Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'interface'

English Word: interface

Key Russian Translations:

• интерфейс /ɪnʲ.tʲɪrˈfʲeɪs/ - [Formal, Technical, Used in computing and technology contexts]

Frequency: High (Especially prevalent in modern technology, IT, and digital communication discussions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; requires basic familiarity with technical vocabulary, but accessible to learners with general Russian knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

интерфейс: [ɨnʲtʲɪrˈfʲeɪs] (Note: The stress is on the third syllable; the initial 'и' is pronounced as a soft [ɨ], which can be challenging for English speakers due to the lack of a direct equivalent.)

Note on интерфейс: Pay attention to the soft consonants (e.g., 'н' and 'т' are palatalized), which affect the flow. In fast speech, it may sound slightly contracted.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The point of interaction between a user and a computer system or software (Primary technical meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• интерфейс - Used in formal technical discussions, such as software design or user experience (UX) contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот интерфейс очень удобный для новичков. (This interface is very user-friendly for beginners.)

  Translation: This interface is very convenient for beginners. (Context: Describing software usability.)

• Разработчики улучшили графический интерфейс приложения. (The developers improved the graphical interface of the app.)

  Translation: The developers improved the graphical interface of the application. (Context: Discussing updates in app design.)

• Интерфейс телефона позволяет быстро настраивать уведомления. (The phone's interface allows for quick notification settings.)

  Translation: The phone's interface enables fast configuration of notifications. (Context: Everyday tech usage.)

• В старых системах интерфейс был менее интуитивным. (In old systems, the interface was less intuitive.)

  Translation: In old systems, the interface was less intuitive. (Context: Comparing historical and modern technology.)

• Интерфейс веб-сайта адаптирован для мобильных устройств. (The website's interface is adapted for mobile devices.)

  Translation: The website's interface is optimized for mobile devices. (Context: Responsive design in web development.)

2. A shared boundary between two systems or devices (Secondary meaning, e.g., in physics or engineering)

Translation(s) & Context:

• интерфейс - Used in scientific or engineering contexts, though less common than in tech.

Usage Examples:

• Интерфейс между двумя материалами определяет их совместимость. (The interface between two materials determines their compatibility.)

  Translation: The interface between two materials determines their compatibility. (Context: Material science discussion.)

• В физике интерфейс играет ключевую роль в передаче энергии. (In physics, the interface plays a key role in energy transfer.)

  Translation: In physics, the interface plays a crucial role in energy transfer. (Context: Theoretical explanation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Интерфейс" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from English, and follows the third declension pattern with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It does not change in the nominative singular but inflects in other cases.

Note: This word is invariant in some contexts (e.g., in technical jargon), but standard declension applies in formal writing.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пользовательский интерфейс (user interface; more specific to user-facing elements)
  • интерфейс пользователя (user interface; slight variation, often interchangeable)
• Antonyms:
  • отсутствие интерфейса (absence of interface; implies no interaction point)

Related Phrases:

• Графический интерфейс - Graphical user interface; commonly used in software design contexts.
• Интерфейс командной строки - Command-line interface; refers to text-based interactions in programming.
• Пользовательский интерфейс - User interface; emphasizes end-user experience.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "интерфейс" directly corresponds to the English "interface" in technical contexts, but it's primarily used in formal or professional settings. English learners should note that it's a loanword and retains its English-like pronunciation. When choosing between translations, opt for "интерфейс" in IT discussions, but in everyday Russian, native speakers might simplify explanations. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "удобный интерфейс" for "convenient interface"). Be cautious with context: in non-technical scenarios, Russian might use more descriptive phrases to avoid direct borrowing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /ɪn.tərˈfeɪs/ with a hard English accent, ignoring Russian palatalization.
  Correct: Use [ɨnʲtʲɪrˈfʲeɪs] to soften consonants.
  Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to master the soft sounds.

• Error: Using it in informal speech without adaptation, e.g., saying "интерфейс" in casual conversation.
  Correct: In everyday talk, Russians might say "экран" (screen) or rephrase entirely.
  Explanation: Over-reliance on the loanword can lead to stiffness; adapt based on audience.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, especially in the tech sector influenced by global trends, "интерфейс" reflects the integration of Western technology. It's a common term in Russia's growing IT industry, symbolizing modernization since the post-Soviet era. However, in broader cultural contexts, Russians often prioritize functionality over aesthetics in interfaces, influenced by historical engineering focuses during the Soviet period.

Related Concepts:

• программирование (programming)
• юзабилити (usability)
• веб-дизайн (web design)