Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Boiler'

English Word: Boiler

Key Russian Translations:

• котёл [kɐˈtʲɵl] - [General, Neutral]
• бойлер [ˈbojlʲɪr] - [Technical, Often refers to water heaters]

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

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

котёл: [kɐˈtʲɵl]

Note on котёл: The stress is on the second syllable. The "ё" sound is distinct and should not be confused with "е".

бойлер: [ˈbojlʲɪr]

Note on бойлер: This is a loanword from English, with stress on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A device for heating water or producing steam (General/Technical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• котёл - Used for industrial or large heating systems, often for steam or central heating.
• бойлер - Refers specifically to water heaters, often domestic or small-scale.

Usage Examples:

• В доме установлен новый котёл для отопления.

  A new boiler for heating has been installed in the house.

• Бойлер сломался, и у нас нет горячей воды.

  The water heater broke, and we have no hot water.

• Этот котёл работает на природном газе.

  This boiler runs on natural gas.

• Нам нужно починить бойлер перед зимой.

  We need to fix the water heater before winter.

• Котёл в подвале очень старый и шумный.

  The boiler in the basement is very old and noisy.

2. A large pot or container (Figurative, Rare)

Translation(s) & Context:

• котёл - Can refer metaphorically to a large cooking pot or cauldron, often in historical or folklore contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В сказке ведьма варила зелье в огромном котле.

  In the fairy tale, the witch brewed a potion in a huge cauldron.

• Котёл на костре кипел всю ночь.

  The cauldron on the fire boiled all night.

• Они готовили суп в большом котле для всей деревни.

  They cooked soup in a large cauldron for the whole village.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

котёл (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular case endings.

бойлер (Masculine Noun): Also follows the second declension pattern, similar to "котёл". As a loanword, it retains a consistent form across cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for котёл:

• парогенератор (steam generator, more technical)
• нагреватель (heater, broader term)

Note: "парогенератор" is used in industrial contexts, while "нагреватель" is more generic.

Synonyms for бойлер:

• водонагреватель (water heater, more formal)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "boiler" lacks a clear opposite in this context.

Related Phrases:

• газовый котёл - Gas boiler (used for heating systems).
• электрический бойлер - Electric water heater (common in households).
• ремонт котла - Boiler repair (refers to fixing heating systems).
• котёл ведьмы - Witch’s cauldron (figurative, folklore context).

Usage Notes:

• Use "котёл" when referring to larger heating systems, such as those for buildings or industrial purposes. It can also mean "cauldron" in literary or historical contexts.
• Use "бойлер" specifically for domestic water heaters. It is a loanword and more modern in usage.
• Be mindful of the context, as "котёл" has a broader range of meanings compared to the more specific "бойлер".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бойлер" to refer to a large industrial boiler.
  Incorrect: На заводе установлен новый бойлер.
  Correct: На заводе установлен новый котёл.
  Explanation: "Бойлер" is typically for smaller, domestic water heaters, while "котёл" is appropriate for industrial or large-scale systems.
• Error: Mispronouncing "котёл" by stressing the first syllable.
  Explanation: The stress is on "ёл", and incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore and literature, "котёл" often appears as a symbol of magic or alchemy, especially in stories involving witches or sorcerers (e.g., a witch’s cauldron). This figurative meaning is less common in everyday speech but is culturally significant in narratives.

Related Concepts:

• отопление (heating)
• горячая вода (hot water)
• нагрев (heating process)