Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lighter'

English Word: lighter

Key Russian Translations:

• зажигалка (/zəʐɨˈɡaɫkə/) - [Informal, Common noun]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in contexts involving smoking or fire-starting tools.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward vocabulary for basic objects, but requires understanding of Russian noun genders and inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зажигалка: /zəʐɨˈɡaɫkə/ (The stress is on the third syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'.)

Note on зажигалка: Be cautious with the 'г' sound, which is a voiced velar fricative; it's softer in casual speech. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A device used to create a flame, typically for lighting cigarettes or fires (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зажигалка - Used in informal, everyday contexts for a portable lighter; common in casual conversations or shopping scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть зажигалка в кармане. (U menya yest' zazhigalka v karmane.)

  I have a lighter in my pocket. (This example shows the noun in a simple possessive context.)

• Он зажигает сигарету зажигалкой. (On zazhigaet sigaretu zazhigalkoy.)

  He lights a cigarette with a lighter. (Demonstrates the noun in an action-oriented sentence.)

• Купи новую зажигалку в магазине. (Kupi novuyu zazhigalku v magazine.)

  Buy a new lighter at the store. (Illustrates the noun in an imperative, transactional context.)

• Зажигалка сломалась, так что я не могу курить. (Zazhigalka slomalas', tak chto ya ne mogu kurit'.)

  The lighter broke, so I can't smoke. (Shows the noun with a past tense verb for describing problems.)

• В этой зажигалке есть газ. (V etoy zazhigalke yest' gaz.)

  This lighter has gas in it. (Highlights the noun in a descriptive, explanatory context.)

Meaning 2: Comparative form of 'light' (e.g., less heavy) - Less common direct translation, but can relate

Translation(s) & Context:

• лёгкий (lyokhkiy) - Used in formal or descriptive contexts for something lighter in weight; not a direct equivalent but contextually related.

Usage Examples:

• Эта сумка лёгкая, а та тяжёлая. (Eta sumka lyokhkaya, a ta tyazhelaya.)

  This bag is lighter, and that one is heavy. (This compares weights, linking to the English 'lighter'.)

• Он выбрал лёгкий рюкзак для похода. (On vybral lyokhkiy ryukzak dlya pokhoda.)

  He chose a lighter backpack for the hike. (Demonstrates in an outdoor or practical context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the primary translation 'зажигалка' (a feminine noun), it follows the standard first declension pattern for Russian nouns. It changes based on case, number, and gender.

For 'лёгкий' (adjective), it inflects based on gender, number, and case. Example: Masculine singular - лёгкий; Feminine singular - лёгкая. This word has regular adjective inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • спички (spichki) - Matches; used when referring to alternative fire-starting tools, but less portable.
  • огниво (ogniwo) - Flint or fire starter; more formal or historical context.
• Antonyms:
  • спичечный коробок (spichechnyy korobok) - Matchbox; implies a non-portable or bulkier alternative.
  • тушила (tushila) - Extinguisher; opposite in function for fire-related tools.

Related Phrases:

• Электронная зажигалка (Elektronnaya zazhigalka) - Electronic lighter; a modern variation, often used in tech contexts.
• Зажигалка для сигар (Zazhigalka dlya sigar) - Lighter for cigars; specific to luxury or smoking culture.
• Портативная зажигалка (Portativnaya zazhigalka) - Portable lighter; emphasizes mobility in travel scenarios.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word 'зажигалка' directly corresponds to the English 'lighter' as a noun for a flame-producing device. It is most commonly used in informal settings, such as everyday conversations about smoking or camping. Note that Russian nouns have genders ('зажигалка' is feminine), which affects adjective agreements and inflections. When choosing between translations, use 'зажигалка' for physical objects and 'лёгкий' for comparative weight descriptions. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, opt for more descriptive phrases if 'зажигалка' feels too casual.

• Grammar tip: Always decline the noun based on its case in a sentence to ensure grammatical accuracy.
• Regional variation: In some Russian dialects, slang terms like 'зажига' might be used informally, but stick to standard forms for learners.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistake the gender of 'зажигалка' (feminine), leading to incorrect adjective agreements, e.g., saying 'большой зажигалка' instead of 'большая зажигалка' (big lighter). Correct usage: Use feminine endings for adjectives and verbs. Another error is confusing it with 'зажигать' (to light), which is a verb; for example, incorrectly using 'зажигалка' as a verb form. Wrong: 'Я зажигалка сигарету' (incorrect verb-noun mix). Right: 'Я зажигаю сигарету зажигалкой' (I light a cigarette with a lighter). This highlights the need to separate nouns from verbs in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, lighters like 'зажигалка' are often associated with smoking traditions, which have historical roots in the Soviet era when they were common accessories. However, with increasing anti-smoking campaigns, their use is declining, and they may carry connotations of social habits or even nostalgia in literature and films.

Related Concepts:

• спичка (spichka) - Match
• огонь (ogon') - Fire
• сигарета (sigareta) - Cigarette