Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Directory'

English Word: Directory

Key Russian Translations:

• справочник [ˈsprɐvətɕnʲɪk] - [Formal, General Use]
• каталог [kɐˈtalək] - [Formal, Often Used for Listings or Databases]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and technical contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

справочник: [ˈsprɐvətɕnʲɪk]

Note on справочник: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "ч" sound is similar to 'ch' in "church."

каталог: [kɐˈtalək]

Note on каталог: Stress on the second syllable; pronounce with a soft 'l' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A book or list of information (e.g., phone directory)

Translation(s) & Context:

• справочник - Commonly used for reference books or guides, such as a phone directory or handbook.

Usage Examples:

• Я нашел его номер в телефонном справочнике.

  I found his number in the phone directory.

• Этот справочник очень полезен для студентов.

  This handbook is very useful for students.

• Справочник по грамматике лежит на столе.

  The grammar guide is on the table.

2. A structured list or database (e.g., computer directory or catalog)

Translation(s) & Context:

• каталог - Often used for organized lists, such as product catalogs or file directories in computing.

Usage Examples:

• Каталог товаров доступен на сайте.

  The product catalog is available on the website.

• Я сохранил файл в каталоге на компьютере.

  I saved the file in a directory on the computer.

• Этот каталог содержит все наши проекты.

  This directory contains all our projects.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

справочник (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

каталог (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): Follows similar declension patterns as "справочник."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for справочник:

• руководство (guide, manual)
• указатель (index, pointer)

Note: "руководство" often implies a more detailed guide, while "указатель" is closer to an index or signpost.

Synonyms for каталог:

• перечень (list)
• реестр (register)

Antonyms: None directly applicable.

Related Phrases:

• телефонный справочник - Telephone directory (a list of phone numbers).
• каталог товаров - Product catalog (a list of items for sale).
• электронный справочник - Electronic directory (a digital reference tool).

Usage Notes:

• "Справочник" is more common for general reference materials or guides, while "каталог" is often used in technical or commercial contexts (e.g., databases, catalogs).
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two translations; using "каталог" for a phone directory might sound unnatural to native speakers.
• Both words are formal and appropriate for written or professional communication.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "каталог" for personal reference books. Incorrect: "Я купил каталог по грамматике." Correct: "Я купил справочник по грамматике." (Explanation: "Каталог" is better suited for lists or databases, not personal guides.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Ensure stress is on the correct syllable as shown in the IPA transcription.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "справочник" often evokes the image of Soviet-era reference books, widely used in schools and offices. These were essential tools before the internet became prevalent. "Каталог," on the other hand, may remind people of mail-order catalogs or modern online databases.

Related Concepts:

• энциклопедия (encyclopedia)
• словарь (dictionary)
• база данных (database)