гул
gul[ɡuɫ]masculine
The English phrase 'boom' can be translated into Russian as гул (gul). Wiktionary also lists ро́кот (rókot).
Meaning: abrupt, low-pitched sound (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| гул | gul | [ɡuɫ] (narrow) | masculine |
| ро́кот | rókot | masculine |
While гул and ро́кот are nouns used for continuous sounds, the interjections бах, бух and бац are used to imitate the sound of an explosion or a sudden, sharp bang.
Which one should you use?
ро́кот refers to a low, rumbling sound, often used for thunder or the sound of a large crowd. While гул and ро́кот are nouns for continuous sounds, бах is an onomatopoeic interjection used for a sudden, sharp explosion or bang.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
gul
Did you know?
- The Proto-Slavic root of гул suggests a distant connection to the concept of 'speaking' or 'talking', implying a sound that is pervasive and rhythmic.
- In Russian literature, гул is frequently used metaphorically to describe the 'boom' of an approaching revolution or social unrest.
- If you hear a loud, heavy object hitting the floor, you might use the interjection бух instead of бах, as the latter sounds too sharp and thin.
Examples in context
- Сегодня произошел мощный взрыв на фабрике.Today, a powerful explosion occurred at the factory.
- Бац! Закрылась дверь, и я понял, что забыл ключи.Boom! The door slammed shut, and I realized I forgot my keys.
- Вдали послышался низкий гул.Vdali poslyshalsya nizkiy gul.A low boom was heard in the distance.
Example conversation
Two people are standing near a construction site.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАлександр, ты слышал этот гул?Aleksandr, ty slyshal etot gul?Aleksandr, did you hear that boom?
- Александр AleksandrДа, это было очень громко.Da, eto bylo ochen gromko.Yes, it was very loud.
- Анастасия AnastasiaКажется, что-то упало.Kazhetsya, chto-to upalo.It seems like something fell.
- Александр AleksandrСкорее всего, это техника работает.Skoree vsego, eto tekhnika rabotaet.Most likely, it is the machinery working.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boom” translations and entries гул, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries гул, CC BY-SA 4.0.
