Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fridge'

English Word: fridge

Key Russian Translations:

• холодильник [xɐlɐˈdʲilʲnʲik] - [Informal, Common household term]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, especially in domestic contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic noun with straightforward usage in the CEFR framework.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

холодильник: [xɐlɐˈdʲilʲnʲik]

Note on холодильник: The pronunciation features a soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for beginners; it's pronounced with a palatalized 'l' similar to the 'l' in 'million' in English. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The appliance used for keeping food and beverages cold.

Translation(s) & Context:

• холодильник - Used in everyday contexts for referring to a household refrigerator, often in informal or neutral settings like homes or stores.

Usage Examples:

• Я поставил молоко в холодильник, чтобы оно не испортилось.

  I put the milk in the fridge so it wouldn't spoil.

• В нашем холодильнике всегда есть свежие овощи и фрукты.

  In our fridge, there are always fresh vegetables and fruits.

• Не забудь выключить холодильник перед отъездом в отпуск.

  Don't forget to unplug the fridge before going on vacation.

• Мама купила новый холодильник с морозильной камерой.

  Mom bought a new fridge with a freezer compartment.

• В жару холодильник становится самым важным прибором на кухне.

  In the heat, the fridge becomes the most important appliance in the kitchen.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Холодильник" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • холодилка (informal diminutive, used in casual speech for a small fridge)
  • морозильник (more specific to a freezer, but sometimes used interchangeably in broader contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • печь (oven, as it represents the opposite function of heating)

Related Phrases:

• полка в холодильнике - Shelf in the fridge (Refers to the storage racks inside a refrigerator.)
• морозильная камера холодильника - Freezer compartment of the fridge (Used for frozen items.)
• полный холодильник - Full fridge (Implies abundance of food, often in the context of hospitality.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "холодильник" directly corresponds to the English "fridge" as a common household appliance. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it's most frequent in everyday conversations. Note that in Russian, nouns like this must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence—e.g., use the genitive case for possession ("в холодильнике" for "in the fridge"). When choosing between translations, "холодильник" is the standard term; opt for diminutives like "холодилка" only in casual, familiar contexts to avoid sounding overly informal.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "холодильник" with "морозильник": Learners often mix these up, thinking they mean the same thing. Error: Saying "Я поставил мясо в морозильник" when referring to a regular fridge compartment. Correct: Use "холодильник" for the main cooling area. Explanation: "Морозильник" specifically means "freezer," so it should only be used for frozen storage to ensure accuracy.

• Improper case usage: Beginners might forget declension, e.g., saying "Я иду к холодильник" instead of "Я иду к холодильнику." Error: Omitting the dative ending. Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "к холодильнику" (to the fridge). Explanation: Russian requires grammatical agreement, which English does not, so pay attention to prepositions that govern specific cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "холодильник" is a staple in households, especially given the country's cold climate and tradition of preserving food for long winters. It's often associated with family meals and hospitality, where a well-stocked fridge symbolizes abundance. Historically, during the Soviet era, fridges were practical items in communal apartments, reflecting resourcefulness in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• микроволновка (microwave)
• посуда (dishes or kitchenware)
• кухня (kitchen)