Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cement'

English Word: cement

Key Russian Translations:

• цемент [tsɪˈmɛnt] - [Formal, Standard Usage]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in construction and technical contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate, due to straightforward meaning and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цемент: [tsɪˈmɛnt]

Note on цемент: The stress falls on the second syllable. The initial 'ц' is pronounced as 'ts', which might be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A building material (noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цемент - Used to refer to the binding material in construction (e.g., for concrete).

Usage Examples:

• Мы купили цемент для ремонта фундамента.

  We bought cement for repairing the foundation.

• Цемент используется для создания бетона.

  Cement is used to make concrete.

• Этот цемент очень прочный.

  This cement is very strong.

• Сколько стоит мешок цемента?

  How much does a bag of cement cost?

• Рабочие смешивают цемент с песком.

  The workers are mixing cement with sand.

2. To bind or unite (figurative, verb form derived from context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цементировать - Used in a figurative sense to mean 'to strengthen' or 'to solidify' (e.g., relationships or ideas).

Usage Examples:

• Эта встреча помогла цементировать наши отношения.

  This meeting helped to cement our relationship.

• Мы должны цементировать наше сотрудничество.

  We must cement our cooperation.

• Его слова цементировали нашу решимость.

  His words cemented our determination.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. цемент (noun, masculine, inanimate):

Declension follows the standard second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

2. цементировать (verb, imperfective):

Conjugation follows the first conjugation pattern. Below is the present tense conjugation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for цемент:

• вязкое вещество (binding substance, less common)

Note: Synonyms are rare for 'цемент' as it is a specific term. 'Вязкое вещество' is broader and less precise.

Antonyms for цемент:

• None directly applicable (as it is a material noun without a clear opposite).

Related Phrases:

• мешок цемента - A bag of cement (common in trade and construction).
• цементный завод - Cement factory (refers to a production site).
• цементировать дружбу - To cement a friendship (figurative usage for strengthening bonds).

Usage Notes:

• The noun 'цемент' is used almost exclusively in technical or construction contexts. It does not have informal variants.
• The verb 'цементировать' is less common and mostly appears in formal or figurative contexts, such as describing the strengthening of abstract concepts (e.g., relationships, agreements).
• English speakers should note that 'цемент' is not used metaphorically as often as 'cement' in English. For figurative meanings, the verb form is more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'цемент' in a figurative sense as a noun (e.g., *'Этот цемент наших отношений'*).
  Correction: Use the verb 'цементировать' instead (e.g., 'Это цементирует наши отношения').
  Explanation: The noun 'цемент' refers strictly to the material, while the verb form handles abstract or metaphorical uses.
• Error: Mispronouncing 'цемент' with stress on the first syllable (*'ЦЕ-мент'*).
  Correction: Stress the second syllable ('це-МЕНТ').
  Explanation: Stress placement is critical in Russian for correct pronunciation and meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, 'цемент' is often associated with Soviet-era construction projects, as cement production was a key industrial focus. Discussions about 'цемент' might evoke imagery of large-scale infrastructure or even bureaucratic inefficiencies in historical contexts.

Related Concepts:

• бетон (concrete)
• строительство (construction)
• песок (sand)