожидая снега.

  The children are looking out the window, waiting for snow. (This illustrates the word in a narrative context, with plural subjects and ongoing action.)

• Окно в комнате было закрыто из-за холода.

  The window in the room was closed because of the cold. (This example demonstrates the word with adjectives and reasons, showing its integration into explanatory sentences.)

• Через окно проник солнечный свет.

  Sunlight streamed in through the window. (This uses the word in a poetic or descriptive phrase, emphasizing metaphorical extensions.)

2. A metaphorical or digital window (e.g., in computing or abstract contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• окно - Used informally for digital interfaces, like a computer window, though "вкладка" (tab) might be more precise in some tech contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Закройте это окно в браузере.

  Close this window in the browser. (This shows the word adapted to modern technology, maintaining its core meaning.)

• Окно программы открылось автоматически.

  The program's window opened automatically. (Illustrates usage in software descriptions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Окно" is a neuter noun in the third declension group in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in some contexts. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is invariant in gender (neuter) and does not change in informal uses, but always adjust for case based on sentence structure.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • форточка (a small or ventilating window; used for more specific types, often in older contexts)
  • стекло (glass, implying the material aspect; less common for the full concept)
• Antonyms:
  • стена (wall; implies enclosure rather than opening)
  • дверь (door; suggests an entrance rather than a viewing pane)

Related Phrases:

• Открыть окно - To open the window (Common in daily life, especially in contexts of ventilation or fresh air.)
• Закрыть окно - To close the window (Used for security or weather-related reasons.)
• Окно в прошлое - A window to the past (A metaphorical phrase for historical or nostalgic references.)

Usage Notes:

"Окно" directly corresponds to the English "window" in most literal senses but can extend metaphorically in Russian literature or digital contexts. It is a neutral, everyday word suitable for all registers, from formal writing to informal speech. When choosing between translations, use "окно" for general purposes; opt for synonyms like "форточка" in specific scenarios. Grammatically, always ensure agreement in case and number, as Russian nouns decline based on their role in the sentence.

• In formal contexts, pair it with prepositions like "в окне" (in the window) for precision.
• For learners, note that Russian has no articles, so "окно" can mean "a window" or "the window" depending on context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я смотрю окно" instead of "Я смотрю в окно". Correct: Я смотрю в окно (The preposition "в" requires the prepositional case.) Explanation: Russian prepositions govern specific cases, so learners must memorize these rules to avoid confusion.
• Error: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using "окна" (genitive singular) incorrectly in nominative contexts. Correct: Use "окно" for nominative. Explanation: This often stems from overgeneralizing English word forms, where nouns don't decline.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "окно" often symbolizes opportunity or escape in literature, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov. For instance, in "The Cherry Orchard," windows represent transitions between indoor and outdoor worlds, reflecting themes of change and nostalgia in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• дверь (door)
• стекло (glass)
• балкон (balcony)