Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'icebox'

English Word: icebox

Key Russian Translations:

• холодильник [xɐ.lɐ.dʲɪlʲ.nʲik] - [Formal, Common noun, Used in everyday contexts for a refrigerator or icebox]

Frequency: Medium - The term is commonly used in Russian-speaking contexts for household appliances, but "icebox" as a specific historical or non-electric device is less frequent in modern usage.

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary) - Basic vocabulary for everyday objects; straightforward for English learners with beginner Russian knowledge.

Pronunciation (Russian):

холодильник: [xɐ.lɐ.dʲɪlʲ.nʲik]

Note on холодильник: The word starts with a guttural 'kh' sound (like in Scottish "loch"), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress is on the third syllable. Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A refrigerated box or cabinet used for keeping food cold, often referring to an older or non-electric model.

Translation(s) & Context:

• холодильник - Used in general contexts for refrigerators or iceboxes in homes, stores, or historical settings; appropriate for both formal and informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Я положил молоко в холодильник, чтобы оно не испортилось.

  I put the milk in the icebox to keep it from spoiling. (Shows basic usage in a domestic setting.)

• В старом доме был большой холодильник, который работал на льду.

  In the old house, there was a large icebox that ran on ice. (Illustrates historical or non-electric context.)

• Не забудь проверить холодильник перед уходом из кухни.

  Don't forget to check the icebox before leaving the kitchen. (Demonstrates imperative form in daily routines.)

• Холодильник в даче сломался, и продукты начали таять.

  The icebox at the dacha broke, and the food started to thaw. (Shows usage in informal or rural contexts.)

• В музее есть экспонат старого холодильника из 19 века.

  In the museum, there's an exhibit of an old icebox from the 19th century. (Highlights cultural or historical reference.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Холодильник" is a masculine noun in Russian (2nd declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • морозильник (freezer) - Similar but specifically for freezing; used when emphasizing cold storage.
  • ледник (ice cellar) - More archaic, for non-electric cooling; implies a historical context.
• Antonyms:
  • печь (oven) - Refers to a heating appliance, contrasting with cooling devices.

Related Phrases:

• положить в холодильник - To put in the icebox; used for storing perishable items.
• холодильник сломался - The icebox is broken; common in maintenance contexts.
• очистить холодильник - To clean the icebox; refers to routine household chores.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "холодильник" directly corresponds to "icebox" in its literal sense but is more commonly used for modern refrigerators. English learners should note that it's a neuter noun in terms of everyday usage, and its inflections follow standard patterns. Use it in formal and informal settings alike, but be aware of regional variations—e.g., in rural areas, it might evoke older, non-electric devices. When choosing between synonyms like "морозильник," opt for "холодильник" if the context involves general cooling rather than deep freezing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "холодильник" with "холодильная камера" (a larger industrial fridge) and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я купил холодильник для офиса" when meaning a walk-in cooler. Correct: Use "холодильная камера" for industrial settings to avoid understatement. Explanation: "Холодильник" typically implies a household appliance, so context matters to prevent miscommunication.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я иду к холодильник" (should be dative: "к холодильнику"). Correct: "Я иду к холодильнику." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; practice declensions to master this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the "холодильник" is a staple in homes, especially in colder climates like Russia, where preserving food is practical. Historically, before electrification, iceboxes were common in rural areas, symbolizing self-sufficiency. Today, it represents modern convenience, but in literature or folklore, it might appear in contexts of scarcity or ingenuity during shortages.

Related Concepts:

• кухня (kitchen)
• продукты (groceries)
• мороз (frost)