Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Barrel'

English Word: Barrel

Key Russian Translations:

• бочка [ˈbotʃkə] - [Common, Neutral]
• бочонок [bɐˈtʃonək] - [Diminutive, Informal]
• цилиндр [tsɨˈlʲindr] - [Technical, Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "бочка"); B1 (Intermediate for "бочонок" and "цилиндр")

Pronunciation (Russian):

бочка: [ˈbotʃkə]

Note on бочка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "ч" sound is similar to 'ch' in "church."

бочонок: [bɐˈtʃonək]

Note on бочонок: Stress on the second syllable. Often used affectionately or for smaller barrels.

цилиндр: [tsɨˈlʲindr]

Note on цилиндр: Stress on the second syllable. The "ц" sound is like 'ts' in "cats."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A large cylindrical container, typically for liquids:

Translation(s) & Context:

• бочка - Most common term for a barrel used to store liquids like water, wine, or oil.
• бочонок - Often used for smaller barrels or in a more affectionate, informal tone.

Usage Examples:

• В подвале стоит старая деревянная бочка для вина.

  There is an old wooden barrel for wine in the basement.

• Купи маленький бочонок мёда на рынке.

  Buy a small barrel of honey at the market.

• Бочка с водой треснула от мороза.

  The barrel of water cracked from the frost.

2. A cylindrical object or part (technical or metaphorical):

Translation(s) & Context:

• цилиндр - Used in technical contexts for cylindrical shapes, or metaphorically (e.g., a gun barrel).

Usage Examples:

• Цилиндр двигателя нужно заменить.

  The engine cylinder needs to be replaced.

• Ствол ружья — это своего рода цилиндр.

  The barrel of a gun is a kind of cylinder.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бочка (feminine noun):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	бочка	бочки
Genitive	бочки	бочек
Dative	бочке	бочкам
Accusative	бочку	бочки
Instrumental	бочкой	бочками
Prepositional	о бочке	о бочках

бочонок (masculine noun): Follows standard masculine noun declension with a diminutive suffix.

цилиндр (masculine noun): Follows standard masculine noun declension; no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бочка:

• ёмкость (container, more general)
• кадка (tub, often wooden)

Note: "ёмкость" is broader and less specific to barrels; "кадка" often implies a specific type of barrel or tub.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable for "barrel" in most contexts.

Related Phrases:

• бочка мёда - "a barrel of honey" (literal or metaphorical for abundance)
• бочка с порохом - "a powder keg" (idiomatic for a dangerous or explosive situation)
• катить бочку - "to roll a barrel" (idiomatic for blaming or criticizing someone)

Usage Notes:

• "бочка" is the default and most versatile term for a barrel, suitable for most everyday contexts involving containers for liquids or goods.
• "бочонок" carries a diminutive, often affectionate tone and is typically used for smaller barrels or in informal speech.
• "цилиндр" should be reserved for technical contexts or metaphorical uses, such as describing the barrel of a gun or a mechanical part.
• Be mindful of the grammatical gender when using these nouns: "бочка" is feminine, while "бочонок" and "цилиндр" are masculine.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "цилиндр" for a wine barrel. Wrong: "цилиндр для вина." Correct: "бочка для вина." Explanation: "цилиндр" is inappropriate for everyday containers and is strictly technical.
• Error: Incorrect case usage due to gender confusion. Wrong: "Я вижу бочку" (correct), but "Я вижу бочкой" (incorrect). Explanation: Ensure proper case endings based on the noun’s gender and role in the sentence.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "бочка" often evokes imagery of traditional rural life, as barrels were historically used for storing water, kvass, or pickled foods. The phrase "бочка мёда" (a barrel of honey) is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something overwhelmingly positive, though it can be paired with "ложка дёгтя" (a spoonful of tar) to indicate a small flaw in something otherwise perfect.

Related Concepts:

• ведро (bucket)
• канистра (canister)
• сосуд (vessel)