Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lavatory'

English Word: lavatory

Key Russian Translations:

• туалет /tuˈalʲɪt/ - [Formal, Commonly used in public and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is frequently encountered in daily conversations, signage, and travel contexts in Russian-speaking regions, but it's not among the most basic vocabulary items.)

Difficulty: A2 (According to CEFR standards, this is suitable for elementary learners as it involves basic nouns and everyday scenarios, though pronunciation may pose slight challenges for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

туалет: /tuˈalʲɪt/

Note on туалет: The stress is on the second syllable ('a'), and the 'л' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, as it differs from English 'l'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A room equipped with a toilet for the disposal of urine and feces, often in public or domestic settings.

Translation(s) & Context:

• туалет - Used in formal and informal contexts, such as asking for directions in public places, homes, or transportation hubs. It is neutral and widely understood across Russian-speaking regions.

Usage Examples:

• Где находится туалет? (This is a straightforward inquiry in a public space.)

  Where is the lavatory?

• Мне нужно в туалет. (Used in casual conversations to express an immediate need.)

  I need to use the lavatory.

• В отеле есть чистый туалет на каждом этаже. (Describes facilities in a building or hotel.)

  The hotel has a clean lavatory on each floor.

• Пожалуйста, укажите, где туалет для инвалидов. (Addresses accessibility in public areas.)

  Please indicate where the lavatory for disabled persons is.

• Туалет в самолете был занят. (Refers to onboard facilities during travel.)

  The lavatory on the plane was occupied.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Туалет" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for most cases, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This word does not have verbal forms, as it is a noun. Its plural form is used when referring to multiple lavatories.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • уборная - A more formal or outdated term, often used in official contexts or literature.
  • санузел - Refers specifically to a bathroom or restroom with plumbing facilities.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a concrete noun. However, conceptually, one might contrast it with "улица" (street) for outdoor vs. indoor settings.

Related Phrases:

• Публичный туалет - A public lavatory; commonly found in cities and used for free or paid facilities.
• Туалет для инвалидов - Lavatory for disabled persons; highlights accessibility features.
• Где туалет? - Where is the lavatory? (A fixed phrase for inquiries.)
• Туалетная бумага - Toilet paper; a related item often used in the same context.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "туалет" directly corresponds to "lavatory" in English, emphasizing a functional space rather than a luxurious bathroom. It is versatile across formal and informal settings but avoid using it in overly polite conversations where "ванная комната" (bathroom) might be preferred for home contexts. When traveling in Russia, this word is essential for navigation, and its inflections help in constructing accurate sentences. If multiple translations exist, choose "туалет" for general purposes, but "уборная" for a more archaic or formal tone.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the word without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в туалет" instead of the correct prepositional form "в туалете" when specifying location.
  Correct: "Я иду в туалет" (I am going to the lavatory) vs. Incorrect: "Я иду в туалет" might be informally accepted but is imprecise; better as "Я иду в туалет" with context.
  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must adjust for prepositions like "в" (in).
• Mistake: Confusing it with "ванна" (bath), which refers to a bathtub, leading to misunderstandings in hygiene-related discussions.
  Correct: Use "туалет" for toilet facilities.
  Explanation: These are distinct; mixing them can cause confusion in daily interactions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, public lavatories (туалет) are a common feature in urban areas, but they may require payment or have specific etiquettes, such as carrying your own toilet paper. Historically, the concept has evolved with modernization, reflecting changes in public hygiene standards since the Soviet era. This word carries no strong emotional connotations but underscores practical aspects of daily life in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• ванна (bathtub)
• душ (shower)
• санузел (restroom with plumbing)