Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dictaphone'

English Word: dictaphone

Key Russian Translations:

• диктофон [dʲɪkˈtofən] - [Common, used in everyday contexts for recording devices]

Frequency: Medium (This word is moderately common in modern Russian, especially in technological or professional contexts, but less frequent in casual conversation).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; as a borrowed word, it's straightforward for learners familiar with basic vocabulary, but pronunciation may pose challenges for beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

диктофон: [dʲɪkˈtofən]

Note on диктофон: The stress falls on the second syllable ('to-'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'dʲ' sound, which is common in Russian and may be difficult for English speakers. Variations in regional accents might soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A device used for recording speech or sound, often in professional or personal settings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• диктофон - Used in general contexts for handheld or digital recording devices; suitable for both formal and informal situations, such as business meetings or personal notes.

Usage Examples:

• Я использовал диктофон, чтобы записать лекцию профессора.

  I used the dictaphone to record the professor's lecture.

• Её диктофон всегда с собой на интервью.

  Her dictaphone is always with her during interviews.

• В современном офисе диктофон заменяет бумажные заметки.

  In a modern office, a dictaphone replaces paper notes.

• Он забыл включить диктофон во время разговора.

  He forgot to turn on the dictaphone during the conversation.

• С помощью диктофона она сохраняет важные идеи для будущих проектов.

  With the help of the dictaphone, she saves important ideas for future projects.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Диктофон" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for most cases but is invariant in plural forms as it's often used in singular contexts. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is relatively stable and does not have irregular forms, making it easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: магнитофон (magnitofon - more general for tape recorders, with a slight vintage connotation); рекордер (rekorder - used for digital recorders, emphasizing modern devices).
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a specific device term.

Related Phrases:

• Голосовой диктофон - A voice dictaphone; used for speech-to-text applications in professional settings.
• Цифровой диктофон - Digital dictaphone; refers to modern, electronic versions commonly used in journalism.
• Встроенный диктофон - Built-in dictaphone; often in smartphones, highlighting integrated technology.

Usage Notes:

"Диктофон" directly corresponds to the English "dictaphone" as a borrowed term, but in Russian, it's more broadly used for any portable recording device. It's neutral in terms of formality and can be applied in both everyday and professional contexts. When choosing between synonyms like "магнитофон," opt for "диктофон" for modern digital devices. Grammatically, remember it as a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree (e.g., "хороший диктофон" for "good dictaphone"). Avoid overusing in casual speech where simpler terms might suffice.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing it with "магнитофон" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я купил магнитофон для записи" (when meaning a digital device). Correct: "Я купил диктофон для записи" – Explanation: "Магнитофон" implies older tape-based technology, while "диктофон" is for contemporary recorders.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [ˈdʲɪktofən] instead of [dʲɪkˈtofən]. Incorrect Pronunciation: [ˈdʲɪktofən] – Correct: [dʲɪkˈtofən] – Explanation: This can alter meaning or make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Диктофон" reflects Russia's adoption of Western technology terms, especially post-Soviet era, highlighting the influence of global gadgets. In Russian culture, it's associated with journalism and academia, evoking images of field reporters or lecturers, but it's not tied to specific historical events.

Related Concepts:

• Микрофон (microphone)
• Запись (recording)
• Аудиофайл (audio file)