Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'freewheel'

English Word: freewheel

Key Russian Translations:

• свободный ход [svɐˈbodnɨj xot] - [Formal, Technical]
• свободное колесо [svɐˈbodnəje kɐˈlʲesə] - [Informal, Colloquial, Used in everyday mechanical discussions]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in technical or automotive contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun phrases and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

свободный ход: [svɐˈbodnɨj xot]

свободное колесо: [svɐˈbodnəje kɐˈlʲesə]

Note on свободный ход: The stress falls on the second syllable of "свободный" (svɐ-ˈbodnɨj), and "ход" has a guttural 'x' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft roll for natural flow.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning: A mechanical device in vehicles that allows the wheel to spin freely without pedaling or driving force.

Translation(s) & Context:

• свободный ход - Used in formal technical descriptions, such as in engineering manuals or automotive repairs.
• свободное колесо - Applied in informal contexts, like casual conversations about bicycles or cars.

Usage Examples:

• В велосипеде установлен свободный ход, чтобы педали не вращались при спуске.

  In the bicycle, a freewheel is installed so that the pedals don't turn while going downhill.

• Механик проверил свободное колесо в автомобиле, чтобы убедиться, что оно работает правильно.

  The mechanic checked the freewheel in the car to ensure it was working properly.

• Без свободного хода велосипедист не смог бы катить под уклон без усилий.

  Without a freewheel, the cyclist wouldn't be able to coast downhill without effort.

• В старом мотоцикле свободное колесо износилось, и его пришлось заменить.

  In the old motorcycle, the freewheel had worn out, so it had to be replaced.

• Система с свободным ходом делает езду на велосипеде более комфортной в городских условиях.

  A system with a freewheel makes cycling more comfortable in urban conditions.

Metaphorical Meaning: To act freely or without constraints (less common for 'freewheel' specifically, but related to 'freewheeling').

Translation(s) & Context:

• свободный ход - Used metaphorically in informal writing or speech to imply ease and freedom, e.g., in lifestyle discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В его жизни всё на свободном ходу, как в хорошем велосипеде.

  In his life, everything is on a freewheel, like in a good bicycle.

• Она предпочитает свободный ход в работе, избегая строгих правил.

  She prefers a freewheeling approach to work, avoiding strict rules.

• Путешествие на машине с свободным ходом дало ощущение полной свободы.

  Traveling by car with a freewheel gave a sense of complete freedom.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"свободный ход" is a noun phrase where "свободный" is an adjective and "ход" is a masculine noun. Adjectives in Russian agree with nouns in gender, number, and case.

For "свободное колесо", it follows similar patterns as a neuter noun phrase. The phrase is relatively stable and doesn't have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фрикционный механизм (more technical synonym, emphasizing friction-based operation)
  • свободный механизм (general synonym for free-moving parts)
• Antonyms:
  • защемленный ход (implying a locked or restricted mechanism)
  • фиксированный механизм (fixed or non-free mechanism)

Related Phrases:

• свободный ход велосипеда - The freewheel of a bicycle; used in discussions about cycling mechanics.
• автоматический свободный ход - Automatic freewheel; common in modern vehicle designs, implying ease of use.
• на свободном ходу - On freewheel; metaphorically means "coasting" or "going with the flow" in life.

Usage Notes:

"Freewheel" translates most accurately to "свободный ход" in technical contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires the adjective to agree with the noun in case and number. For metaphorical uses, "свободный ход" can imply freedom, but it's less idiomatic than in English—opt for this only in informal settings. Be cautious with gender agreements, as "ход" is masculine. When choosing between translations, use "свободное колесо" for more everyday, bicycle-related talks.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "свободный ход" as invariable and not changing the adjective for case (e.g., saying "без свободный ход" instead of "без свободного хода").

  Correct: Use the genitive form: "без свободного хода". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, so this mistake can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing it with "свободный бег" (which means free run or sprint), leading to misuse in mechanical contexts.

  Correct: Stick to "свободный ход" for vehicle parts. Explanation: "Бег" relates to running, not mechanical free-spinning, so context is key to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions around "свободный ход" often tie into the popularity of cycling and automotive hobbies, especially in urban areas like Moscow. It symbolizes efficiency and freedom, reflecting Russia's emphasis on practical engineering in daily life, though it's not deeply rooted in folklore.

Related Concepts:

• переключатель передач (gear shifter)
• тормозной механизм (braking mechanism)
• велосипедная цепь (bicycle chain)