Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'launderette'

English Word: launderette

Key Russian Translations:

• прачечная [prɐˈt͡ɕet͡ɕnəjə] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts for self-service facilities]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in urban or daily life discussions, but not as common as basic vocabulary like food or greetings.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic vocabulary related to services, suitable for learners with some foundational knowledge of Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прачечная: [prɐˈt͡ɕet͡ɕnəjə]

Note on прачечная: The pronunciation features a soft 'ч' sound (like 'ch' in 'church'), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the third syllable. Variations may occur in dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A self-service laundry facility where people can wash and dry clothes using coin-operated machines.

Translation(s) & Context:

• прачечная - Used in neutral, everyday contexts, such as describing public laundry services in apartments or urban areas. It implies a shared or commercial space, often self-service.

Usage Examples:

• Я хожу в прачечную по выходным, чтобы постирать одежду. (I go to the launderette on weekends to wash my clothes.)

  This example shows the word in a routine, personal context, highlighting its use with verbs like "ходить" (to go) and "постирать" (to wash).

• В нашем районе есть круглосуточная прачечная с современным оборудованием. (In our neighborhood, there's a 24-hour launderette with modern equipment.)

  Here, it demonstrates the word in a descriptive context, often with adjectives like "круглосуточная" (24-hour) to specify services.

• Если нет стиральной машины дома, можно использовать прачечную в подвале. (If you don't have a washing machine at home, you can use the launderette in the basement.)

  This illustrates the word in a practical, problem-solving scenario, showing its integration with conditional structures.

• Прачечная на углу улицы всегда crowded по вечерам. (The launderette on the corner street is always crowded in the evenings.)

  This example uses the word in a location-specific context, often with prepositional phrases like "на углу улицы" (on the corner street).

• Многие студенты экономят деньги, используя общую прачечную в общежитии. (Many students save money by using the shared launderette in the dormitory.)

  This highlights the word in a social or economic context, paired with nouns like "студенты" (students) and verbs like "экономить" (to save).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Прачечная" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, changing based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions in the singular form (plural is less common but follows standard patterns).

Note: The plural form is "прачечные" in nominative, with regular changes. This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Стирка (stirka) - More general, referring to the act of washing, but less specific to a facility.
  • Аwashing (awashing) - Informal or borrowed term, used in modern contexts but less common.
• Antonyms:
  • Стиральная машина (stiral'naya mashina) - Not a direct antonym, but contrasts as a personal washing machine rather than a public service.

Related Phrases:

• Самообслуживание прачечная (Self-service launderette) - Refers to a coin-operated facility; used in contexts discussing automated services.
• Общая прачечная в доме (Shared launderette in the building) - Common in apartment complexes; implies communal resources.
• Прачечная с сушилкой (Launderette with dryer) - Highlights specific features; useful for describing modern amenities.

Usage Notes:

"Прачечная" directly corresponds to "launderette" in British English, emphasizing self-service laundry. It is neutral in tone and widely used in urban Russia. Be mindful of context: in formal writing or speech, pair it with prepositions like "в прачечной" (in the launderette) for location. If multiple translations exist, choose "прачечная" for standard self-service scenarios, as "стирка" might imply the process rather than the place. Grammar note: As a feminine noun, ensure agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "эта прачечная большая" – this launderette is big).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "прачечная" with "стирка", thinking they mean the same thing. Incorrect: "Я сделал стирка в прачечной." (I did washing in the launderette – grammatically awkward.)

  Correct: "Я постирал в прачечной." (I washed in the launderette.) Explanation: "Стирка" means the act of washing, not the facility, so use verbs like "постирать" with "прачечная" for clarity.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases: "Я иду к прачечная." (I am going to launderette – wrong case.)

  Correct: "Я иду в прачечную." (I am going to the launderette.) Explanation: The accusative case requires "прачечную" after prepositions like "в" (to/in).

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "прачечная" often reflects urban living where space is limited, and shared facilities are common in Soviet-era apartment blocks. Unlike in the UK or US, where launderettes are widespread, they may be less emphasized in rural areas due to home washing machines. This word can evoke a sense of community or practicality in daily life, symbolizing resourcefulness in densely populated cities.

Related Concepts:

• Стиральная машина (washing machine)
• Химчистка (dry cleaning service)
• Белье (laundry or linens)