Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'calibrate'

English Word: calibrate

Key Russian Translations:

• калибровать [kɐlʲɪˈbravatʲ] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in technical, scientific, and engineering contexts but less so in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and verb conjugations, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

калибровать: [kɐlʲɪˈbravatʲ]

Note on калибровать: The stress falls on the third syllable ("bra"), and the 'л' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' sound as in "million".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To adjust precisely for accurate functioning (e.g., instruments or measurements)

Translation(s) & Context:

• калибровать - Used in technical or scientific settings, such as calibrating equipment in a laboratory (Formal, Professional).

Usage Examples:

• Инженер калибрует прибор перед началом эксперимента.

  The engineer calibrates the instrument before starting the experiment.

• Мне нужно калибровать термометр, чтобы убедиться в точности показаний.

  I need to calibrate the thermometer to ensure the accuracy of the readings.

• В лаборатории мы регулярно калибруем оборудование для соблюдения стандартов.

  In the laboratory, we regularly calibrate the equipment to comply with standards.

• Если не калибровать датчик, результаты измерений будут ненадёжными.

  If you don't calibrate the sensor, the measurement results will be unreliable.

• Техник калибрует систему в полевых условиях, используя специальное ПО.

  The technician calibrates the system in field conditions using specialized software.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Калибровать" is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, following regular patterns but with some loanword influences. It is intransitive or transitive depending on context. Below is a table of its key inflections:

Note: The verb is regular, but pay attention to the imperfective aspect. There is no perfective counterpart in standard usage, so it remains as is for ongoing or repeated actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • настроить (natstrooit') - To set up or adjust, often for systems or devices; more general than калибровать.
  • регулировать (regulirovat') - To regulate or fine-tune; used in mechanical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • нарушить (narushit') - To disrupt or disturb, implying the opposite of precise adjustment.
  • игнорировать (ignorirovat') - To ignore, which contrasts with the act of calibrating for accuracy.

Related Phrases:

• калибровать прибор - Calibrate an instrument; used in scientific or technical settings to ensure measurement accuracy.
• калибровка системы - System calibration; refers to the process of adjusting complex systems for optimal performance.
• периодическая калибровка - Periodic calibration; emphasizes regular maintenance in professional environments.

Usage Notes:

"Калибровать" directly corresponds to the English "calibrate" in technical contexts, such as engineering or metrology, and is typically used in formal or professional settings. Unlike English, Russian verbs like this one require conjugation based on tense, person, and number, so ensure the subject agreement is correct. When choosing between synonyms like "настроить" or "регулировать," opt for "калибровать" when precision measurement is involved. Be mindful of the imperfective aspect, which implies ongoing actions, as in routine calibrations.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using the infinitive form "калибровать" in places where a conjugated form is needed, e.g., saying "Я калибровать прибор" instead of "Я калибрую прибор." Correct Usage: Always conjugate the verb to match the subject, as in "Я калибрую прибор" (I calibrate the instrument). This mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Common Error: Confusing it with "калибр" (caliber), which refers to size or diameter, not the act of adjustment. For example, saying "калибр прибор" to mean "calibrate instrument." Correct Usage: Use "калибровать" for the verb action, and pair it properly, e.g., "калибровать прибор."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and industry, precision and accuracy are highly valued, especially in fields like aerospace and manufacturing. Terms like "калибровать" reflect Russia's emphasis on technical excellence, influenced by its history of scientific achievements during the Soviet era. However, this word itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations beyond its practical use.

Related Concepts:

• измерять (to measure)
• настроить (to set up)
• регулировка (adjustment)