Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bleach'

English Word: Bleach

Key Russian Translations:

• отбеливатель [ɐtbʲɪˈlʲivətʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Noun, Common for household bleach]
• белизна [bʲɪˈlʲiznə] - [Informal, Noun, Often refers to a specific brand or type of bleach in Russia]
• отбеливать [ɐtbʲɪˈlʲivətʲ] - [Verb, Refers to the action of bleaching]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in household and cleaning contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies by form - noun forms are easier than verb conjugations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

отбеливатель: [ɐtbʲɪˈlʲivətʲɪlʲ]

Note on отбеливатель: Stress falls on the third syllable; the "в" sound is soft due to the following "и".

белизна: [bʲɪˈlʲiznə]

Note on белизна: Stress on the second syllable; straightforward pronunciation for English speakers.

отбеливать: [ɐtbʲɪˈlʲivətʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bleach as a Noun (Cleaning Agent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отбеливатель - Used for a general bleaching agent, often in laundry or cleaning.
• белизна - Refers to a specific bleach product or the concept of whiteness; less technical.

Usage Examples:

• Я добавил отбеливатель в стирку, чтобы удалить пятна.

  I added bleach to the laundry to remove stains.

• Белизна хорошо справляется с пятнами на белой одежде.

  Belizna works well on stains on white clothes.

• Где можно купить хороший отбеливатель?

  Where can I buy good bleach?

2. Bleach as a Verb (To Whiten or Discolor)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отбеливать - Used for the action of bleaching or whitening something (e.g., fabric, hair).

Usage Examples:

• Она решила отбеливать волосы дома.

  She decided to bleach her hair at home.

• Этот порошок хорошо отбеливает ткани.

  This powder bleaches fabrics well.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

отбеливатель (Noun, Masculine): Follows the regular masculine noun declension pattern.

белизна (Noun, Feminine): Follows the regular feminine noun declension pattern.

отбеливать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular verb of the first conjugation; forms follow standard patterns for imperfective verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for отбеливатель:

• хлорка (informal, refers to chlorine-based bleach)
• отбеливающее средство (more formal, generic term for bleaching agent)

Antonyms for отбеливать:

• окрашивать (to dye or color)
• затемнять (to darken)

Related Phrases:

• отбеливатель для белья - Bleach for laundry.
• отбеливать зубы - To bleach/whiten teeth.
• хлорный отбеливатель - Chlorine bleach.

Usage Notes:

• "отбеливатель" is the most common and neutral term for bleach as a product; it is widely understood in all contexts.
• "белизна" may refer specifically to a popular Soviet-era bleach brand still sold in Russia, so it can carry a nostalgic or specific cultural connotation.
• The verb "отбеливать" is used when describing the action of bleaching and can apply to hair, fabric, or even teeth. Be mindful of aspect (imperfective vs. perfective - "отбелить").

Common Errors:

1. Confusing "белизна" with "белый" (white): English speakers often mistakenly use "белый" (an adjective meaning "white") instead of "белизна" when referring to bleach. Correct: "Купи белизну для стирки" (Buy bleach for laundry); Incorrect: "Купи белый для стирки".

2. Incorrect verb aspect: Using "отбеливать" (imperfective) when a completed action is meant, which requires "отбелить" (perfective). Correct: "Я отбелил рубашку" (I bleached the shirt); Incorrect: "Я отбеливаю рубашку" (implies ongoing or repeated action).

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "Белизна" (Belizna) is not just a word for bleach but also a well-known brand of chlorine-based bleach from Soviet times. It is still widely used and recognized, often associated with strong cleaning power but also a harsh smell. Mentioning "Белизна" might evoke memories of Soviet-era households among older generations.

Related Concepts:

• стирка (laundry)
• чистка (cleaning)
• пятновыводитель (stain remover)