Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'crucible'

English Word: crucible

Key Russian Translations:

• тигель [ˈtʲiɡʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, used in scientific or technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific literature but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тигель: [ˈtʲiɡʲɪlʲ]

Note on тигель: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'г' is pronounced as a soft 'g' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literally: A heat-resistant container used for melting metals or other substances at high temperatures.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тигель - Used in scientific, industrial, or laboratory settings to describe a physical object; appropriate in formal or technical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории химик использует тигель для плавления сплавов.

  In the laboratory, the chemist uses a crucible for melting alloys.

• Тигель из керамики выдерживает экстремальные температуры в металлургии.

  A ceramic crucible withstands extreme temperatures in metallurgy.

• Во время эксперимента тигель был размещен в печи для точного нагрева.

  During the experiment, the crucible was placed in the furnace for precise heating.

• Промышленные тигли часто изготавливают из графита для устойчивости.

  Industrial crucibles are often made from graphite for durability.

Metaphorically: A severe test, trial, or situation that forces change or purification.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тигель - Used figuratively in literary or philosophical contexts to imply a transformative experience; less common but gaining usage in modern Russian media.

Usage Examples:

• Война стала тиглем для нации, закаляя её дух и единство.

  War became a crucible for the nation, forging its spirit and unity.

• Его карьера в бизнесе прошла через тигель экономического кризиса.

  His career in business went through the crucible of an economic crisis.

• Путешествие по миру оказалось тиглем личностного роста.

  Traveling the world proved to be a crucible for personal growth.

• В тигле конфликтов рождаются великие лидеры.

  In the crucible of conflicts, great leaders are born.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"тигель" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: As a inanimate noun, the accusative form matches the nominative in singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • плавильный котел (more poetic, often used in metaphorical contexts)
  • расплавитель (focuses on the melting aspect in industrial settings)
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "тигель" is a specific object; conceptually, "охлаждающий сосуд" (cooling vessel) could contrast in a scientific context.

Related Phrases:

• в тигле испытаний - In the crucible of trials (used metaphorically to describe challenging situations that lead to growth).
• тигель для сплавов - Crucible for alloys (common in metallurgical contexts, referring to a specific type of container).
• пройти через тигель - To go through the crucible (idiomatic for enduring a transformative experience).

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "тигель" directly corresponds to the English "crucible" in both literal and metaphorical senses, but it is primarily used in formal or technical environments. In everyday speech, English speakers learning Russian should note that metaphorical uses are less frequent and often appear in literature or historical discussions. When choosing between translations, opt for "тигель" in scientific contexts and be cautious with metaphors, as they may require additional cultural context. Grammatically, always decline the noun according to its case, as Russian sentence structure demands agreement.

• In formal writing, pair it with verbs like "использовать" (to use) for literal meanings.
• For metaphors, ensure the context implies transformation, similar to English idioms.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "тигель" with "котел" (kettle or boiler), which is a more general term for a container. For example:

• Error: Saying "котел для плавления" instead of "тигель для плавления".
• Correct: Use "тигель", as it specifically denotes a heat-resistant vessel. Explanation: "Котел" implies a larger, everyday container, while "тигель" is precise for high-temperature applications.
• Another error: Failing to decline the noun, e.g., using "тигель" in all cases. Correct: Adjust for case, like "тигля" in genitive.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тигель" often symbolizes resilience and transformation, drawing from historical metallurgy in Russia's industrial past. For instance, it appears in literature like Tolstoy's works to represent personal trials, reflecting the nation's history of enduring wars and revolutions. This metaphorical use can deepen understanding of Russian resilience narratives.

Related Concepts:

• металлургия (metallurgy)
• плавка (smelting)
• испытание (trial or test)