Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cooler'

English Word: cooler

Key Russian Translations:

• холодильник [xəlɐˈdʲilʲnʲɪk] - [General, Neutral]
• охладитель [ɐxlɐˈdʲitʲɪlʲ] - [Technical, Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "холодильник"), B1 (Intermediate for "охладитель")

Pronunciation (Russian):

холодильник: [xəlɐˈdʲilʲnʲɪk]

Note on холодильник: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "х" is a guttural sound, unfamiliar to many English speakers.

охладитель: [ɐxlɐˈdʲitʲɪlʲ]

Note on охладитель: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "л" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A device for keeping things cold (e.g., a portable cooler or refrigerator)

Translation(s) & Context:

• холодильник - Commonly used for both household refrigerators and portable coolers in everyday speech.

Usage Examples:

• Я положил напитки в холодильник на пикнике.

  I put the drinks in the cooler at the picnic.

• У нас сломался холодильник, нужно купить новый.

  Our refrigerator broke down; we need to buy a new one.

• Возьми холодильник с собой, чтобы еда не испортилась.

  Take the cooler with you so the food doesn’t spoil.

2. A device or substance for cooling something (technical or industrial context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• охладитель - Used in technical contexts, such as for machinery or industrial cooling systems.

Usage Examples:

• Этот охладитель используется для двигателя автомобиля.

  This cooler is used for the car engine.

• Охладитель помогает поддерживать нужную температуру.

  The cooler helps maintain the required temperature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

холодильник (noun, masculine, inanimate):

охладитель (noun, masculine, inanimate): Follows similar declension patterns as "холодильник" (second declension, masculine nouns).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for холодильник:

• морозильник (more specific to freezers)

Note: "морозильник" is often used when emphasizing freezing rather than cooling.

Synonyms for охладитель:

• радиатор (specific to radiators or cooling systems in vehicles)

Antonyms:

• нагреватель (heater)

Related Phrases:

• переносной холодильник - portable cooler (used for travel or picnics)
• охладитель воды - water cooler (used in offices or homes)
• поставить в холодильник - to put in the cooler/refrigerator (common expression)

Usage Notes:

• "Холодильник" is the most common and versatile term, used for both refrigerators and portable coolers in casual contexts. It’s the safest choice for beginners.
• "Охладитель" is more technical and formal, often used in industrial or mechanical contexts. Avoid using it for everyday household items.
• In Russian, context matters. If referring to a cooler for drinks at a picnic, "холодильник" is appropriate, even if it’s portable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "охладитель" for a household refrigerator.
  Incorrect: У меня дома новый охладитель.
  Correct: У меня дома новый холодильник.
  Explanation: "Охладитель" sounds overly technical for everyday use and is rarely used for household appliances.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions like "в" (in).
  Incorrect: Положи еду в холодильник* (wrong case).
  Correct: Положи еду в холодильник.
  Explanation: After "в," the noun takes the accusative case, but since "холодильник" is inanimate, the form remains the same as nominative.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "холодильник" (refrigerator) often holds a central place in the kitchen, and it’s common to store a wide variety of foods there, even items that English speakers might not refrigerate (like bread or vegetables). Portable coolers are less common in everyday life compared to Western countries but are gaining popularity for picnics and travel.

Related Concepts:

• морозильник (freezer)
• кондиционер (air conditioner)
• лед (ice)