Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gear'

English Word: gear

Key Russian Translations:

• шестерня [ʂɨˈstʲernʲə] - [Formal, used in mechanical or technical contexts]
• оборудование [ɐbɐrʊdəˈvanʲije] - [Formal, for equipment or gear in a broader sense, such as tools or machinery parts]
• шмотки [ʂˈmotkʲi] - [Informal, slang for gear as in clothing or personal items, often in casual conversation]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves technical terms; for 'шестерня' it's B1, while 'шмотки' might be A2 for beginners due to slang)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шестерня: [ʂɨˈstʲernʲə]

Note on шестерня: The initial 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the 'sh' in English "she," but ensure proper emphasis on the stressed syllable. Common mispronunciation involves softening the 'т' sound.

оборудование: [ɐbɐrʊdəˈvanʲije]

Note on оборудование: This word has a rolling 'р' sound; stress falls on the fourth syllable, which can be tricky for non-native speakers.

шмотки: [ʂˈmotkʲi]

Note on шмотки: Informal pronunciation may vary regionally; the plural form is common, and the 'ш' sound is key.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A toothed wheel or mechanism that transmits motion (e.g., in machinery)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шестерня - Used in technical, engineering, or automotive contexts, such as describing parts of a machine.

Usage Examples:

• В автомобиле важную роль играет шестерня в коробке передач.

  In a car, the gear in the transmission plays a crucial role.

• Механик заменил сломанную шестерню в двигателе.

  The mechanic replaced the broken gear in the engine.

• Шестерня должна быть идеально выровнена для правильной работы машины.

  The gear must be perfectly aligned for the machine to work properly.

• В часах шестерня обеспечивает точное движение стрелок.

  In watches, the gear ensures the precise movement of the hands.

2. Equipment or apparatus, especially in a general or slang sense (e.g., outdoor gear)

Translation(s) & Context:

• оборудование - Formal term for gear as tools or equipment in professional settings.
• шмотки - Informal slang for gear like clothing or personal items, often in everyday or youth language.

Usage Examples:

• Туристы взяли все необходимое оборудование для похода.

  The tourists took all the necessary gear for the hike.

• Его шмотки всегда в порядке, включая походное снаряжение.

  His gear is always in order, including camping equipment.

• Для рыбалки нужно хорошее оборудование, такое как удочки и приманки.

  For fishing, you need good gear, such as rods and bait.

• Дети носят свои шмотки на школьные экскурсии.

  Kids wear their gear on school trips.

• В спортивном магазине продают специальное оборудование для бега.

  In the sports store, they sell special gear for running.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'шестерня' (feminine noun, first declension), it follows standard Russian noun inflections. It is a regular noun with changes based on case and number.

For 'оборудование' (neuter noun, indeclinable in some contexts but follows second declension), it is relatively stable: Nominative singular: оборудование; Genitive singular: оборудования; Plural forms vary but are less common.

'шмотки' is an informal plural noun and does not inflect regularly; it remains mostly unchanged in casual use.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шестеренка (a smaller gear or diminutive form)
  • привод (drive mechanism, for 'шестерня')
  • снаряжение (equipment, for 'оборудование')
• Antonyms:
  • разрушение (destruction, opposite of functional gear)
  • простой (idleness or downtime, for machinery)

  Note: Antonyms are contextual; for example, 'разрушение' contrasts with the operational aspect of 'шестерня'.

Related Phrases:

• Шестерня передачи - A phrase meaning "gear transmission," used in automotive contexts.
• Сменить оборудование - Meaning "to change gear," as in switching tools or equipment.
• Личные шмотки - Refers to "personal gear," like everyday items or clothing.

Usage Notes:

'Gear' translates variably in Russian based on context: 'шестерня' is precise for mechanical parts, while 'оборудование' suits broader equipment needs. Use 'шмотки' only in informal settings to avoid sounding unprofessional. English speakers should note that Russian often requires specific cases, e.g., 'шестерню' in accusative for direct objects. When choosing between translations, opt for 'шестерня' in technical discussions and 'оборудование' in general scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'шестерня' interchangeably with 'оборудование' in non-mechanical contexts. Correct: 'Оборудование' for general gear; Example of error: "Я взял шестерню для похода" (incorrect); Correct: "Я взял оборудование для похода" – This mixes mechanical and general meanings, confusing the intent.

• Error: Forgetting noun inflections, e.g., saying "В машине есть шестерня" when it should be "шестерни" in plural. Correct: Always check case; Example of error: "Купить шестерня" (should be "шестерню" in accusative).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'шестерня' evoke industrial heritage, especially from the Soviet era when machinery and engineering were emphasized. 'Шмотки' as slang reflects a casual, youth-oriented view of possessions, common in modern urban slang, highlighting the influence of Western consumerism.

Related Concepts:

• передача (transmission)
• механизм (mechanism)
• снаряжение (equipment in outdoor contexts)