Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mainspring'

English Word: mainspring

Key Russian Translations:

• Главная пружина [ɡlɐvnəjə pruʐɨnə] - [Formal, Technical]
• Основной стимул [ɐsnɐvnɨj stʲɪmul] - [Informal, Metaphorical]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in technical or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of mechanical terminology or abstract concepts, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Главная пружина: [ɡlɐvnəjə pruʐɨnə]

Note on Главная пружина: The stress falls on the first syllable of "главная" (GLAV-naya). The "ж" sound is a soft fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Основной стимул: [ɐsnɐvnɨj stʲɪmul]

Note on Основной стимул: Stress is on the second syllable of "основной" (os-NOV-nyj). The "ы" sound is a centralized vowel, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal Meaning (Mechanical Core or Driving Force in Devices)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Главная пружина - Used in technical contexts, such as describing parts of watches, clocks, or machinery, where it refers to the primary spring that powers the mechanism.

Usage Examples:

• В старинных часах главная пружина обеспечивает точность хода.

  In antique watches, the mainspring ensures the accuracy of the movement.

• Если главная пружина сломается, механизм полностью остановится.

  If the mainspring breaks, the entire mechanism will stop.

• Мастер заменил главную пружину в моем старом будильнике.

  The craftsman replaced the mainspring in my old alarm clock.

• Главная пружина в автомобиле отвечает за передачу энергии.

  The mainspring in a car is responsible for energy transmission.

Metaphorical Meaning (Central Driving Force or Motivation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Основной стимул - Used in abstract or motivational contexts, such as in literature, psychology, or discussions about personal drive, to denote the core element that propels action or change.

Usage Examples:

• Для него основной стимул — это стремление к успеху в бизнесе.

  For him, the mainspring is the drive for success in business.

• В этой истории основной стимул персонажа — любовь к семье.

  In this story, the mainspring of the character's actions is love for family.

• Основной стимул реформ — экономическая стабильность.

  The mainspring of the reforms is economic stability.

• Без основного стимула проект потерял импульс.

  Without the mainspring, the project lost its momentum.

• Ее основной стимул в жизни — творчество и самовыражение.

  Her mainspring in life is creativity and self-expression.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Главная пружина" is a noun phrase where "пружина" is a feminine noun (3rd declension). It inflects regularly based on case and number. "Главная" is an adjective that agrees with the noun.

For "Основной стимул", "стимул" is a masculine noun with regular declension, while "основной" is an adjective that agrees with it. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Движущая сила (driving force; more general and dynamic)
  • Ключевой элемент (key element; emphasizes centrality)
• Antonyms:
  • Препятствие (obstacle; blocks progress)
  • Слабая связь (weak link; lacks strength or motivation)

Related Phrases:

• Главная пружина механизма - The mainspring of the mechanism (refers to a core component in engineering).
• Основной стимул к действию - The mainspring to action (used in motivational contexts).
• Потерять главную пружину - To lose the mainspring (metaphorically, to lose motivation).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "mainspring" translates differently based on context: use "Главная пружина" for literal mechanical references and "Основной стимул" for metaphorical ones. Be mindful of formality—technical contexts prefer the former, while informal discussions use the latter. Adjectives like "основной" must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun. English speakers often confuse it with similar terms; choose based on whether the emphasis is on physical or abstract driving forces.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Главная пружина" in a metaphorical sense, e.g., saying "Моя главная пружина — это работа" instead of "Основной стимул".

  Correct: "Мой основной стимул — это работа". Explanation: "Главная пружина" is too literal and sounds awkward in abstract contexts, potentially confusing listeners.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun correctly, e.g., saying "Без главная пружина" in genitive context.

  Correct: "Без главной пружины". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; incorrect declension can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the metaphorical use of "mainspring" (e.g., "основной стимул") often appears in literature and philosophy, reflecting themes of resilience and motivation, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where personal drive is central to character development.

Related Concepts:

• Механизм (mechanism)
• Мотивация (motivation)
• Импульс (impulse)