равноде́нствие
ravnodénstvijeneuter
The English word "equinox" is translated into Russian as равноде́нствие (ravnodénstvije).
The term refers to one of the two times in the year when the length of the day and night are equal, occurring when the apparent path of the Sun intersects with the equatorial plane of the Earth.
Meaning: one of the two times in the year when the length of the day and night are equal, which occurs when the apparent path of the Sun intersects with the equatorial plane of the Earth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound consisting of the prefix равно- meaning "equal", the root день meaning "day" and the suffix -ствие, which is used to form abstract nouns. Literally, it translates to "equal day-ness".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of равноде́нствие is равноде́нствия.
How do you pronounce it?
ravnodénstvije
Did you know?
- The spring equinox is traditionally linked to Масле́ница, a festive period of pancakes and celebrations that marks the transition from winter to spring.
- While English uses a Latin root, the Russian term is purely Slavic, using the native root день to describe the concept of a 'day'.
- The suffix -ствие in равноде́нствие is also used in the word дей́ствие, meaning 'action'. This gives the Russian word a subtle sense of an 'occurrence' or a 'process' rather than just a static point in time.
Examples in context
- Весеннее равноденствие происходит в марте.The spring equinox occurs in March.
- Осеннее равноденствие приходится на сентябрь.The autumn equinox falls in September.
- Осеннее равноде́нствие официально началось.Osennoye ravnoden'stye ofitsial'no nachalos'.The autumn equinox has officially begun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “equinox” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
