Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'handbrake'

English Word: handbrake

Key Russian Translations:

• Ручной тормоз - /ˈruʧ.nɨj ˈtor.məz/ - [Neutral, Technical; Commonly used in automotive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is moderately common in discussions about vehicles, especially in driving manuals or everyday car maintenance, but not in general conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize it with some familiarity, as it involves basic technical vocabulary, but requires understanding of compound nouns in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Ручной тормоз: /ˈruʧ.nɨj ˈtor.məz/

Note on Ручной тормоз: The stress falls on the first syllable of each word (/ˈruʧ.nɨj/ and /ˈtor.məz/). Be aware of the soft sign (ь) in "ручной," which affects the pronunciation by softening the preceding consonant. Pronunciation may vary slightly by regional dialect in Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The device in a vehicle used for slowing or stopping it by hand, often for parking or emergencies.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Ручной тормоз - Used in formal and technical contexts, such as driving instructions, automotive repair, or safety discussions. It refers specifically to the hand-operated brake in cars or other vehicles.

Usage Examples:

• Водитель потянул ручной тормоз, чтобы припарковать машину на склоне. (The driver pulled the handbrake to park the car on the slope.)

  English: The driver pulled the handbrake to park the car on the slope.

• Если ручной тормоз не работает, немедленно обратитесь в сервис. (If the handbrake isn't working, contact the service immediately.)

  English: If the handbrake isn't working, contact the service immediately.

• В современных автомобилях ручной тормоз часто заменяется электронным. (In modern cars, the handbrake is often replaced by an electronic one.)

  English: In modern cars, the handbrake is often replaced by an electronic one.

• Помните, что ручной тормоз должен быть затянут при длительной стоянке. (Remember that the handbrake should be engaged for long-term parking.)

  English: Remember that the handbrake should be engaged for long-term parking.

• Ручной тормоз в этой модели автомобиля очень удобный и надежный. (The handbrake in this car model is very convenient and reliable.)

  English: The handbrake in this car model is very convenient and reliable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ручной тормоз" is a noun phrase consisting of an adjective ("ручной") and a noun ("тормоз"). As a masculine noun, "тормоз" follows the standard declension patterns for Russian third-declension nouns. "Ручной" is an adjective that agrees with the noun in case, number, and gender.

Note: The adjective "ручной" changes to agree with the noun, while "тормоз" follows regular masculine noun patterns. This phrase does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Стояночный тормоз (Parking brake; Often used interchangeably in everyday contexts, but implies a focus on stationary use.)
  • Ручник (Informal slang for handbrake; More casual and commonly used in spoken Russian.)
• Antonyms:
  • Акселератор (Accelerator; Refers to the gas pedal, contrasting with braking mechanisms.)
  • Сцепление (Clutch; Another vehicle control, but not directly opposite in function.)

Related Phrases:

• Потянуть ручной тормоз - (To pull the handbrake; Used when engaging the brake for parking.)
• Ослабить ручной тормоз - (To release the handbrake; Common in driving scenarios.)
• Проверка ручного тормоза - (Handbrake check; Refers to testing the brake's functionality, often in safety inspections.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ручной тормоз" directly corresponds to the English "handbrake" and is the standard term in technical and formal contexts. It is neutral in tone but may sound more formal than slang alternatives like "ручник." Use this phrase in discussions about vehicles, as it emphasizes the manual operation. When choosing between translations, opt for "ручной тормоз" in written or professional settings, while "ручник" suits informal conversations. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree with nouns in case and number, as shown in the inflections section.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "ручной тормоз" with "тормозной рычаг" (brake lever), which is not always the same thing. Correct: Use "ручной тормоз" specifically for the hand-operated parking brake. Explanation: English learners might overgeneralize brake-related terms, but in Russian, precision is key to avoid ambiguity in automotive contexts.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun correctly, e.g., saying "ручной тормоз" in all cases instead of "ручного тормоза" in genitive. Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "проверка ручного тормоза." Explanation: Russian requires noun agreement, which can be tricky for beginners accustomed to English's lack of declension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic like Moscow or St. Petersburg, the handbrake is a crucial safety feature due to hilly terrains and winter conditions. Discussions around "ручной тормоз" often tie into broader themes of road safety and vehicle maintenance, reflecting Russia's emphasis on practical driving skills in challenging weather.

Related Concepts:

• Тормоз (Brake)
• Педаль тормоза (Brake pedal)
• Автомобильная безопасность (Automotive safety)