Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kerosene'

English Word: kerosene

Key Russian Translations:

• керосин (/kʲɪˈro.sʲɪn/) - [Neutral, Technical]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in practical, everyday contexts related to fuel and technology, but not in casual conversation.

Difficulty: A2 - Beginner level; as a straightforward noun, it's easy to learn and use once basic Russian vocabulary is acquired.

Pronunciation (Russian):

керосин: /kʲɪˈro.sʲɪn/

Note on керосин: The initial 'к' is palatalized (kʲ), which is a common feature in Russian for words of foreign origin. Pronounce it with a soft 'k' sound, similar to 'ky' in "cute" but more subtle. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in jet engines, lamps, and stoves.

Translation(s) & Context:

• керосин - Used in technical, everyday, or historical contexts, such as discussing fuel for vehicles or lighting in remote areas.

Usage Examples:

• В самолёте используется керосин для двигателей.

  In the aircraft, kerosene is used for the engines. (This example shows the word in a technical context, highlighting its role in aviation.)

• Керосин в лампе горел всю ночь, освещая комнату.

  The kerosene in the lamp burned all night, lighting the room. (Demonstrates usage in a historical or domestic setting, with the noun in nominative case.)

• Из-за нехватки электричества, мы купили керосин для аварийного освещения.

  Due to the lack of electricity, we bought kerosene for emergency lighting. (Illustrates the word in a genitive case within a phrase, in a practical emergency scenario.)

• Керосин является дешёвым топливом в сельских районах России.

  Kerosene is a cheap fuel in rural areas of Russia. (Shows the word in a broader contextual sentence, emphasizing its affordability and regional use.)

• Для запуска ракеты требуется специальный керосин высокого качества.

  For launching a rocket, special high-quality kerosene is required. (This example varies the context to aerospace, using the word with adjectives for specification.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Керосин" is a masculine noun (second declension) borrowed from English/French, and it follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It is indeclinable in some modern usages due to its foreign origin, but traditionally, it can inflect. Below is a table of its common forms:

Note: In informal speech, "керосин" may remain unchanged in some cases, especially in technical contexts, reflecting its loanword status.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • авиакеросин (aviation kerosene) - Used specifically for aircraft fuel, with a more technical connotation.
  • керосиновое топливо (kerosene fuel) - Emphasizes its role as a fuel type.
• Antonyms:
  • вода (water) - As a non-flammable liquid, contrasting in properties.
  • бензин (gasoline) - Similar fuel but with different characteristics and uses.

Related Phrases:

• Керосиновая лампа - A kerosene lamp; commonly used in areas without electricity for basic lighting.
• Керосиновый обогреватель - A kerosene heater; refers to portable heating devices, especially in cold regions.
• Заправка керосином - Refueling with kerosene; used in aviation or vehicle maintenance contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Керосин" is a direct loanword from English/French and corresponds closely to the English "kerosene" in meaning, making it straightforward for learners. It is typically used in neutral or formal contexts, such as technical discussions, historical references, or practical scenarios. Be aware of its masculine gender in Russian sentences, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "хороший керосин" for "good kerosene"). When choosing between synonyms, opt for "керосин" in general contexts and "авиакеросин" for aviation-specific uses. Grammatically, it can be inflected, but in modern Russian, it's often left unchanged in compound phrases.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /kɛ.ro.sin/ without the palatalized 'kʲ', making it sound like the English version.

  Correct: Use /kʲɪˈro.sʲɪn/ with the soft 'k' sound. Example of error: Saying "керосин" as in American English, which might confuse native speakers.

  Explanation: Russian palatalization is key; practice with audio to avoid this.

• Error: Forgetting to inflect in sentences, e.g., using "керосин" in genitive as "керосин" instead of "керосина".

  Correct: "Нехватка керосина" (Shortage of kerosene). Example of error: "Нехватка керосин", which is grammatically incorrect.

  Explanation: Always check the case based on sentence structure to ensure proper agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "керосин" holds historical significance as a primary fuel for lamps and stoves in rural areas before widespread electrification. It symbolizes self-reliance in remote regions and is often referenced in literature and folklore, evoking images of pre-Soviet life or wartime resourcefulness.

Related Concepts:

• нефть (oil)
• топливо (fuel)
• бензин (gasoline)