Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'caliber'

English Word: caliber

Key Russian Translations:

• калибр /kɐˈlʲibr/ - [Formal, Technical; Used in contexts related to firearms, engineering, or measurements]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized fields like military, engineering, and technical discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with technical vocabulary, per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

калибр: /kɐˈlʲibr/ (The stress is on the second syllable; note the palatalized 'л' sound, which is common in Russian and may be challenging for English speakers)

Note on калибр: The 'л' is soft (palatalized), pronounced like 'ly' in "million." Be cautious with the vowel sounds: /ɐ/ is similar to the 'u' in "but."

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Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The diameter of a bullet, gun barrel, or similar measurement in firearms or engineering.

Translation(s) & Context:

• калибр - Typically used in formal, technical, or military contexts to denote size or specifications; contrasts with everyday English usage where it can also mean "quality" or "level," but in Russian, stick to this precise meaning for accuracy.

Usage Examples:

• Этот пистолет имеет калибр 9 мм, что делает его подходящим для самообороны.

  This pistol has a caliber of 9 mm, making it suitable for self-defense.

• Инженеры тщательно измеряют калибр ствола, чтобы обеспечить точность выстрела.

  Engineers carefully measure the caliber of the barrel to ensure shot accuracy.

• В оружейном каталоге указан калибр каждой модели для удобства покупателей.

  In the weapons catalog, the caliber of each model is specified for buyers' convenience.

• Калибр пули должен соответствовать типу оружия, иначе может произойти сбой.

  The caliber of the bullet must match the type of weapon, otherwise a malfunction may occur.

• При покупке винтовки проверьте калибр, чтобы он подходил под ваши боеприпасы.

  When buying a rifle, check the caliber to ensure it fits your ammunition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

калибр is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • диаметр (diametr) - More general term for diameter, often used interchangeably in non-firearms contexts.
  • размер (razmer) - Broad synonym for size, with a slight nuance toward overall dimensions rather than specific measurement.
• Antonyms:
  • неподходящий размер (nepodkhodyashchiy razmer) - Not a direct antonym, but implies incompatibility in size.

Related Phrases:

• калибр пули (kalibr puli) - Caliber of a bullet; used in discussions of ammunition compatibility. (Refers to the specific size measurement in firearms.)
• стандартный калибр (standartnyy kalibr) - Standard caliber; common in engineering to denote regulated sizes. (Implies uniformity in manufacturing.)
• изменить калибр (izmenit' kalibr) - To change the caliber; often in contexts of weapon modification. (Highlights adaptability in technical applications.)

Usage Notes:

While "caliber" in English can metaphorically mean "quality" or "level" (e.g., "a person of high caliber"), in Russian, "калибр" is almost exclusively used for literal measurements in technical or military contexts. English learners should avoid translating the metaphorical sense directly; instead, use equivalents like "уровень" (uroven') for quality. Note the formal register: it's best in written or professional speech. When discussing firearms, always pair it with specifics like numbers (e.g., 9 мм) for clarity.

• Grammar tip: As a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой калибр - big caliber).
• Context guidance: Choose "калибр" over synonyms when precision in measurement is key; in casual talk, "размер" might suffice.

Common Errors:

• Using "калибр" for metaphorical meanings: English speakers might say "Он высокого калибра" (wrong), thinking it means "He is of high quality." Correct: Use "уровня" or "качества" instead, e.g., "Он высокого уровня." Explanation: "Калибр" lacks this figurative sense in Russian, leading to confusion.
• Improper declension: Learners often forget to change the ending, e.g., saying "в калибр" instead of "в калибре" (in the caliber). Correct: Always decline based on case, as shown in the inflections table above. Explanation: This can make sentences grammatically incorrect and hard to understand.
• Confusing with similar words: Mixing up "калибр" with "калибровать" (to calibrate). For example: "Я калибр пушку" (wrong; means "I caliber the gun") vs. Correct: "Я калибрую пушку" (I calibrate the gun). Explanation: "Калибр" is a noun, not a verb, so verb forms require a different root.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "калибр" is often associated with military and industrial heritage, stemming from Russia's emphasis on engineering and defense manufacturing during the Soviet era. For instance, it frequently appears in discussions of World War II weaponry, symbolizing precision and national pride in technological advancements. This technical focus reflects broader cultural values of practicality and resilience in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• пуля (pulya) - Bullet
• ствол (stvol) - Barrel (of a gun)
• боеприпасы (boepripasy) - Ammunition