Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mechanically'

English Word: mechanically

Key Russian Translations:

• механически /mʲɪxɐˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲi/ - [Formal, Technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical, scientific, and engineering discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and adverbial forms in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

механически: /mʲɪxɐˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲi/

Note on механически: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ni"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to Russian's vowel reduction in unstressed positions. Pronounce it with a soft "h" sound at the beginning.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

In a mechanical manner (adverb, describing actions performed automatically or without thought)

Translation(s) & Context:

• механически - Used in formal or technical contexts to describe processes that are automated, repetitive, or lacking emotional involvement, such as in engineering or psychology.

Usage Examples:

• Робот выполнял задачи механически, без вмешательства человека.

  The robot performed tasks mechanically, without human intervention.

• Она улыбалась механически, скрывая своё разочарование.

  She smiled mechanically, hiding her disappointment.

• В фабрике все операции производятся механически для повышения эффективности.

  In the factory, all operations are carried out mechanically to increase efficiency.

• Он отвечал на вопросы механически, словно машина.

  He answered questions mechanically, like a machine.

• Механически повторяя урок, ученик не понимал материал.

  Mechanically repeating the lesson, the student did not understand the material.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Механически" is an adverb derived from the adjective "механический" (mechanical). As an adverb in Russian, it typically does not inflect for gender, number, or case. It remains unchanged in most contexts, which is a regular feature of Russian adverbs ending in -ски.

For comparison, if used in related forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: автоматически (avtomaticheski) - Often used interchangeably in technical contexts, but "автоматически" implies more automation.
• автоматически (avtomaticheski) - Similar, but emphasizes automation over mechanical process.
• Antonyms: вручную (vruchnuyu) - Used for manual, hands-on actions, contrasting with automated or mechanical ones.
• рутинно (routinno) - If implying routine without thought, but less technical.

Related Phrases:

• Механическая передача - A mechanical transmission; Common in automotive engineering contexts.
• Механически управляемый - Mechanically controlled; Used for devices or systems operated by mechanics.
• Работать механически - To work mechanically; Describes repetitive, unenthusiastic work.

Usage Notes:

"Механически" directly corresponds to the English adverb "mechanically" in technical and everyday contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal Russian to denote processes involving machines or automatic actions. Be mindful of its formal tone; in informal speech, Russians might opt for simpler alternatives like "автоматически" to avoid sounding overly technical. When translating, ensure the context matches—e.g., use it for literal mechanical actions rather than metaphorical ones. If the English word implies emotional detachment, "механически" works well, but always check for synonyms based on nuance.

• In sentences, it typically follows the verb: e.g., "выполнять механически" (to perform mechanically).
• Choose "механически" over synonyms when emphasizing physical mechanics versus pure automation.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "механически" (adverb) with "механический" (adjective), leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: *Он механический отвечал. (Incorrect: This treats it as an adjective.)
• Correct: Он отвечал механически. (Proper adverbial form.)
• Explanation: In Russian, adverbs like this do not agree with nouns or verbs; they remain invariant. Another common mistake is overusing it in non-technical contexts, where "автоматически" might be more natural—e.g., don't say "механически есть" for "eat mechanically"; use it only for appropriate scenarios.

Cultural Notes:

"Механически" doesn't carry strong cultural connotations in Russian, as it's a neutral technical term. However, in the context of Soviet-era engineering and industrialization, words like this often evoke Russia's historical emphasis on mechanical innovation and automation in manufacturing, reflecting a broader cultural pride in technical achievements.

Related Concepts:

• автоматизация (automation)
• механизм (mechanism)
• технология (technology)