Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Computer'

English Word: Computer

Key Russian Translations:

• компьютер [kɐmˈpʲutʲɪr] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• ЭВМ [ɛvɛˈɛm] - [Formal, Abbreviation for "Electronic Computing Machine", Rarely Used Today]

Frequency: High (especially for "компьютер")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "компьютер"); B2 (Intermediate for "ЭВМ" due to rarity and formal context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компьютер: [kɐmˈpʲutʲɪr]

Note on компьютер: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "п" is pronounced softly due to palatalization before "ю".

ЭВМ: [ɛvɛˈɛm]

Note on ЭВМ: Pronounced as individual letters: "Э-Вэ-Эм".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Term for a Computing Device

Translation(s) & Context:

• компьютер - Used for personal computers, laptops, or general computing devices in everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У меня новый компьютер.

  I have a new computer.

• Компьютер сломался, нужно вызвать мастера.

  The computer broke down; I need to call a technician.

• Она работает за компьютером весь день.

  She works at the computer all day.

2. Formal or Historical Term for Computing Machinery

Translation(s) & Context:

• ЭВМ - Refers to early or large-scale computing machines, often used in technical or historical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В 1960-х годах ЭВМ занимали целые комнаты.

  In the 1960s, computers (EVMs) occupied entire rooms.

• ЭВМ использовались для сложных научных расчётов.

  EVMs were used for complex scientific calculations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

компьютер (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

ЭВМ (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate, Abbreviation): This term does not decline as it is an abbreviation, though it is treated as a feminine noun in agreement with adjectives or verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for компьютер:

• ПК (персональный компьютер) - Abbreviation for "personal computer", informal.
• машина - Rarely used, colloquial, meaning "machine".

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "computer" lacks a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• персональный компьютер (ПК) - Personal computer, commonly abbreviated as "ПК".
• компьютерная игра - Computer game, referring to video games played on a computer.
• компьютерная сеть - Computer network, used in technical contexts.

Usage Notes:

• "компьютер" is the standard and most widely used term for any type of computer in modern Russian. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
• "ЭВМ" is outdated and primarily encountered in historical, academic, or technical texts. English learners are unlikely to need this term in everyday conversation.
• Russian speakers often use "комп" as a slang abbreviation for "компьютер" in casual online communication.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "компьютер" with stress on the first syllable (e.g., "КОМ-пьютер"). Correction: The stress is on the second syllable: "ком-ПЬЮ-тер".
• Error: Using "ЭВМ" in casual conversation. Correction: Reserve "ЭВМ" for specific historical or technical discussions; use "компьютер" instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "компьютер" became widespread in the late 20th century with the advent of personal computing. During the Soviet era, "ЭВМ" was the dominant term for large-scale computers used in research and industry, reflecting the state-controlled technological landscape of the time.

Related Concepts:

• программирование - Programming
• интернет - Internet
• клавиатура - Keyboard
• монитор - Monitor