Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Airtight'

English Word: airtight

Key Russian Translations:

• герметичный [ɡʲɪrˈmʲetʲɪtʃnɨj] - [Formal, Technical]
• непроницаемый [nʲɪprənʲɪˈtsaɪmɨj] - [Formal, Often Metaphorical]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

герметичный: [ɡʲɪrˈmʲetʲɪtʃnɨj]

Note on герметичный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'г' is soft due to the following 'е'.

непроницаемый: [nʲɪprənʲɪˈtsaɪmɨj]

Note on непроницаемый: Stress on the fourth syllable. The prefix 'не-' indicates negation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Sealed, Impermeable to Air)

Translation(s) & Context:

• герметичный - Used for physical objects like containers or seals that prevent air or liquid from passing through.

Usage Examples:

• Этот контейнер герметичный, ничего не прольётся.

  This container is airtight; nothing will spill.

• Герметичный костюм защищает от токсичных веществ.

  An airtight suit protects against toxic substances.

• Убедитесь, что крышка герметична перед транспортировкой.

  Make sure the lid is airtight before transportation.

2. Figurative Meaning (Impenetrable, Flawless)

Translation(s) & Context:

• непроницаемый - Often used metaphorically to describe something flawless or impossible to challenge, like an argument or defense.

Usage Examples:

• Его аргумент был непроницаем для критики.

  His argument was airtight against criticism.

• Эта стратегия кажется непроницаемой.

  This strategy seems airtight.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

герметичный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

непроницаемый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as герметичный.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for герметичный:

• водонепроницаемый (waterproof, often overlaps in meaning)
• плотный (tight, dense)

Synonyms for непроницаемый (Figurative):

• безупречный (flawless)
• неопровержимый (irrefutable)

Antonyms:

• проницаемый (permeable)
• дырявый (leaky, perforated)

Related Phrases:

• герметичный контейнер - Airtight container (common in everyday and technical contexts)
• непроницаемый барьер - Impenetrable barrier (often metaphorical or physical)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "герметичный" for literal contexts involving physical sealing (e.g., containers, suits). Use "непроницаемый" for metaphorical contexts like arguments or strategies.
• Register: Both terms are relatively formal, often used in technical or academic contexts.
• Grammar: As adjectives, they must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Common Errors:

• Mixing literal and figurative uses: English learners often use "герметичный" in metaphorical contexts, which sounds unnatural. Incorrect: "Его аргумент герметичный." Correct: "Его аргумент непроницаемый."
• Incorrect agreement: Failing to adjust the adjective ending to match the noun. Incorrect: "Герметичный крышка." Correct: "Герметичная крышка."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "airtight" in a literal sense (герметичный) is frequently encountered in contexts related to technology, space exploration, and engineering, reflecting Russia's historical focus on these fields (e.g., airtight seals in spacecraft).

Related Concepts:

• водонепроницаемый (waterproof)
• изолированный (isolated)
• защищённый (protected)