Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cable'

English Word: cable

Key Russian Translations:

• кабель [ˈkabʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Technical, Refers to electrical or telecommunication cables]
• трос [tros] - [Neutral, Refers to a strong rope or wire, often used in mechanical contexts]

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

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кабель: [ˈkabʲɪlʲ]

Note on кабель: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'б' sound is soft due to the following 'е'.

трос: [tros]

Note on трос: A straightforward pronunciation with stress on the single syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Electrical or Telecommunication Wire

Translation(s) & Context:

• кабель - Used for electrical, internet, or TV cables in technical and everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Мне нужно купить новый кабель для интернета.

  I need to buy a new cable for the internet.

• Этот кабель слишком короткий для подключения телевизора.

  This cable is too short to connect the TV.

• Электрический кабель повреждён, нужно вызвать мастера.

  The electrical cable is damaged; we need to call a technician.

2. Strong Rope or Wire (Mechanical or Nautical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трос - Refers to a thick rope or wire, often used in construction, towing, or ships.

Usage Examples:

• Мы закрепили лодку с помощью троса.

  We secured the boat with a cable (rope).

• Трос оборвался во время подъёма груза.

  The cable snapped while lifting the load.

• Этот трос достаточно прочный для такой работы.

  This cable is strong enough for such work.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кабель (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

трос (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for кабель:

• провод (wire, often used for thinner cables)
• шнур (cord, usually for smaller or flexible cables)

Note: "провод" is often used for bare wires, while "кабель" implies an insulated or bundled wire.

Synonyms for трос:

• канат (rope, often thicker and used in similar contexts)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term.

Related Phrases:

• кабель питания - Power cable (used for electrical devices).
• оптоволоконный кабель - Fiber optic cable (used in telecommunications).
• стальной трос - Steel cable (used in construction or towing).
• натянуть трос - To tighten the cable (used in mechanical or nautical contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "кабель" is the go-to term for electrical or data cables and is widely used in technical and everyday contexts. It should not be confused with "провод," which often refers to a single or uninsulated wire.
• "трос" is used for mechanical or nautical cables, such as ropes or wires used for towing or lifting. It is not interchangeable with "кабель" in electrical contexts.
• Both terms are masculine nouns, and their declension patterns are regular, as shown in the tables above.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кабель" for a thick rope or nautical cable.
  Wrong: Мы закрепили лодку с помощью кабеля.
  Correct: Мы закрепили лодку с помощью троса.
  Explanation: "кабель" is strictly for electrical or data cables, while "трос" is for mechanical or nautical ropes.
• Error: Confusing "кабель" with "провод."
  Wrong: Этот провод слишком толстый для розетки. (When referring to a bundled cable)
  Correct: Этот кабель слишком толстый для розетки.
  Explanation: Use "кабель" for insulated or bundled cables, and "провод" for single or bare wires.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, the term "кабель" is frequently encountered in the context of technology and infrastructure, reflecting the rapid modernization of telecommunications. Meanwhile, "трос" often evokes imagery of industrial or nautical settings, such as Soviet-era machinery or ships, and may carry a rugged, utilitarian connotation.

Related Concepts:

• провод (wire)
• шнур (cord)
• канат (rope)
• электричество (electricity)