Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hotline'

English Word: hotline

Key Russian Translations:

• горячая линия [ɡɐˈrʲaʧɪjə lʲɪˈnʲijə] - [Formal, Used for emergency or help lines]

Frequency: Medium (Common in official and emergency contexts, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding specific institutional terminology; CEFR level for learners with basic vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

горячая линия: [ɡɐˈrʲaʧɪjə lʲɪˈnʲijə]

Note on горячая линия: The stress falls on the second syllable of "горячая" (/ɡɐˈrʲaʧɪjə/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'r' sound. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel lengths.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A direct telephone line providing immediate assistance, often for emergencies, support, or information.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горячая линия - Used in formal or institutional settings, such as government services, crisis hotlines, or customer support, to denote a dedicated line for urgent queries.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, позвоните на горячую линию, если вам нужна помощь в чрезвычайной ситуации.

  Please call the hotline if you need help in an emergency situation.

• Министерство здравоохранения запустило новую горячую линию для консультаций по COVID-19.

  The Ministry of Health launched a new hotline for COVID-19 consultations.

• В случае психического кризиса, звоните на горячую линию доверия круглосуточно.

  In case of a mental health crisis, call the hotline trust line 24/7.

• Горячая линия банка помогает клиентам быстро решить финансовые проблемы.

  The bank's hotline helps clients quickly resolve financial issues.

• Если вы потерялись в городе, используйте горячую линию полиции для помощи.

  If you're lost in the city, use the police hotline for assistance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горячая линия" is a noun phrase where "горячая" is a feminine adjective and "линия" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian inflection patterns for adjectives and nouns. The adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Note: The adjective "горячая" changes to agree with "линия," which is invariable in gender but inflects by case and number as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • телефон доверия (more specific to trust or helpline services; used in psychological contexts)
  • горячий телефон (less formal variant, implying immediacy)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "hotline" is a specific service type. However, general opposites might include "обычный номер" (regular phone number), implying non-urgent lines.

Related Phrases:

• национальная горячая линия - National hotline; refers to a country-wide emergency service.
• круглосуточная горячая линия - 24/7 hotline; emphasizes availability at all hours.
• горячая линия поддержки - Support hotline; used for technical or customer assistance.

Usage Notes:

The term "горячая линия" directly corresponds to "hotline" in English, particularly in formal or institutional contexts. It is typically used for services requiring immediate response, such as emergencies or consultations. Be mindful of the formal register; in casual speech, Russians might opt for simpler phrases. When choosing between translations like "горячая линия" and "телефон доверия," select based on context—use the former for general hotlines and the latter for trust-based services. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree with nouns in case, number, and gender.

• Common in official announcements or websites.
• Avoid direct word-for-word translation; adapt to Russian phrasing for naturalness.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "горячая линия" with "горячий номер" (which is incorrect and non-standard). For example:

• Error: Using "горячий номер" to mean hotline. Incorrect Russian: "Позвоните на горячий номер." Correct Russian: "Позвоните на горячую линию." Explanation: "Горячий номер" implies a "hot" or popular number, not an emergency line, leading to misunderstanding.
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "горячая линии" (wrong case). Correct: Always use the proper declension as per the table above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "горячая линия" often carries a connotation of state-provided services, such as those for health crises or social issues, reflecting the country's emphasis on centralized support systems. Historically, these lines gained prominence during the Soviet era for reporting issues, and today they symbolize accessible public welfare, though usage can vary by region due to cultural attitudes toward seeking help.

Related Concepts:

• служба поддержки (support service)
• экстренная помощь (emergency aid)
• телефон доверия (trust phone line)