Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kettle'

English Word: kettle

Key Russian Translations:

• чайник [t͡ɕajˈnʲik] - [Common noun, Informal/Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday domestic contexts, such as in kitchens, but not in highly specialized or rare situations.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; The word is straightforward and involves basic vocabulary, making it accessible for new learners of Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чайник: [t͡ɕajˈnʲik]

Note on чайник: The initial sound [t͡ɕ] is a palatalized affricate, similar to the 'ch' in 'church' but softer. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A container or device used for boiling water, often for making tea or coffee.

Translation(s) & Context:

• чайник - Typically used in everyday household contexts, such as in kitchens or for describing kitchen appliances. It can be formal or informal depending on the setting.

Usage Examples:

• Я поставил чайник на плиту, чтобы заварить чай.

  I put the kettle on the stove to brew tea.

• Электрический чайник быстро нагревает воду для кофе.

  The electric kettle quickly heats water for coffee.

• В нашей кухне сломался старый чайник, и мы купили новый.

  In our kitchen, the old kettle broke, so we bought a new one.

• Когда гости приходят, всегда включай чайник первым делом.

  When guests arrive, always turn on the kettle first thing.

• Мама использует чайник для приготовления горячего шоколада зимой.

  Mom uses the kettle to make hot chocolate in the winter.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Чайник" is a masculine noun in the second declension. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it easy for beginners to learn. For example, in plural forms, the ending changes to "-и" as per standard second-declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водонагреватель (vodonagrevatel) - More formal, often refers to electric water heaters; used in technical contexts.
  • чайовар (chaovar) - Less common, archaic term for a teapot-like device.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "чайник" is a specific object without a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Электрический чайник (Elektricheskiy chaynik) - Refers to an electric kettle; commonly used for modern appliances in households.
• Закипевший чайник (Zakipevshiy chaynik) - A boiling kettle; used in contexts involving immediate action, like preparing drinks.
• Старый чайник (Staryy chaynik) - An old kettle; often in discussions about household items or repairs.

Usage Notes:

"Чайник" directly corresponds to the English "kettle" in most contexts, especially for boiling water. It is neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both everyday conversations and written descriptions. Be mindful of grammatical gender (masculine), which affects adjective agreements, e.g., "большой чайник" (big kettle). When choosing between synonyms like "водонагреватель," opt for "чайник" in casual settings and the former in technical or formal ones. In Russian culture, kettles are central to tea-drinking traditions, so this word often appears in social or domestic scenarios.

• Grammar tip: Always decline it according to the sentence case for accuracy.
• Contextual choice: If referring to a whistling kettle, you might add descriptors like "свистящий чайник."

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "чайник" with "чайник" in the sense of a beginner or novice (a slang meaning, as in "he's a kettle" for someone inexperienced). Incorrect: "Он чайник в работе" meaning he's inexperienced, but if you mean the appliance, ensure context is clear. Correct: Use "чайник" only for the object and avoid mixing with idiomatic uses. Another error is improper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел чайник" (correct for accusative) but mistakenly using "Я видел чайника" in the wrong case. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the kettle symbolizes hospitality and daily routines, as tea is a staple beverage. Historically, samovars (traditional heated kettles) were central to social gatherings, and even modern "чайник" reflects this warmth. Understanding this can help learners appreciate why the word appears frequently in literature and everyday life, emphasizing community and comfort.

Related Concepts:

• чай (chai) - Tea, often prepared using a kettle.
• кофеварка (kofevarka) - Coffee maker, a related kitchen appliance.
• самовар (samovar) - Traditional Russian kettle for boiling water, with cultural significance.