Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'electricity'

English Word: electricity

Key Russian Translations:

• электричество [ɪlʲɪkˈtrʲit͡səstvə] - [Neutral, Singular]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, technical discussions, and educational settings in Russian.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level, suitable for beginners as it follows standard noun patterns and is frequently encountered in simple texts or conversations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

электричество: [ɪlʲɪkˈtrʲit͡səstvə]

Note on электричество: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("trʲi"), which is a common challenge for non-native speakers. Pay attention to the palatalized 'lʲ' and 'rʲ' sounds, which are typical in Russian but may not exist in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (e.g., electrons), producing light, heat, or power.

Translation(s) & Context:

• электричество - Used in general contexts for electrical power in homes, industries, or natural phenomena, often in neutral or formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• В доме отключили электричество из-за шторма.

  In the house, the electricity was cut off due to the storm. (This example shows the word in a common everyday context involving outages.)

• Электричество является основным источником энергии в современном мире.

  Electricity is the primary source of energy in the modern world. (Demonstrates use in a broader, educational or scientific discussion.)

• Без электричества невозможно работать с компьютером.

  Without electricity, it's impossible to work with a computer. (Illustrates dependency in technology-related scenarios.)

• Дети учат, как вырабатывается электричество в школе.

  Children learn how electricity is generated at school. (Shows application in educational contexts.)

• Электричество в России часто поставляется через государственные сети.

  Electricity in Russia is often supplied through state networks. (Highlights regional or infrastructural usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Электричество is a neuter noun in Russian, which means it follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension neuter nouns. It is indeclinable in the sense that its stem does not change, but it still takes case endings. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun is regular in its declension, making it straightforward for learners, but be cautious with the plural forms, which are less commonly used.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • электроэнергия (more specific to electrical energy in power systems; often used in technical contexts)
  • ток (refers to electric current, with a focus on flow rather than the broader concept)
• Antonyms:
  • тьма (darkness, implying the absence of light from electricity)

Related Phrases:

• Электрический ток - Electric current (Refers to the flow of electricity in circuits.)
• Источник электричества - Source of electricity (Common in discussions about power generation.)
• Отключение электричества - Power outage (A phrase used for interruptions in supply.)

Usage Notes:

Электричество directly corresponds to the English "electricity" as a general term for electrical energy. It is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal and informal contexts, such as technical reports or casual conversations. In Russian, it often pairs with verbs like "потреблять" (to consume) or "вырабатывать" (to generate). When choosing among synonyms, use "электроэнергия" for more precise, industrial contexts. Grammatically, remember it requires the appropriate case based on its role in the sentence, e.g., genitive for possession.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing it with "электрика" (which means electrical wiring or systems). Incorrect: "Электрика в доме отключилась" (implying wiring issues). Correct: "Электричество в доме отключилось" (for a power cut). Explanation: "Электрика" refers to infrastructure, not the energy itself, so learners should differentiate based on context to avoid miscommunication.

• Common Error: Forgetting case endings in sentences. Incorrect: "Я плачу за электричество" (should be genitive: "за электричество"). Correct: "Я плачу за электричество." Explanation: Always adjust for case, as Russian nouns change form; this is a frequent slip for English speakers used to unchanging nouns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, electricity is often associated with the country's vast infrastructure, including hydroelectric plants like those on the Volga River, which symbolize national engineering prowess. Historically, the electrification of the Soviet Union under Lenin was a key part of modernization efforts, leading to phrases like "электрификация страны" in cultural narratives, emphasizing electricity's role in progress and daily life.

Related Concepts:

• энергия
• вольты
• лампочка