Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'girder'

English Word: girder

Key Russian Translations:

• балка [ˈbal.kə] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and engineering contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

балка: [ˈbal.kə]

Note on балка: The stress is on the first syllable. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A large beam or girder used in construction to support structures.

Translation(s) & Context:

• балка - Used in formal engineering or architectural discussions, referring to a horizontal support beam in buildings or bridges.

Usage Examples:

• В конструкциях моста используются стальные балки для обеспечения прочности.

  In bridge constructions, steel girders are used to ensure strength.

• Архитектор спроектировал здание с использованием бетонных балок.

  The architect designed the building using concrete girders.

• Балка в потолке начала трескаться, что вызвало необходимость в ремонте.

  The girder in the ceiling started to crack, necessitating repairs.

• Инженеры установили дополнительные балки для усиления каркаса.

  Engineers installed additional girders to reinforce the framework.

• В старых зданиях деревянные балки часто заменяют на металлические для повышения безопасности.

  In old buildings, wooden girders are often replaced with metal ones to improve safety.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Балка" is a feminine noun (3rd declension) in Russian, which means it follows standard feminine noun patterns. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прогон (progon) - Often used interchangeably in engineering, but typically for shorter beams.
  • ферма (ferma) - Refers to a truss or framework, with a slight emphasis on interconnected structures.
• Antonyms:
  • столб (stolb) - Pillar or column, which provides vertical support rather than horizontal.

Related Phrases:

• Стальная балка - Steel girder; Commonly used in modern construction for durability.
• Бетонная балка - Concrete girder; Refers to beams made from reinforced concrete in building foundations.
• Подвесная балка - Suspended girder; Used in contexts like bridges or overhead structures.

Usage Notes:

"Балка" directly corresponds to "girder" in English, particularly in technical fields like engineering and architecture. It is most appropriate in formal contexts; avoid using it in casual conversation. When translating, ensure the material (e.g., steel or wood) is specified if relevant, as Russian often includes adjectives for precision. For example, choose "балка" over synonyms based on the exact structural role. Grammatically, remember it as a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "балка" with "балка" in the sense of a beam of light (which is incorrect; that's "луч" for light beam).

  Correct: Use "балка" only for structural beams. Incorrect example: *Свет от лампы падает как балка* (Wrong: This should be *Свет от лампы падает как луч*). Explanation: English speakers might mix metaphors, but in Russian, contexts are strictly separated.

• Error: Forgetting case agreement, e.g., using nominative in all contexts.

  Correct: In a sentence like "Я увидел балку" (I saw the girder), it's accusative "балку". Incorrect: *Я увидел балка*. Explanation: Always check the case based on the sentence structure to avoid basic grammar mistakes.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, terms like "балка" are prominent in discussions of infrastructure, especially given Russia's vast railway and bridge networks from the Soviet era. It symbolizes engineering prowess, as seen in iconic structures like the Moscow Metro, where girders play a key role in underground stability.

Related Concepts:

• колонна (column)
• фундамент (foundation)
• ферма (truss)