Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'keel'

English Word: keel

Key Russian Translations:

• киль [kilʲ] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily used in nautical, engineering, or technical contexts; not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and vocabulary related to maritime terms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

киль: [kilʲ]

Note on килъ: The pronunciation features a soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization. It is pronounced with a slight 'y' glide before the 'l'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The structural beam running along the bottom of a boat or ship

Translation(s) & Context:

• киль - Used in formal or technical discussions about shipbuilding, navigation, or engineering; refers to the central backbone of a vessel for stability.

Usage Examples:

• Корабль был построен с усиленным килем для лучшей устойчивости в штормовом море.

  The ship was built with a reinforced keel for better stability in stormy seas.

• Во время ремонта они заменили поврежденный киль на новый.

  During the repair, they replaced the damaged keel with a new one.

• Киль судна обеспечивает равновесие и предотвращает опрокидывание.

  The keel of the vessel ensures balance and prevents capsizing.

• Инженеры тщательно изучили дизайн киля перед запуском проекта.

  Engineers carefully studied the keel design before launching the project.

• В музее морского флота выставлен исторический киль старинного парусника.

  In the naval museum, the historical keel of an old sailing ship is on display.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Киль" is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дно (dno) - Refers more generally to the bottom of a ship, but less specific to the central beam.
  • основа (osnova) - Used metaphorically for the foundational structure, in broader contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • мачта (machta) - Refers to the mast, which is an upper structure contrasting the lower keel.

Related Phrases:

• Усиленный киль (usilennyi kil') - Reinforced keel; Used in contexts of ship durability and engineering.
• Киль и паруса (kil' i parusa) - Keel and sails; A phrase referring to the essential elements of a sailing vessel, often in metaphorical discussions of balance.
• Лечь на киль (lech' na kil') - To lay the keel; Means to begin ship construction, implying starting a major project.

Usage Notes:

"Киль" directly corresponds to the English "keel" in nautical terminology, but it's most commonly used in formal, technical, or professional settings rather than everyday speech. English learners should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for "киль" based on sentence structure—e.g., genitive for possession. When choosing between synonyms like "дно," opt for "киль" if emphasizing structural integrity. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing maritime topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "киль" in all contexts, e.g., "Я видел киль корабля" when it should be genitive for possession.

  Correct: "Я видел киль корабля" is actually correct here, but a common mistake is saying "киль на корабль" instead of "киль корабля." Explanation: Russian requires the genitive case after certain prepositions or in possessive structures.

• Error: Confusing "киль" with "килограмм" (kilogram), leading to mispronunciation or misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Ensure context clarifies; for example, say "киль судна" for ship keel, not "киль" alone in weight-related discussions. Explanation: These words sound similar but have distinct meanings and uses.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the keel symbolizes the foundation and stability of a ship, often metaphorically representing resilience in literature and folklore. For instance, in Russian naval history, the keel-laying ceremony is a significant tradition, akin to a ship's "birth," reflecting Russia's maritime heritage and its vast naval explorations in the past.

Related Concepts:

• парус (parus)
• корпус (korpus)
• швартов (shvartov)