Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flask'

English Word: flask

Key Russian Translations:

• фляга [ˈflʲagə] - [Informal, commonly used for a small portable container like a hip flask]
• колба [ˈkolba] - [Formal, scientific or technical context, e.g., laboratory flask]

Frequency: Medium (The word is moderately common in everyday language for portable containers, but less so in scientific contexts without specific exposure.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires basic familiarity with Russian nouns and declensions. For "фляга", it's straightforward; for "колба", it may vary slightly in scientific learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фляга: [ˈflʲagə]

колба: [ˈkolba]

Note on фляга: The soft 'л' sound ([lʲ]) can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Pronounce with emphasis on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A container for holding liquids (e.g., hip flask or portable bottle)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фляга - Used in informal, everyday contexts like carrying alcohol or water during travel or outdoor activities.
• колба - Applied in formal or scientific settings, such as chemistry or laboratories, to refer to a glass vessel.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда ношу флягу с водой во время походов.

  I always carry a flask with water during hikes.

• В его рюкзаке была старая фляга, полная чая.

  In his backpack was an old flask full of tea.

• Фляга из нержавеющей стали идеально подходит для длительных поездок.

  A stainless steel flask is perfect for long trips.

• Он выпил из фляги, чтобы утолить жажду.

  He drank from the flask to quench his thirst.

A scientific or laboratory vessel

Translation(s) & Context:

• колба - Used in educational, medical, or industrial contexts to describe a flask for experiments or storage.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории химик нагревал жидкость в колбе.

  In the laboratory, the chemist heated the liquid in the flask.

• Студенты использовали стеклянную колбу для эксперимента по дистилляции.

  Students used a glass flask for the distillation experiment.

• Колба Эрленмейера необходима для точных измерений в химии.

  An Erlenmeyer flask is necessary for precise measurements in chemistry.

• В музее экспонируется старинная колба из алхимических опытов.

  In the museum, an antique flask from alchemical experiments is on display.

• Колба может быть сделана из боросиликатного стекла для устойчивости к жару.

  A flask can be made from borosilicate glass for heat resistance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "фляга" and "колба" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard first-declension patterns. "Фляга" is more commonly used in singular forms in everyday speech, while "колба" may appear in various inflections in scientific contexts.

Note: These nouns have regular declensions, so no irregularities to note. Always pay attention to the gender when using adjectives or verbs with them.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бутылка (bottle) - Often interchangeable for liquid containers, but more general.
  • графин (carafe) - For "фляга" in a decorative or serving context; implies a larger vessel.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "flask" is a physical object. However, conceptual opposites might include "пустота" (emptiness) in a metaphorical sense.

Related Phrases:

• Водочная фляга - A flask for vodka; commonly used in informal social settings, implying portability for drinks.
• Полевая фляга - A field flask; refers to military or outdoor contexts, often for water or spirits during expeditions.
• Стеклянная колба - A glass flask; used in scientific phrases to emphasize material in lab equipment.

Usage Notes:

The English word "flask" translates variably in Russian based on context: "фляга" for everyday, portable containers (e.g., for alcohol or travel), and "колба" for scientific ones. Always consider the formality—use "фляга" in casual conversations and "колба" in professional settings. Grammatically, both are feminine nouns, so adjectives must agree (e.g., "большая фляга" for "big flask"). When choosing between translations, opt for "фляга" if the flask is handheld; for lab contexts, "колба" is precise. Be mindful of regional variations; in some dialects, "фляга" might imply something more rugged.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "фляга" in a scientific context, e.g., saying "фляга для эксперимента" instead of "колба для эксперимента".

  Correct: "Колба" is the appropriate term for laboratory equipment. Explanation: Confusing the two can lead to misunderstandings in professional settings, as "фляга" sounds informal and non-technical.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly, e.g., using "фляга" in the genitive case as "фляга" instead of "фляги".

  Correct: In a sentence like "вода из фляги" (water from the flask), ensure the genitive form "фляги". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "фляга" is often associated with outdoor adventures, military history, or informal social gatherings, such as carrying samogon (homemade spirits) during hikes or festivals. This reflects Russia's vast landscapes and traditions of endurance, where a flask symbolizes practicality and resilience. "Колба", on the other hand, ties into Russia's strong scientific heritage, like the contributions of chemists in the Soviet era, emphasizing innovation and precision.

Related Concepts:

• бутылка
• стакан
• термос