Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cork'

English Word: cork

Key Russian Translations:

• пробка [ˈprobkə] - [Common, Neutral]
• затычка [zɐˈtɨtʃkə] - [Informal, Often for makeshift plugs]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "пробка"; Intermediate for "затычка" due to informal nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пробка: [ˈprobkə]

Note on пробка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly, typical in Russian pronunciation.

затычка: [zɐˈtɨtʃkə]

Note on затычка: Stress on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central "i".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cork as a material or bottle stopper

Translation(s) & Context:

• пробка - Used for bottle stoppers (e.g., wine bottles) or material made from cork bark.

Usage Examples:

• Я не могу открыть бутылку, пробка застряла.

  I can’t open the bottle; the cork is stuck.

• Пробка из коры дуба используется для винных бутылок.

  Cork from oak bark is used for wine bottles.

• У тебя есть пробка для этой бутылки?

  Do you have a cork for this bottle?

2. Cork as a plug or stopper (informal or makeshift)

Translation(s) & Context:

• затычка - Often refers to a makeshift plug or stopper, not necessarily made of cork material.

Usage Examples:

• Я сделал затычку из ткани, чтобы заткнуть дыру.

  I made a plug from cloth to stop the hole.

• Эта затычка не держится в бутылке.

  This plug doesn’t stay in the bottle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

пробка (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian.

затычка (feminine noun): Also follows the first declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for пробка:

• крышка (when referring to a bottle cap or cover)
• заглушка (more technical, for plugs in pipes or holes)

Note: "крышка" often implies a broader cover, while "заглушка" is used in technical contexts.

Antonyms for пробка:

• открытие (opening, as in the act of uncorking)

Related Phrases:

• вытащить пробку - "to pull out the cork" (used for opening a bottle).
• пробка для вина - "cork for wine" (specific to wine bottles).
• затычка на все случаи - "a plug for all occasions" (idiomatic, meaning a versatile solution).

Usage Notes:

• "пробка" is the most common and neutral term for a cork, especially in the context of bottle stoppers or the material itself. It is the safest choice for most situations.
• "затычка" carries a more informal tone and often implies a temporary or makeshift solution. It may not always refer to cork as a material.
• Be aware that "пробка" can also mean "traffic jam" in Russian, so context is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "пробка" to mean "traffic jam" when intending to refer to a bottle cork. For example, saying "На столе пробка" (There’s a traffic jam on the table) instead of clarifying the context as a cork.

  Correction: Specify context if ambiguity exists, e.g., "пробка для бутылки" (cork for a bottle).

• Error: Using "затычка" in formal contexts or for high-quality corks, which can sound inappropriate.

  Correction: Reserve "затычка" for informal or makeshift contexts and use "пробка" for formal or standard references to corks.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, wine and champagne corks ("пробка") are often associated with celebrations, similar to Western traditions. Popping a cork can symbolize the start of a festive event. Additionally, the word "пробка" being used for "traffic jam" reflects the language's tendency to reuse words with contextual shifts, which may confuse learners.

Related Concepts:

• бутылка (bottle)
• вино (wine)
• крышка (cap/lid)