Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Box'

English Word: box

Key Russian Translations:

• коробка [ˈkorəpkə] - [General, Neutral]
• ящик [ˈjaɕːɪk] - [Often for larger or wooden boxes]
• шкатулка [ʂkɐˈtulkə] - [Small decorative box, Formal]

Frequency: High (especially "коробка")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "коробка" and "ящик"; B1 for "шкатулка")

Pronunciation (Russian):

коробка: [ˈkorəpkə]

Note on коробка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

ящик: [ˈjaɕːɪk]

Note on ящик: The "щ" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian.

шкатулка: [ʂkɐˈtulkə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A container for storing or transporting items

Translation(s) & Context:

• коробка - General term for a box, often made of cardboard or light material.
• ящик - Refers to a larger, often wooden or heavy-duty box, like a crate.

Usage Examples:

• Я положил книгу в коробку.

  I put the book in the box.

• Этот ящик слишком тяжёлый, чтобы поднять.

  This box is too heavy to lift.

• Она купила коробку конфет.

  She bought a box of chocolates.

2. A small decorative container

Translation(s) & Context:

• шкатулка - Used for small, often ornate boxes, such as jewelry boxes.

Usage Examples:

• У неё есть красивая шкатулка для украшений.

  She has a beautiful box for jewelry.

• Эта шкатулка была подарена моей бабушкой.

  This decorative box was given to me by my grandmother.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

коробка (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern in Russian.

ящик (masculine noun): Follows standard masculine declension with a stem change in plural genitive.

шкатулка (feminine noun): Follows standard feminine declension, similar to "коробка."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for коробка:

• контейнер (more general term for container)
• упаковка (often refers to packaging)

Note: "контейнер" is broader and can refer to larger storage units, while "упаковка" focuses on wrapping or packaging.

Antonyms for коробка:

• пустота (emptiness, absence of container)

Related Phrases:

• коробка передач - Gearbox (used in automotive contexts)
• ящик для инструментов - Toolbox (literal tool storage)
• шкатулка с секретом - Puzzle box (a box with a hidden mechanism)

Usage Notes:

• "коробка" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "box" in Russian, suitable for most everyday contexts like packaging or small containers.
• "ящик" implies something sturdier or larger, often used for crates or storage boxes in warehouses.
• "шкатулка" is reserved for decorative or precious small boxes and carries a more formal or literary tone.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender when using adjectives or pronouns with these nouns: "коробка" and "шкатулка" are feminine, while "ящик" is masculine.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ящик" for small or cardboard boxes. Incorrect: *Я купил маленький ящик для подарка.* Correct: Я купил маленькую коробку для подарка. (Explanation: "ящик" is inappropriate for small or light boxes; "коробка" is the better choice.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in "коробка" as [korobˈka]. (Explanation: Stress is on the first syllable [ˈkorəpkə]; incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шкатулка" often evokes imagery of traditional craftsmanship, as ornate boxes were historically used to store jewelry or keepsakes, especially in fairy tales and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• сундук (chest, trunk)
• чемодан (suitcase)
• футляр (case, often for instruments or glasses)