Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'basin'

English Word: basin

Key Russian Translations:

• таз [taz] - [Informal, often refers to a small basin or bowl]
• раковина [rɐˈkovʲɪnə] - [Formal/Informal, refers to a sink or washbasin]
• бассейн [bɐˈsʲeɪn] - [Formal, often refers to a large basin or pool]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context and specific translation)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and word usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

таз: [taz]

Note on таз: The stress is on the single syllable. Simple and straightforward for English speakers.

раковина: [rɐˈkovʲɪnə]

Note on раковина: Stress on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, and 'в' is pronounced softly.

бассейн: [bɐˈsʲeɪn]

Note on бассейн: Stress on the second syllable. The 'й' at the end is a soft gliding sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A container for holding water (e.g., for washing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• таз - Used for a small basin or bowl, often in household contexts.
• раковина - Refers to a sink or washbasin, typically in bathrooms or kitchens.

Usage Examples:

• Я налил воду в таз, чтобы помыть руки.

  I poured water into the basin to wash my hands.

• Раковина в ванной комнате очень грязная.

  The basin in the bathroom is very dirty.

• Она моет посуду в раковине.

  She is washing dishes in the sink.

2. A large area or structure (e.g., a river basin or swimming pool)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бассейн - Used for larger basins, such as a swimming pool or geographical basin.

Usage Examples:

• Мы ходим в бассейн каждую субботу.

  We go to the swimming pool every Saturday.

• Бассейн реки Амазонки огромен.

  The basin of the Amazon River is enormous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

таз (noun, masculine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	таз	тазы
Genitive	таза	тазов
Dative	тазу	тазам
Accusative	таз	тазы
Instrumental	тазом	тазами
Prepositional	о тазе	о тазах

раковина (noun, feminine): Follows regular feminine declension patterns. Stress remains on the second syllable in all forms.

бассейн (noun, masculine): Follows regular masculine declension patterns. Stress on the second syllable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for таз:

• миска (bowl, informal)
• чаша (basin or cup, more literary)

Note: 'миска' is often used for smaller containers, while 'чаша' has a more poetic or historical tone.

Synonyms for раковина:

• умывальник (washbasin, formal)

Synonyms for бассейн:

• водоём (reservoir, for natural basins)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for this term across contexts.

Related Phrases:

• таз для стирки - basin for washing (clothes)
• раковина для умывания - washbasin for washing (face/hands)
• плавательный бассейн - swimming pool

Usage Notes:

• The choice between 'таз', 'раковина', and 'бассейн' depends heavily on context. 'Таз' is more informal and often used for portable or small basins, while 'раковина' is specific to fixed washbasins or sinks. 'Бассейн' is used for larger structures like pools or geographical basins.
• Be cautious with 'бассейн' as it often implies a swimming pool in everyday conversation unless specified otherwise (e.g., river basin).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'таз' to refer to a bathroom sink. Wrong: "Я мою руки в тазе" (when referring to a fixed sink). Correct: "Я мою руки в раковине".
• Error: Confusing 'бассейн' (pool) with a small household basin. Wrong: "Я налил воду в бассейн" (for washing hands). Correct: "Я налил воду в таз".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian households, especially in rural areas or older homes, 'таз' is commonly used for various purposes like washing clothes or bathing children, reflecting a practical, multifunctional approach to household items. 'Раковина' often implies a modern fixture, while 'бассейн' might evoke images of public swimming pools, a popular leisure activity in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• ванна (bathtub)
• душ (shower)
• река (river, related to geographical basin)