Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'adapter'

English Word: adapter

Key Russian Translations:

• адаптер [ɐˈdaptʲɪr] - [Neutral, Technical]
• переходник [pʲɪrʲɪˈxodnʲɪk] - [Informal, Commonly used for physical connectors]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

адаптер: [ɐˈdaptʲɪr]

Note on адаптер: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

переходник: [pʲɪrʲɪˈxodnʲɪk]

Note on переходник: Stress on the third syllable. The 'х' is a guttural sound, similar to the 'ch' in German 'Bach'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A device for connecting different equipment (e.g., electrical or technical adapter)

Translation(s) & Context:

• адаптер - Commonly used in technical contexts, such as electronics or computing.
• переходник - Often refers to a physical connector or plug adapter, especially in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Мне нужен адаптер для зарядки ноутбука.

  I need an adapter to charge my laptop.

• У тебя есть переходник для этой розетки?

  Do you have an adapter for this socket?

• Этот адаптер совместим с моим устройством.

  This adapter is compatible with my device.

• Переходник сломался, нужно купить новый.

  The adapter broke; I need to buy a new one.

• Адаптер питания должен быть оригинальным.

  The power adapter should be original.

2. A person or thing that adapts (less common, figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• адаптер - Rarely used in this sense, mostly in specialized or translated texts.

Usage Examples:

• Он выступает как адаптер культурных традиций.

  He acts as an adapter of cultural traditions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

адаптер (Masculine Noun):

переходник (Masculine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for адаптер/переходник:

• соединитель
• коннектор

Note: 'соединитель' is less common and more technical; 'коннектор' is often used in IT contexts.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• сетевой адаптер - Network adapter (used in computing).
• переходник для розетки - Socket adapter (used for electrical plugs).
• адаптер питания - Power adapter (common for chargers).

Usage Notes:

• 'адаптер' is more formal and widely used in technical documentation or product descriptions, while 'переходник' is more colloquial and often refers to physical plug adapters.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use 'адаптер' for broader or digital contexts (e.g., software adapters), and 'переходник' for tangible connectors.
• Both nouns are masculine and follow standard second declension patterns in Russian grammar.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'адаптер' and 'переходник' interchangeably without context. For example, saying "переходник для Wi-Fi" (Wi-Fi adapter) sounds unnatural; 'адаптер' is correct here.
• Correction: Use 'адаптер' for Wi-Fi or software-related contexts: "Wi-Fi адаптер".
• Error: Mispronouncing 'переходник' by stressing the first syllable. Incorrect: [ˈpʲɛrʲɪxodnʲɪk].
• Correction: Stress the third syllable: [pʲɪrʲɪˈxodnʲɪk].

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, due to the variety of electrical outlets historically used (especially in older buildings), 'переходник' is a very common term in everyday life as people often need adapters for plugs when traveling domestically or internationally.

Related Concepts:

• розетка (socket)
• штекер (plug)
• зарядное устройство (charger)