Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mechanical'

English Word: mechanical

Key Russian Translations:

• механический [mɪxəˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj] - [Adjective, General use, Formal and Informal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; Requires understanding of technical terms and adjective inflections, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

механический: [mɪxəˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on механический: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲit͡ɕ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'n' sound. Variations in informal speech may soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to or operated by machinery or mechanics.

Translation(s) & Context:

• механический - Used in technical, scientific, or everyday contexts to describe devices, processes, or systems involving machines; suitable for both formal writing and informal discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта машина механическая и работает на электричестве.

  This machine is mechanical and runs on electricity.

• В инженерии часто изучают механические системы.

  In engineering, mechanical systems are often studied.

• Его движения были механическими, как у робота.

  His movements were mechanical, like those of a robot.

• Механический карандаш удобен для черчения.

  A mechanical pencil is convenient for drawing.

• В музее есть экспонаты с механическими устройствами из XIX века.

  The museum has exhibits with mechanical devices from the 19th century.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

механический is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ий. It inflects based on gender, number, and case, as Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. This word does not have irregular forms but changes regularly.

Note: In short-form adjectives or poetic contexts, it may appear as "механичен," but this is rare in modern usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • технический (technical; often used interchangeably in engineering contexts, but more focused on technology)
  • машинный (machine-related; implies a direct connection to machines in industrial settings)
• Antonyms:
  • ручной (manual; used for hand-operated processes, contrasting with automated ones)
  • электронный (electronic; highlights digital over mechanical systems)

Related Phrases:

• механическая инженерия - Mechanical engineering; Refers to the field of designing and building machines.
• механический привод - Mechanical drive; Used in contexts like automotive or machinery to describe power transmission.
• механические часы - Mechanical watch; A common phrase for traditional, non-digital timepieces.

Usage Notes:

механический directly corresponds to the English "mechanical" in most contexts, especially in technical or scientific discussions. It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., academic papers) and informal settings (e.g., everyday conversations about gadgets). Be mindful of adjective agreement: always match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. When choosing between synonyms like технический, opt for механический if the focus is on physical mechanics rather than broader technology. In Russian, this word often appears in compound phrases, enhancing its utility in descriptive language.

• Avoid overusing it in non-technical contexts to prevent sounding overly formal.
• In spoken Russian, pronunciation may vary regionally, with softer consonants in southern dialects.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse механический with технический, leading to imprecise usage. For example:

• Error: Using "технический" when describing a purely mechanical device, e.g., "Это технический карандаш" (incorrectly implying electronic features).
• Correct: "Это механический карандаш" – This specifies a mechanical pencil without electronic components. Explanation: механический emphasizes physical mechanisms, while технический is broader.
• Error: Forgetting adjective inflections, e.g., saying "механический машина" instead of "механическая машина" for feminine nouns.
• Correct: "Механическая машина" – Always ensure agreement to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like механический often evoke the historical significance of industrialization in the Soviet era, where mechanical engineering was a cornerstone of national pride. For instance, iconic machines from that period, like those in museums, highlight Russia's engineering heritage, adding a layer of cultural resonance beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• инженер
• техника
• автоматизация