Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grime'

English Word: grime

Key Russian Translations:

• грязь /ˈɡrʲazʲ/ - [Common, Informal; Used in everyday contexts for accumulated dirt or filth]
• накипь /nɐˈkʲipʲ/ - [Less common, Formal; Specifically for grime on surfaces like pipes or machinery]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered regularly in daily Russian conversations, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; Straightforward for beginners, but understanding inflections requires basic familiarity with Russian noun cases, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грязь: /ˈɡrʲazʲ/ (The "гр" is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go", but palatalized. Stress on the first syllable.)

накипь: /nɐˈkʲipʲ/ (The "на" is unstressed, and the "к" is unaspirated; stress on the second syllable. Palatalization of "к" makes it softer.)

Note on грязь: Be cautious with the palatalized "р" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it softens the pronunciation. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Dirt or filth that accumulates on surfaces (e.g., grime from pollution or everyday wear).

Translation(s) & Context:

• грязь - Used in informal, everyday settings to describe built-up dirt, such as on windows or clothes; common in domestic or urban contexts.
• накипь - Applied in more technical or formal contexts, like industrial cleaning or describing scale in plumbing; less versatile than грязь.

Usage Examples:

• Окна в старом доме покрыты грязью от городской пыли.

  The windows in the old house are covered in grime from city dust. (Shows grime in an urban, environmental context.)

• После ремонта на кухне осталась накипь на кранах, которую нужно очистить.

  After the renovation, grime remained on the faucets that needs to be cleaned. (Illustrates grime in a household maintenance scenario.)

• Грязь на улицах после дождя делает обувь неузнаваемой.

  The grime on the streets after rain makes shoes unrecognizable. (Demonstrates grime in a weather-related, outdoor setting.)

• В заброшенном гараже накопилась грязь, требующая тщательной уборки.

  Grime has accumulated in the abandoned garage, requiring thorough cleaning. (Highlights grime in a neglected space with a call to action.)

• Накипь в чайнике может привести к поломке, если не удалять её регулярно.

  Grime in the kettle can lead to breakdowns if not removed regularly. (Emphasizes preventive maintenance in a technical context.)

2. Figurative sense: Moral or ethical 'grime' (e.g., corruption or tarnished reputation, though less direct in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• грязь - Metaphorically used for moral filth, such as in literature or discussions about ethics; context-dependent and less common than literal usage.

Usage Examples:

• Политика часто ассоциируется с грязью коррупции и обмана.

  Politics is often associated with the grime of corruption and deception. (Shows figurative use in a societal context.)

• Его репутация покрыта грязью из-за скандала.

  His reputation is covered in grime due to the scandal. (Illustrates metaphorical application to personal image.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Грязь" is a feminine noun (from the first declension), while "накипь" is also feminine but follows standard patterns. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "грязь" as an example; "накипь" follows similar rules but with minor variations.

For "накипь", it is invariable in some contexts but typically follows: Nominative singular - накипь; Genitive singular - накипи. These are regular inflections; no irregularities noted.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пыль (pyil' - dust; more specific to fine particles, often interchangeable in casual speech)
  • скверна (skverna - filth; carries a slightly more negative, moral connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • чистота (chistota - cleanliness; direct opposite, emphasizing purity)
  • блеск (blesk - shine; used for surfaces free of grime)

Related Phrases:

• грязные руки (gрязnye ruki) - Dirty hands; Refers to literal dirt or figuratively to involvement in unethical activities.
• накипь на стенках (nakip' na stenakh) - Grime on the walls; Common in cleaning or maintenance contexts.
• смыть грязь (smyt' gryaz') - To wash away grime; A phrase for thorough cleaning, often metaphorical for redemption.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "грязь" directly corresponds to the literal sense of "grime" and is versatile for everyday use, while "накипь" is more specialized. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these require case agreement in sentences (e.g., "Я вижу грязь" for "I see grime"). Use "грязь" in informal settings and opt for "накипь" in technical ones. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity, as "грязь" can imply moral corruption. When choosing between translations, prioritize "грязь" for general purposes unless specificity is needed.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse cases, e.g., saying "Я имею грязь" instead of "У меня грязь" (I have grime). Correct: Use the correct prepositional case for possession. Error example: "Я имею грязь" (incorrect structure); Right: "У меня есть грязь".

• Confusing with similar words: Mixing "грязь" with "гриб" (mushroom), due to similar sounds. Error: "Грязь в лесу" meaning "mushrooms in the forest" instead of "grime in the forest". Correct: Use "грязь" only for dirt contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like "грязь" often tie into themes of endurance and cleanliness in harsh environments, such as rural or urban settings post-Soviet era. For instance, the emphasis on thorough cleaning in Russian households reflects historical influences from Orthodox traditions, where purity symbolizes moral integrity, making "grime" not just physical but a metaphor for societal issues in literature like Dostoevsky's works.

Related Concepts:

• чистота (chistota)
• пыль (pyil')
• загрязнение (zagryazneniye)