Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grindstone'

English Word: grindstone

Key Russian Translations:

• точило [tɐˈtɕilə] - [Formal, Technical]
• шлифовальный камень [ʂlʲiˈfovɑlʲnɨj kɑˈmʲenʲ] - [Informal, Everyday]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in specialized contexts like tools and craftsmanship, not in daily conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

точило: [tɐˈtɕilə]

Note on точило: The stress falls on the second syllable ("tɕilə"). Be mindful of the soft 't' sound, which is common in Russian palatalization.

Audio: []

шлифовальный камень: [ʂlʲiˈfovɑlʲnɨj kɑˈmʲenʲ]

Note on шлифовальный камень: The word is compound; stress is on the third syllable of "шлифовальный" and the first of "камень." Pronounce the 'ш' as a voiceless postalveolar fricative.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A stone or wheel used for grinding or sharpening tools

Translation(s) & Context:

• точило - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as workshops or descriptions of machinery.
• шлифовальный камень - Applied in informal settings, like home DIY projects or casual discussions about tools.

Usage Examples:

• Я наточил нож на точиле в мастерской.

  I sharpened the knife on the grindstone in the workshop.

• Этот шлифовальный камень идеален для заточки инструментов.

  This grindstone is ideal for sharpening tools.

• В деревне мы использовали старое точило для обработки металла.

  In the village, we used an old grindstone for processing metal.

• Мастер аккуратно работал со шлифовальным камнем, чтобы не повредить лезвие.

  The craftsman carefully worked with the grindstone to avoid damaging the blade.

• Точило в гараже уже износилось от частого использования.

  The grindstone in the garage has worn out from frequent use.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Точило" is a neuter noun, while "Шлифовальный камень" is a masculine noun phrase. Russian nouns inflect based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "точило" (as it is the core word); "шлифовальный камень" follows similar patterns but as a compound.

For "шлифовальный камень," it inflects as a regular masculine noun: e.g., Genitive singular is "шлифовального камня." Note that adjectives like "шлифовальный" agree in case, number, and gender with the noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • абразив (more general term for abrasive materials)
  • заточник (specifically for sharpening devices)
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "grindstone" is a tool; contrast might be with "гладкий камень" (smooth stone, implying no grinding function).

Related Phrases:

• Точить на точиле - To sharpen on a grindstone; used in contexts of tool maintenance.
• Шлифовальный камень для металла - Grindstone for metal; common in industrial or crafting scenarios.
• Заточка на точиле - Sharpening on a grindstone; implies a process in workshops.

Usage Notes:

"Точило" is the more precise and formal equivalent of "grindstone" in Russian, often used in technical or professional settings, while "шлифовальный камень" is more descriptive and informal. Choose "точило" for concise communication in contexts like engineering or history. Be aware of grammatical agreement: as a neuter noun, "точило" must align with adjectives and verbs accordingly. In everyday speech, Russians might opt for verb phrases like "точить" (to sharpen) instead of naming the tool directly.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "точило" (noun for the tool) with "точить" (verb meaning "to sharpen"). For example, an English learner might say "Я точило нож" instead of "Я точу нож на точиле."

  Correct: "Я точу нож на точиле" (I sharpen the knife on the grindstone). Explanation: "Точило" is a noun and requires proper case usage; always pair it with prepositions like "на" for context.

• Error: Using the wrong gender or case, e.g., treating "точило" as masculine. Incorrect: "Этого точила" (wrong gender agreement).

  Correct: "Это точило" (neuter agreement). Explanation: Remember it's neuter to avoid agreement errors in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, grindstones like "точило" evoke images of traditional craftsmanship and rural life, often featured in folklore and literature as symbols of hard work and self-reliance. For instance, in 19th-century Russian stories, villagers used grindstones for sharpening scythes during harvest seasons, highlighting themes of endurance and resourcefulness.

Related Concepts:

• инструменты (tools)
• заточка (sharpening)
• абразивные материалы (abrasive materials)