Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'device'

English Word: device

Key Russian Translations:

• Устройство (/ʊˈstrɔɪstvə/) - [Formal, Neutral; Used in general and technical contexts]
• Прибор (/ˈprʲibɐr/) - [Formal; Used specifically for technical or electronic devices]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday language, especially in technical, scientific, and modern contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to technology. For 'прибор', it may be B2 due to more specialized usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Устройство: /ʊˈstrɔɪstvə/

Note on Устройство: The stress is on the third syllable; be mindful of the soft 'й' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Прибор: /ˈprʲibɐr/

Note on Прибор: The initial 'пр' is pronounced with a soft 'р', and the word has a clear stress on the first syllable. It's often used in formal settings.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A machine, tool, or apparatus designed for a specific purpose (e.g., electronic or mechanical device)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Устройство - Used in everyday and technical contexts for general devices, such as gadgets or mechanisms.
• Прибор - Applied in more precise, scientific or engineering contexts, like laboratory equipment.

Usage Examples:

• Это новое устройство позволяет быстро заряжать телефон.

  This new device allows for quick phone charging.

• В лаборатории используется специальный прибор для измерения температуры.

  In the laboratory, a special device is used to measure temperature.

• Современные устройства, такие как смартфоны, стали неотъемлемой частью жизни.

  Modern devices, such as smartphones, have become an integral part of life.

• Инженеры разрабатывают инновационное устройство для очистки воды.

  Engineers are developing an innovative device for water purification.

Meaning 2: A scheme, plan, or stratagem (less common, metaphorical usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Устройство - Used metaphorically in literary or informal contexts for a clever plan or arrangement.

Usage Examples:

• Его план был хитрым устройством, чтобы обмануть конкурентов.

  His plan was a clever device to deceive the competitors.

• В романе автор использует устройство сюжета для создания интриги.

  In the novel, the author uses a plot device to create intrigue.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'устройство' and 'прибор' are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. 'Устройство' is a third-declension noun and inflects regularly, while 'прибор' is also regular but may have slight variations in plural forms.

Note: These nouns do not change for gender but must agree in case and number with other elements in the sentence.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Аппарат (/ɐˈparət/) - Similar to 'прибор', often for larger devices; more formal in scientific contexts.
  • Механизм (/mʲɪˈxɐnʲɪzm/) - Emphasizes mechanical aspects; used for intricate systems.
• Antonyms:
  • Разрушитель (/rəzruˈʂʲitʲilʲ/) - Destroyer or breaker, contrasting with something constructive.
  • Препятствие (/prʲiˈpʲatstvʲijə/) - Obstacle, opposing the functionality of a device.

Related Phrases:

• Электронное устройство - Electronic device; Commonly used in tech discussions.
• Медицинский прибор - Medical device; Refers to equipment in healthcare settings.
• Устройство для безопасности - Safety device; Often in contexts like alarms or locks.

Usage Notes:

'Устройство' is the most direct and versatile translation for 'device' in English, covering both everyday and technical meanings, while 'прибор' is better for specialized equipment. In Russian, these words must agree in case and number with the rest of the sentence, which is a key grammatical difference from English. For formal writing or technical fields, prefer 'прибор' over 'устройство'. When choosing between translations, consider the context: use 'устройство' for general purposes and 'прибор' for precise, scientific applications. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; instead, focus on the function or purpose of the device.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'устройство' in a highly technical context where 'прибор' is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Это устройство для измерения" instead of "Это прибор для измерения".

  Correct: "Это прибор для измерения" – Explanation: 'Прибор' conveys a sense of precision and equipment, making it idiomatically correct in scientific settings.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using "Я имею устройство" in genitive contexts instead of "Я имею устройство" where it should be "У меня есть устройство".

  Correct: Ensure proper case agreement, as in "Разработка устройства" (Genitive for development of a device). – Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'устройство' and 'прибор' often reflect the country's emphasis on engineering and innovation, stemming from its Soviet-era focus on technology and space exploration. For instance, devices associated with Russian inventions, like the Sputnik satellite, are frequently discussed in educational contexts, adding a layer of national pride to these terms.

Related Concepts:

• Техника
• Инновация
• Гаджет