Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Coal'

English Word: Coal

Key Russian Translations:

• уголь [ˈuɡəlʲ] - [General Usage, Singular]
• угли [ˈuɡlʲi] - [Plural, Often Used for Pieces of Coal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уголь: [ˈuɡəlʲ]

Note on уголь: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, similar to 'g' in 'go'.

угли: [ˈuɡlʲi]

Note on угли: The stress remains on the first syllable, with a clear 'i' sound at the end indicating plurality.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Coal as a Fossil Fuel (Material for Burning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уголь - Used when referring to coal as a general substance or resource (e.g., in mining or energy contexts).

Usage Examples:

• В шахте добывают уголь каждый день.

  Coal is mined in the shaft every day.

• Уголь используется для отопления домов.

  Coal is used for heating homes.

• Этот регион богат запасами угля.

  This region is rich in coal reserves.

2. Coal as Pieces or Embers (Physical Pieces)

Translation(s) & Context:

• угли - Refers to individual pieces of coal or glowing embers, often in the context of a fire or grill.

Usage Examples:

• Угли в камине ещё тлеют.

  The coals in the fireplace are still glowing.

• Мы жарили шашлык на углях.

  We grilled shashlik on coals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

уголь (Singular, Masculine Noun):

угли (Plural, Masculine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for уголь:

• антрацит (anthracite - a specific type of coal, more technical)
• каменный уголь (hard coal - often used in industrial contexts)

Antonyms for уголь:

• дерево (wood - as an alternative fuel)

Related Phrases:

• каменный уголь - Hard coal, often used in industrial or historical contexts.
• тлеющие угли - Glowing coals, used metaphorically or literally for embers.
• добыча угля - Coal mining, referring to the industry or activity.

Usage Notes:

• The singular form "уголь" is used for coal as a general material or resource, while the plural "угли" refers to physical pieces or embers. English speakers often confuse these forms.
• "Угли" is commonly used in the context of cooking or fire, whereas "уголь" is more abstract or industrial.
• Both terms are neutral in register and can be used in formal or informal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "угли" when referring to coal as a resource. Example: *В шахте добывают угли* (incorrect). Correction: Use "уголь" instead: *В шахте добывают уголь*.
• Error: Forgetting case endings when using "уголь" or "угли" in sentences. Example: *Я купил уголь* (correct), but *Я купил угли* (also correct only if referring to pieces). Pay attention to context and grammatical case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, coal (уголь) has historical significance due to the country's vast mining regions, such as the Donbass area. References to coal often evoke industrial history or harsh working conditions in literature and media. Additionally, "угли" as glowing coals may appear in traditional contexts like cooking over open fires or in metaphors for lingering emotions or conflicts.

Related Concepts:

• шахта (mine)
• топливо (fuel)
• огонь (fire)