Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Camera'

English Word: Camera

Key Russian Translations:

• камера [ˈkamʲɪrə] - [General, Most Common]
• фотоаппарат [ˌfotəɐpɐˈrat] - [Specifically for Photography]

Frequency: High (both terms are widely used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "камера"; Intermediate for "фотоаппарат" due to longer structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

камера: [ˈkamʲɪrə]

Note on камера: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

фотоаппарат: [ˌfotəɐpɐˈrat]

Note on фотоаппарат: Stress is on the last syllable. The word is a compound, so practice each part separately if needed.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Camera as a Device for Filming or Photography

Translation(s) & Context:

• камера - Used for both video cameras and general contexts (e.g., security cameras).
• фотоаппарат - Specifically refers to a photographic camera.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть новая камера для съёмки видео.

  I have a new camera for shooting videos.

• Эта камера следит за безопасностью в магазине.

  This camera monitors security in the store.

• Я купил фотоаппарат для отпуска.

  I bought a camera for the vacation.

• Ты можешь настроить фотоаппарат на ручной режим?

  Can you set the camera to manual mode?

• Камера на телефоне делает отличные снимки.

  The camera on the phone takes great pictures.

2. Camera as a Room or Cell (Less Common in English)

Translation(s) & Context:

• камера - Can also mean a small room or cell (e.g., prison cell or chamber).

Usage Examples:

• Заключённого поместили в одиночную камеру.

  The prisoner was placed in a solitary cell.

• Это камера для хранения продуктов.

  This is a storage chamber for food.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

камера (Feminine Noun): Follows the standard Russian declension for feminine nouns ending in -а.

фотоаппарат (Masculine Noun): Follows the standard declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for камера (as camera device):

• видеокамера (specifically video camera)

Synonyms for фотоаппарат:

• фотокамера (less common but used)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for "camera" in Russian.

Note: Synonyms may vary slightly in usage; "видеокамера" is more specific to video recording, while "фотокамера" is a rarer alternative to "фотоаппарат".

Related Phrases:

• цифровая камера - Digital camera
• камера наблюдения - Surveillance camera
• фотоаппарат с объективом - Camera with a lens
• снимать на камеру - To film with a camera

Usage Notes:

• "камера" is the broader term and can refer to any type of camera (video, security, etc.) as well as a "cell" or "chamber". Context is key to avoid confusion.
• "фотоаппарат" is strictly for photographic cameras and is more specific. It’s the term to use when talking about taking pictures.
• In modern Russian, "камера" is often used for phone cameras or general references, while "фотоаппарат" implies a standalone device.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "камера" when specifically referring to a photographic camera in a formal or technical context.
  Incorrect: У меня есть камера для фотографий.
  Correct: У меня есть фотоаппарат для фотографий.
  Explanation: While "камера" can sometimes work, "фотоаппарат" is more precise for photography.
• Error: Misusing "камера" without context, leading to ambiguity (camera vs. cell).
  Incorrect: Он сидит в камере. (Could mean "He’s sitting in a camera" without context.)
  Correct: Provide context to clarify if it’s a device or a room.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, photography and videography have become increasingly popular with the rise of social media, so terms like "камера" are frequently heard in casual contexts, especially referring to phone cameras. Historically, "фотоаппарат" was associated with analog cameras, and older generations might still use it exclusively for standalone devices.

Related Concepts:

• объектив (lens)
• съёмка (filming/shooting)
• фотография (photography)
• видео (video)