Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'car'

English Word: car

Key Russian Translations:

• машина [mɐˈʂinə] - [Informal, Most Common]
• автомобиль [ɐftɐˈmobʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: High (both translations are widely used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "машина"; A2 (Elementary) for "автомобиль"

Pronunciation (Russian):

машина: [mɐˈʂinə]

Note on машина: The stress is on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, similar to "sh" in "ship."

автомобиль: [ɐftɐˈmobʲɪlʲ]

Note on автомобиль: The stress is on the third syllable. The "б" is softened due to the following "и."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A motor vehicle for personal transport

Translation(s) & Context:

• машина - Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to any car.
• автомобиль - Used in formal contexts, technical discussions, or official documents.

Usage Examples:

• У меня новая машина.

  I have a new car.

• Где ты припарковал свою машину?

  Where did you park your car?

• Этот автомобиль очень дорогой.

  This car is very expensive.

• На выставке представлены новые автомобили.

  New cars are showcased at the exhibition.

• Машина сломалась на дороге.

  The car broke down on the road.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

машина (feminine noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern for nouns ending in -а.

автомобиль (masculine noun): Follows the standard masculine declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for машина/автомобиль:

• тачка (informal, slang)
• авто (informal, short form)

Note: "тачка" is very colloquial and often used among younger speakers or in casual settings.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "car" lacks a clear opposite in this context.

Related Phrases:

• водить машину - to drive a car
• купить автомобиль - to buy a car
• машина скорой помощи - ambulance (lit. emergency car)
• ремонт машины - car repair

Usage Notes:

• "машина" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "car" in everyday Russian. It can refer to any vehicle or even machinery in broader contexts, so context is key.
• "автомобиль" is more specific to motor vehicles and is preferred in formal or technical contexts, such as legal documents or automotive discussions.
• When in doubt, use "машина" in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "автомобиль" in casual speech. For example, saying "Я купил новый автомобиль" in a friendly chat sounds stiff. Correct Usage: Use "машина" instead: "Я купил новую машину."
• Error: Misplacing stress in "машина" (e.g., stressing the first syllable). Correct Usage: Stress the second syllable: [mɐˈʂinə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, cars are often a status symbol, and the brand or model can carry significant social meaning. Historically, Soviet-era cars like the "Lada" (a type of машина) are iconic and still evoke nostalgia among many Russians.

Related Concepts:

• водитель (driver)
• дорога (road)
• бензин (gasoline/petrol)
• гараж (garage)