Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'electricity'

English Word: electricity

Key Russian Translations:

• Электричество [ɪlʲɪkˈtrʲit͡ɕɪstvə] - [Formal, Singular, General use]
• Электрический ток [ɪlʲɪkˈtrʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj tok] - [Formal, Technical contexts, such as physics or engineering]

Frequency: High - This term is commonly used in everyday conversations, scientific discussions, and media in Russian-speaking contexts.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level can grasp the word with some exposure to scientific vocabulary, though its pronunciation and inflections may pose challenges for beginners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Электричество: [ɪlʲɪkˈtrʲit͡ɕɪstvə]

Note on Электричество: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("trʲit͡ɕɪ"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants. Practice the "щ" sound as a soft "sh" in "sheep".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Электричество - Used in general contexts for everyday electricity, such as in homes or public utilities.
• Электрический ток - Applied in technical or scientific settings, emphasizing the flow of electric current.

Usage Examples:

• В нашем доме часто отключается электричество из-за грозы.

  In our house, the electricity often cuts out because of thunderstorms.

• Электрический ток можно преобразовать в тепловую энергию с помощью нагревателя.

  Electric current can be converted into thermal energy using a heater.

• Без электричества современная жизнь кажется невозможной.

  Without electricity, modern life seems impossible.

• Учёные изучают, как электрический ток влияет на человеческий организм.

  Scientists study how electric current affects the human body.

• В сельской местности электричество подаётся через генераторы.

  In rural areas, electricity is supplied through generators.

Secondary Meaning: Related to electrical systems or devices.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Электричество - In metaphorical or extended contexts, such as "electric atmosphere" in events.

Usage Examples:

• На концерте была настоящая электричество в воздухе от волнения публики.

  At the concert, there was a real electricity in the air from the audience's excitement.

• Электрический ток в проводах может быть опасным, если не соблюдать меры предосторожности.

  Electric current in wires can be dangerous if safety measures are not followed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Электричество is a neuter noun in Russian, which means it follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It does not have irregularities but changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

For Электрический ток, "Электрический" is an adjective that agrees with the noun "ток" (current), so it changes based on gender, number, and case. It is not irregular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Энергія электрическая - A more formal or archaic variant, often used in literary contexts.
  • Ток электрический - Emphasizes the flow aspect, similar to "electric current."
• Antonyms:
  • Тьма - Literal darkness, contrasting with the presence of light from electricity.
  • Отсутствие энергии - Absence of energy, in a broader energy context.

Related Phrases:

• Электрическая энергия - Refers to electrical power as a resource; used in discussions about utilities and sustainability.
• Отключение электричества - Means a power outage; common in everyday conversations about infrastructure.
• Электрический разряд - Describes an electric discharge, like in lightning; often used in scientific or weather-related contexts.

Usage Notes:

Электричество directly corresponds to the English "electricity" in most contexts, but it is a neuter noun and must be inflected according to Russian case requirements. For formal or technical discussions, Электрический ток is preferred to specify "electric current." Be mindful of context: in informal speech, Russians might use it metaphorically, such as for excitement or energy in social settings. When choosing between translations, opt for Электричество for general references and Электрический ток for precise scientific applications. Grammar note: Always ensure adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using Электричество without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в электричество" instead of "в электричестве" (in electricity).
  Correct: В электричестве нет перебоев. (There are no interruptions in the electricity.)
  Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian's case system, leading to grammatical errors; always check the required case based on the preposition or sentence structure.
• Mistake: Confusing Электричество with Электрический, using it as an adjective incorrectly.
  Correct: Электрический ток, not Электричество ток.
  Explanation: Электричество is a noun, while Электрический is the adjective form; misuse can make sentences nonsensical.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, electricity symbolizes modernity and progress, especially given Russia's history with industrialization. Phrases like "отключение электричества" (power outage) often evoke memories of Soviet-era infrastructure challenges, highlighting resilience in daily life. Additionally, in literature and poetry, electricity can metaphorically represent enlightenment or sudden inspiration, as seen in works by authors like Mayakovsky.

Related Concepts:

• Энергия
• Ток
• Напряжение
• Генератор