Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grinder'

English Word: grinder

Key Russian Translations:

• кофемолка [kɐˈfʲeməlkə] - [Informal, Commonly used in everyday contexts for coffee-related grinding]
• измельчитель [ɪzmʲɪlʲˈtɕitʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, General term for any grinding or chopping device]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are encountered in daily conversations about household appliances, but not as common as basic vocabulary like "чай" (tea)).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of noun declensions and everyday objects. For "кофемолка," it's easier for beginners; "измельчитель" might be slightly harder due to its abstract application).

Pronunciation (Russian):

кофемолка: [kɐˈfʲeməlkə]

Note on кофемолка: The stress falls on the third syllable ("mol"), which is a common feature in Russian compound words. Be careful with the soft "l" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

измельчитель: [ɪzmʲɪlʲˈtɕitʲɪlʲ]

Note on измельчитель: The initial "и" is pronounced as a short "i," and the word ends with a palatalized "l," which may require practice to distinguish from English "l."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A device used for grinding coffee beans or other substances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кофемолка - Typically used in informal, domestic settings, such as kitchens, to refer specifically to coffee grinders.
• измельчитель - Applied in more formal or technical contexts, like describing food processors or industrial grinders.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил новую кофемолку для свежего кофе по утрам.

  I bought a new coffee grinder for fresh coffee in the mornings.

• Эта кофемолка работает тихо и эффективно.

  This coffee grinder works quietly and efficiently.

• В магазине продают электрический измельчитель для специй.

  In the store, they sell an electric grinder for spices.

• Измельчитель в кухне сэкономит время на приготовление еды.

  The grinder in the kitchen will save time on food preparation.

• Моя старая кофемолка сломалась, нужно купить измельчитель.

  My old coffee grinder broke; I need to buy a grinder.

Meaning 2: A tool for sharpening or grinding, such as a whetstone (in some contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• точило [tɐˈtɕilə] - Used in contexts involving tools, crafts, or maintenance, often in a more traditional or manual setting.

Usage Examples:

• Мастер использует точило, чтобы наточить ножи.

  The craftsman uses the grinder to sharpen knives.

• В гараже лежит старое точило для инструментов.

  In the garage, there's an old grinder for tools.

• Точило — это простой, но эффективный grinder для повседневных нужд.

  A grinder is a simple but effective tool for everyday needs.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "кофемолка" (a feminine noun, 1st declension), it follows standard Russian noun patterns with changes based on case and number:

For "измельчитель" (a masculine noun, with a standard pattern), it is similar but ends in -итель, which is common for agent nouns:

"Точило" (neuter noun) has irregular inflections in some cases but generally remains stable in plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: мельничка (a diminutive for small grinders, often informal); помол (more abstract, referring to the grinding process)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as these are nouns describing tools rather than opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Электрическая кофемолка - Refers to an electric coffee grinder, commonly used in modern kitchens.
• Ручной измельчитель - A manual grinder, often for herbs or spices in outdoor or traditional settings.
• Кофемолка с таймером - A coffee grinder with a timer, implying advanced features for precise grinding.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "кофемолка" is the most direct equivalent to "grinder" in the context of coffee, and it's preferred in informal speech, while "измельчитель" is better for broader or technical uses. English speakers should note that Russian nouns change based on case, so "grinder" might appear as "кофемолкой" in instrumental contexts (e.g., "with the grinder"). Avoid using these interchangeably in formal writing; choose based on specificity. Grammatically, these words are inanimate, so they follow standard declension rules without gender-based exceptions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "кофемолка" for any grinder, even in industrial contexts. Correct: Use "измельчитель" for non-coffee applications. Example: Incorrect - "Фабричный кофемолка" (Factory coffee grinder); Correct - "Фабричный измельчитель".
• Mistake: Forgetting declension in sentences, e.g., saying "Я видел кофемолка" instead of "Я видел кофемолку" (accusative case). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust the ending based on the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "кофемолка" is often associated with traditional home brewing of coffee, reflecting a preference for fresh grounds in daily routines. This ties into the broader cultural emphasis on hospitality and home-cooked meals, where coffee preparation can be a ritual, especially in rural or family settings.

Related Concepts:

• Кофе (coffee)
• Мельница (mill)
• Кухонные приборы (kitchen appliances)