Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'catalog'

English Word: catalog

Key Russian Translations:

• каталог [kə.tɐˈloɡ] - [Formal, Singular, Used in contexts like libraries or online databases]
• справочник [ˈsprɐv.nʲik] - [Informal, Plural possible, Often used for reference guides or directories]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in educational, commercial, and digital contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary with basic grammar, suitable for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

каталог: [kə.tɐˈloɡ]

справочник: [ˈsprɐv.nʲik]

Note on каталог: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. A common variant in fast speech might soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A systematic list or collection of items, such as books or products.

Translation(s) & Context:

• каталог - Used in formal settings like libraries or online shopping, where a detailed list is maintained.
• справочник - Applied in informal or practical contexts, such as a reference guide or phone directory.

Usage Examples:

• Я нашел интересные книги в каталоге библиотеки. (I found interesting books in the library catalog.)

  Translation: I found interesting books in the library catalog. (This example shows the word in a formal, educational context.)

• Этот справочник содержит все адреса компаний. (This directory contains all the company addresses.)

  Translation: This directory contains all the company addresses. (Illustrates usage in a business or reference scenario.)

• Онлайн-каталог магазина обновляется еженедельно. (The online store's catalog is updated weekly.)

  Translation: The online store's catalog is updated weekly. (Demonstrates digital or e-commerce application.)

• В справочнике по растениям есть подробные описания. (The plant directory has detailed descriptions.)

  Translation: The plant directory has detailed descriptions. (Shows plural or thematic usage.)

• Каталог выставки искусства впечатляет своей разнообразностью. (The art exhibition catalog is impressive with its diversity.)

  Translation: The art exhibition catalog is impressive with its diversity. (Highlights cultural or event-based context.)

Secondary Meaning: A publication or resource for reference purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• справочник - Common in educational or informational contexts, like a handbook.

Usage Examples:

• Этот справочник поможет вам в изучении русского языка. (This handbook will help you in studying the Russian language.)

  Translation: This handbook will help you in studying the Russian language. (Emphasizes learning tools.)

• Каталог продуктов питания доступен в приложении. (The food products catalog is available in the app.)

  Translation: The food products catalog is available in the app. (Shows modern, app-based usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "каталог" and "справочник" are masculine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "каталог" as an example:

For "справочник", it follows a similar pattern but may vary slightly in plural forms due to its root. These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • реестр (registry) - Often used in official or legal contexts.
  • перечень (list) - A more general term for any enumeration.
• Antonyms:
  • хаос (chaos) - Implies disorder, contrasting with the organized nature of a catalog.

Related Phrases:

• Онлайн-каталог товаров (Online catalog of goods) - Refers to an e-commerce product list; used in shopping contexts.
• Справочник по лекарствам (Directory of medications) - A reference guide for pharmaceuticals; common in health-related discussions.
• Каталог выставки (Exhibition catalog) - A booklet listing exhibit items; typical in art or museum settings.

Usage Notes:

"Каталог" directly corresponds to the English "catalog" in formal contexts like libraries or stores, while "справочник" is better for reference materials. Always consider the context: use "каталог" for collections and "справочник" for guides. In Russian, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with prepositions, e.g., 'в каталоге' (in the catalog). For English learners, choose based on specificity—opt for "каталог" in digital scenarios and "справочник" for practical handbooks.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "каталог" interchangeably with "справочник" without considering context. For example, saying "справочник библиотеки" when "каталог библиотеки" is more accurate for a library system.

  Correct: Каталог библиотеки (Library catalog). Explanation: "Справочник" implies a handbook, not a systematic list, leading to confusion in formal settings.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, such as using nominative "каталог" after prepositions that require genitive, e.g., "из каталог" instead of "из каталога".

  Correct: Из каталога (From the catalog). Explanation: Russian prepositions dictate case, so always check for agreement to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, catalogs and directories like "каталог" are prevalent in educational and state institutions, reflecting a historical emphasis on organization and record-keeping from the Soviet era. For instance, library catalogs play a key role in public access to knowledge, symbolizing intellectual heritage.

Related Concepts:

• библиотека (library)
• база данных (database)
• список (list)