Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'garage'

English Word: garage

Key Russian Translations:

• гараж [ɡɐˈraʐ] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversations related to vehicles and housing.)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic level, suitable for beginners learning common nouns in Russian, as it follows standard pronunciation and inflection rules.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гараж: [ɡɐˈraʐ]

Note on гараж: The "ж" sound is a soft, voiced fricative similar to the "s" in "measure" in English. Stress falls on the second syllable, which is common in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the palatalized "р" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A building or structure used for housing, storing, or repairing motor vehicles.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гараж - Used in general contexts for a private or public vehicle storage space, often in urban or suburban settings.

Usage Examples:

• Мой гараж находится за домом, и я храню там свой автомобиль.

  My garage is behind the house, and I keep my car there.

• В гараже сломался свет, поэтому я не могу работать вечером.

  The light in the garage broke, so I can't work in the evening.

• Мы арендовали гараж на зиму, чтобы защитить машину от снега.

  We rented a garage for the winter to protect the car from snow.

• Гараж в нашем дворе используется для ремонта велосипедов и мотоциклов.

  The garage in our courtyard is used for repairing bicycles and motorcycles.

• После дождя в гараже всегда накапливается вода, так что нужно проверить дренаж.

  After the rain, water always accumulates in the garage, so we need to check the drainage.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гараж" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections across cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple garages. This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • парковка (parkovka) - More specific to a parking area, often outdoor; used in urban contexts.
  • автостоянка (avtostoyanka) - Implies a larger parking facility; slightly more formal.
• Antonyms:
  • улица (ulitsa) - Refers to the street or outdoor space, contrasting with enclosed storage.

Related Phrases:

• В гараже (V garazhe) - In the garage; used to indicate location, e.g., for storage or repair.
• Собственный гараж (Sobstvennyy garazh) - Own garage; common in real estate discussions.
• Гаражный кооператив (Garazhnyy kooperativ) - Garage cooperative; refers to shared garage communities in Russia.

Usage Notes:

"Гараж" directly corresponds to the English "garage" as a noun for vehicle storage. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in Russian, be mindful of case agreements; for example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "в" (in). When choosing between synonyms like "парковка," opt for "гараж" if emphasizing a enclosed, private space. This word is versatile and appears in everyday speech, but it's more common in contexts involving cars or home maintenance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в гараж" instead of "в гараже" when meaning "in the garage."

  Correct: "В гараже лежит инструмент." (In the garage, the tool is lying.)

  Explanation: "В" requires the prepositional case, so "гараж" becomes "гараже." This is a common mistake for English speakers who don't adjust for Russian case systems.

• Error: Mispronouncing the final "ж" sound, often softening it too much or confusing it with "ш."

  Correct Pronunciation: [ɡɐˈraʐ]

  Explanation: Practice the voiced fricative to avoid sounding unnatural; listen to native audio for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, garages often serve as more than just storage; they can be multifunctional spaces for hobbies, repairs, or even social gatherings, especially in suburban or dacha (country house) areas. This reflects a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and resourcefulness, where a "гараж" might double as a workshop, highlighting the practical aspects of daily life in post-Soviet societies.

Related Concepts:

• автомобиль (avtomobil)
• парковка (parkovka)
• двор (dvor)