Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Automobile'

English Word: Automobile

Key Russian Translations:

• автомобиль [ɐvtɐˈmobʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Most Common]
• машина [mɐˈʂinə] - [Informal, Widely Used]

Frequency: High (Both translations are commonly used in everyday speech and writing)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both terms; easy to learn and use)

Pronunciation (Russian):

автомобиль: [ɐvtɐˈmobʲɪlʲ]

Note on автомобиль: Stress falls on the third syllable. The soft 'лʲ' sound might be challenging for beginners.

машина: [mɐˈʂinə]

Note on машина: Stress on the second syllable. The 'ш' sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English 'sh'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A motor vehicle for personal transport (car)

Translation(s) & Context:

• автомобиль - Used in formal contexts, such as official documents, news, or technical discussions.
• машина - Common in everyday speech, referring to a car in casual or informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новый автомобиль прошлой осенью.

  I bought a new automobile last fall.

• Эта машина очень быстрая и удобная.

  This car is very fast and comfortable.

• На парковке стоит много автомобилей.

  There are many automobiles parked in the lot.

• Ты видел мою машину? Она красная.

  Have you seen my car? It’s red.

• Автомобиль сломался на трассе.

  The automobile broke down on the highway.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

автомобиль (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian. Below is the case declension for singular and plural forms:

машина (Feminine Noun): Follows the first declension pattern. Below is the case declension for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for автомобиль/машина:

• авто (Informal abbreviation of автомобиль)
• тачка (Slang, very informal)

Note: "авто" is often used in written abbreviations or advertisements, while "тачка" is colloquial and can sometimes carry a humorous or derogatory tone.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "automobile" lacks a direct opposite in most contexts)

Related Phrases:

• легковой автомобиль - Passenger car (used to specify a personal vehicle as opposed to a truck).
• машина времени - Time machine (a figurative or sci-fi expression).
• садиться за руль машины - To get behind the wheel of a car (to start driving).
• ремонт автомобиля - Automobile repair (common phrase in technical contexts).

Usage Notes:

• While both "автомобиль" and "машина" refer to a car, "автомобиль" is more formal and often used in writing or technical discussions. "Машина" is the go-to term in casual conversation.
• "Машина" can also mean "machine" in a broader sense (e.g., washing machine - стиральная машина). Context usually clarifies the meaning.
• When referring to a specific car, Russians often use "машина" with a possessive pronoun (e.g., моя машина - my car).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "автомобиль" in casual speech, e.g., saying "Я еду на автомобиле" instead of "Я еду на машине."
  Explanation: "Автомобиль" sounds overly formal or awkward in everyday contexts. Use "машина" when speaking informally.
• Error: Misusing "машина" to mean any machine without context, e.g., assuming it always means "car."
  Explanation: Always consider context, as "машина" can refer to other machines. Look for qualifiers (e.g., швейная машина - sewing machine).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, owning a car (машина) is often seen as a status symbol, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. The brand and condition of the car can carry significant social meaning. Additionally, classic Soviet-era cars like the "Lada" are still iconic and evoke nostalgia among many Russians.

Related Concepts:

• водитель (driver)
• дорога (road)
• гараж (garage)
• бензин (gasoline)