Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lintel'

English Word: lintel

Key Russian Translations:

• перемычка [pʲɪrʲɪˈmɨʂkə] - [Formal, Technical term in architecture]
• балка [ˈbalʲkə] - [Informal or general use, when referring to beams in broader contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and appears primarily in technical, architectural, or engineering discussions, not everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Requires familiarity with Russian vocabulary in technical fields. For 'перемычка', it's B2; for 'балка', it might be B1 due to its more general usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

перемычка: [pʲɪrʲɪˈmɨʂkə]

Note on перемычка: The 'щ' sound in [ʂkə] can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a voiceless retroflex fricative. Pronounce it like 'sh' in 'shoe' but with a more retracted tongue. Stress falls on the third syllable.

балка: [ˈbalʲkə]

Note on балка: The 'лʲ' is a palatalized 'l', similar to 'l' in 'million' in English. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A horizontal beam used to support the structure above an opening, such as a door or window in a building.

Translation(s) & Context:

• перемычка - Used in formal architectural or construction contexts, emphasizing structural support.
• балка - Applied more broadly, often in everyday or less technical discussions of beams, but can overlap with 'lintel' in building scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• В старом доме перемычка над дверью начала трескаться от времени.

  In the old house, the lintel above the door started to crack over time.

• Архитектор использовал бетонную балку как перемычку для усиления стены.

  The architect used a concrete beam as a lintel to reinforce the wall.

• При ремонте здания мы заменили деревянную перемычку на металлическую для большей прочности.

  During the building renovation, we replaced the wooden lintel with a metal one for greater strength.

• В проекте моста балка служит перемычкой, соединяя опоры.

  In the bridge design, the beam serves as a lintel, connecting the supports.

• Инженеры проверили перемычку на устойчивость к землетрясениям.

  The engineers checked the lintel for earthquake resistance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'перемычка' and 'балка' are feminine nouns in Russian. 'Перемычка' follows standard third-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ка, while 'балка' is a regular first-declension feminine noun. Below is a table outlining their key inflections:

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, but they change based on case, number, and gender agreement in sentences. For example, in plural forms, adjectives must agree (e.g., "крепкие перемычки" for "strong lintels").

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • опора (opora) - More general term for support; used when emphasizing stability.
  • пролёт (prol'ot) - Refers to the span or opening that a lintel covers; slight difference in nuance.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as 'lintel' is a specific structural element. However, 'опускание' (opuskaniye, lowering) could imply the opposite concept in a metaphorical sense.

Related Phrases:

• Железобетонная перемычка - Reinforced concrete lintel; Used in modern construction for durability.
• Деревянная балка в перемычке - Wooden beam in the lintel; Common in traditional or rustic buildings.
• Перемычка над окном - Lintel above the window; Refers to a specific placement in architecture.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'перемычка' is the most precise translation for 'lintel' in technical contexts, while 'балка' is broader and might be used interchangeably in informal settings. Always consider the context: use 'перемычка' for architectural specifics and 'балка' for general beam references. Note that Russian nouns require gender agreement (feminine in this case), so adjectives and verbs must align (e.g., "перемычка установлена" - the lintel is installed). For English learners, choose 'перемычка' when discussing building structures to maintain formality, but be aware of regional variations in construction terminology.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'перемычка' with 'балка' and using them interchangeably without context. Correct: Use 'перемычка' for lintels specifically over openings; 'балка' for general beams. Example of error: Saying "балка над дверью" when a precise term is needed; Correct: "Перемычка над дверью". This mistake can lead to ambiguity in technical discussions.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative form in all cases. Correct: In genitive contexts, say "установки перемычки" (installation of the lintel) instead of "установки перемычка". English speakers often overlook case endings, which can make sentences grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and architecture, terms like 'перемычка' reflect the historical emphasis on sturdy, practical construction in harsh climates. For instance, in traditional Russian wooden architecture (e.g., izba houses), lintels were often made from logs, symbolizing resilience and community craftsmanship. This contrasts with Western styles, highlighting Russia's adaptive building techniques in regions with severe weather.

Related Concepts:

• стена (stena) - Wall
• колонна (kolonna) - Column
• опора (opora) - Support
• пролёт (prol'ot) - Span