Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Automatic'

English Word: Automatic

Key Russian Translations:

• автоматический [ˌaftəmɐˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, General Use]
• автомат [ˌaftəˈmat] - [Informal, Often Refers to Machinery or Weapons]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

автоматический: [ˌaftəmɐˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on автоматический: Stress falls on the third syllable. The soft 'ч' sound can be tricky for non-native speakers.

автомат: [ˌaftəˈmat]

Note on автомат: Stress on the second syllable. Short and straightforward pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Automatic (as in self-operating or mechanical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• автоматический - Used in formal or technical contexts, e.g., automatic systems or processes.

Usage Examples:

• Этот процесс полностью автоматический.

  This process is fully automatic.

• Автоматическая система контроля следит за температурой.

  The automatic control system monitors the temperature.

• Автоматическая коробка передач упрощает вождение.

  An automatic transmission makes driving easier.

2. Automatic (as in a machine or firearm)

Translation(s) & Context:

• автомат - Commonly used to refer to automatic weapons or machines in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Солдат держал автомат наготове.

  The soldier held the automatic rifle at the ready.

• Этот автомат выдаёт кофе за монеты.

  This automatic machine dispenses coffee for coins.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

автоматический (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case as a standard Russian adjective.

автомат (Noun): Masculine noun, declines according to the second declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for автоматический:

• механический (mechanical, often interchangeable in technical contexts)
• самодействующий (self-acting, less common)

Antonyms for автоматический:

• ручной (manual)

Related Phrases:

• автоматическая система - Automatic system (common in technical contexts).
• автомат Калашникова - Kalashnikov automatic rifle (refers to the AK-47).
• работать на автомате - To work on autopilot (idiomatic, means doing something without thinking).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "автоматический" for adjectives describing processes or systems. Use "автомат" when referring to a specific automatic device or firearm.
• Register: "автоматический" is more formal and versatile, while "автомат" can be informal and context-specific.
• Grammar: Pay attention to adjective agreement with the noun in gender, number, and case when using "автоматический."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "автомат" instead of "автоматический" for adjectives. Incorrect: "Это автомат процесс." Correct: "Это автоматический процесс." (This is an automatic process.) Explanation: "Автомат" is a noun and cannot modify another noun.
• Error: Mispronouncing "автоматический" by stressing the wrong syllable. Explanation: Stress is on "ти," not "ма." Practice with native audio.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the word "автомат" is often associated with the iconic Kalashnikov rifle (АК-47), a symbol of Soviet and Russian military history. Mentioning "автомат" in casual conversation might evoke this imagery, especially among older generations or in military contexts.

Related Concepts:

• механизм (mechanism)
• технология (technology)
• оружие (weapon)