Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ashtray'

English Word: Ashtray

Key Russian Translations:

• пепельница [ˈpʲepʲɪlʲnʲɪtsə] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пепельница: [ˈpʲepʲɪlʲnʲɪtsə]

Note on пепельница: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'п' is aspirated, and 'ц' is pronounced like 'ts' in 'cats'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A container for cigarette ash and butts

Translation(s) & Context:

• пепельница - Used in everyday contexts to refer to any container for cigarette ash, whether at home, in public spaces, or in vehicles.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, передай мне пепельницу.

  Please pass me the ashtray.

• На столе стояла грязная пепельница, полная окурков.

  There was a dirty ashtray full of cigarette butts on the table.

• В машине есть встроенная пепельница.

  There is a built-in ashtray in the car.

• Он выбросил окурок в пепельницу.

  He threw the cigarette butt into the ashtray.

• Где я могу найти чистую пепельницу?

  Where can I find a clean ashtray?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пепельница is a feminine noun. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• поддон для пепла (less common, more descriptive)

Note: 'поддон для пепла' is rarely used in everyday speech and may sound overly formal or technical.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable

Related Phrases:

• вытряхнуть пепельницу - to empty the ashtray
• полная пепельница - a full ashtray
• чистая пепельница - a clean ashtray

Usage Notes:

• The term 'пепельница' is the standard and most widely recognized word for 'ashtray' in Russian. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• There are no significant regional variations for this term across Russian-speaking areas.
• Be mindful of the context when using related phrases, as smoking-related vocabulary might carry negative connotations in certain social or professional settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using *пепельницо instead of пепельницу in the accusative case.

  Incorrect: Я вижу пепельницо на столе.

  Correct: Я вижу пепельницу на столе.

  Explanation: 'пепельница' is a feminine noun, and the accusative singular form is 'пепельницу'. English speakers often struggle with Russian cases, leading to such errors.

• Error: Mispronunciation by stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., stressing 'ль' instead of 'пе').

  Explanation: The stress in 'пепельница' is on the first syllable. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or confusing to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, smoking has historically been widespread, and ashtrays are common in homes, cafes, and public spaces. However, with increasing anti-smoking campaigns and laws, especially in urban areas, the use of ashtrays in public places is declining. Mentioning or requesting an ashtray might be seen as outdated or inappropriate in non-smoking environments.

Related Concepts:

• сигарета (cigarette)
• окурок (cigarette butt)
• курить (to smoke)
• зажигалка (lighter)