Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Container'

English Word: Container

Key Russian Translations:

• контейнер [kɐnˈtʲejnʲɪr] - [Neutral, General Use]
• ёмкость [ˈjomkəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Often Technical or Scientific]
• сосуд [sɐˈsut] - [Formal, Often for Vessels or Literary Use]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like shipping or storage)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies by specific translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

контейнер: [kɐnˈtʲejnʲɪr]

Note on контейнер: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

ёмкость: [ˈjomkəsʲtʲ]

Note on ёмкость: The 'ё' is always stressed and pronounced as 'yo'. This can be tricky for non-native speakers.

сосуд: [sɐˈsut]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A physical object for holding or storing items (general use)

Translation(s) & Context:

• контейнер - Commonly used for large storage units, shipping containers, or general holders.
• ёмкость - Used in technical contexts for capacity or containers like tanks or reservoirs.

Usage Examples:

• Контейнер на корабле был полон товаров.

  The container on the ship was full of goods.

• Эта ёмкость предназначена для хранения жидкости.

  This container is designed for storing liquid.

• Мы загрузили контейнер на грузовик.

  We loaded the container onto the truck.

2. A vessel or object with symbolic or literary meaning

Translation(s) & Context:

• сосуд - Often used metaphorically or in formal/literary contexts for vessels or containers of emotion, soul, etc.

Usage Examples:

• Его сердце – сосуд печали.

  His heart is a vessel of sorrow.

• Сосуд был наполнен древним вином.

  The vessel was filled with ancient wine.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

контейнер (Masculine Noun): Follows standard second declension patterns for masculine nouns.

ёмкость (Feminine Noun): Follows first declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

сосуд (Masculine Noun): Follows standard second declension patterns with minor irregularities in stress shifts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for контейнер:

• ящик (box, crate - more informal or specific)
• тара (packaging, container - broader term)

Antonyms for контейнер:

• пустота (emptiness - conceptual opposite)

Related Phrases:

• морской контейнер - Sea container (used in shipping contexts)
• ёмкость бака - Tank capacity (technical measurement context)
• сосуд знаний - Vessel of knowledge (metaphorical expression)

Usage Notes:

• "Контейнер" is the most direct and widely understood translation for "container," especially in modern contexts like shipping or storage.
• "Ёмкость" is more specialized and often used in scientific or technical discussions, referring to capacity or volume as well as physical containers.
• "Сосуд" carries a more formal or literary tone and is often used metaphorically (e.g., "vessel of emotions"). Avoid using it for everyday containers like boxes or bins.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing the appropriate translation, as these words are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сосуд" for a shipping container. Incorrect: "Сосуд для груза." Correct: "Контейнер для груза." (Explanation: "Сосуд" implies a vessel or jar, not suitable for large industrial containers.)
• Error: Mispronouncing "ёмкость" by ignoring the stress on "ё". Correct pronunciation is [ˈjomkəsʲtʲ]. (Explanation: The letter "ё" is always stressed in Russian, and misplacing stress can lead to misunderstandings.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the word "сосуд" often appears in literature and religious texts with symbolic meaning, such as representing the human soul or divine essence. Understanding this nuance can help learners grasp its usage beyond literal translations.

Related Concepts:

• упаковка (packaging)
• хранилище (storage)
• объём (volume)