Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'microcomputer'

English Word: microcomputer

Key Russian Translations:

• микрокомпьютер (/mʲɪkrɐkɐmpʲutʲɛr/) - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in technical and educational contexts but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Learners at this level should understand and use the term in technical discussions, as it involves familiarity with Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

микрокомпьютер: /mʲɪkrɐkɐmpʲutʲɛr/

Note on микрокомпьютер: The stress falls on the third syllable ("kom-"), and the initial "м" is palatalized, which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small computer designed for individual use, typically with a microprocessor.

Translation(s) & Context:

• микрокомпьютер - Used in formal, technical, or educational contexts to refer to personal computers or compact computing devices, such as in discussions about technology history or hardware specifications.

Usage Examples:

• В 1970-х годах микрокомпьютер revolutionized the way people accessed computing power at home.

  In the 1970s, the microcomputer revolutionized the way people accessed computing power at home.

• Современный микрокомпьютер может выполнять множество задач, от обработки текстов до игр.

  A modern microcomputer can perform numerous tasks, from text processing to games.

• Для обучения программированию студенты часто начинают с простого микрокомпьютера.

  For learning programming, students often start with a simple microcomputer.

• В музее технологий выставлен первый микрокомпьютер, который повлиял на развитие IT-индустрии.

  In the technology museum, the first microcomputer is exhibited, which influenced the development of the IT industry.

• Купить недорогой микрокомпьютер для офиса стало проще благодаря новым технологиям.

  Buying an affordable microcomputer for the office has become easier thanks to new technologies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Микрокомпьютер" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard third-declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions in the singular form:

For the plural form, it becomes "микрокомпьютеры" in the nominative, with regular plural inflections (e.g., Genitive: микрокомпьютеров). This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • микрокомп (informal abbreviation, often used in tech slang)
  • персональный компьютер (more general term, emphasizing personal use; differs slightly as it can include laptops)
• Antonyms:
  • мейнфрейм (mainframe computer, referring to large-scale systems)

Related Phrases:

• Домашний микрокомпьютер - A home microcomputer (refers to personal devices used in domestic settings).
• Портативный микрокомпьютер - A portable microcomputer (implies mobility, like early laptops).
• Микрокомпьютер для образования - A microcomputer for education (used in learning environments).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "микрокомпьютер" directly corresponds to the English "microcomputer" as a historical and technical term, often referring to early personal computers from the 1970s and 1980s. It is primarily used in formal or professional contexts, such as IT discussions or educational materials. Be cautious with context: in modern Russian, "компьютер" is more common for general devices, so choose "микрокомпьютер" when emphasizing historical or compact designs. For synonyms like "персональный компьютер," opt for it if the focus is on everyday use rather than historical significance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "микрокомпьютер" with "компьютер" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я купил новый компьютер" when specifically meaning a microcomputer. Correct: "Я купил новый микрокомпьютер для ретро-игр." Explanation: "Микрокомпьютер" implies a specific type of small, microprocessor-based device, while "компьютер" is broader; this misuse can lead to imprecise communication in technical contexts.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я работаю с микрокомпьютер" (should be dative: "микрокомпьютеру"). Correct: "Я работаю с микрокомпьютером." Explanation: Russian nouns require proper case agreement, so learners must pay attention to grammatical context.

Cultural Notes:

The term "микрокомпьютер" in Russian is tied to the global history of computing, particularly the Soviet-era adaptations of Western technology. In Russia, it evokes memories of early personal computing in the 1980s, such as the influence of devices like the Sinclair Spectrum, which were imported or replicated. This reflects Russia's technological development during the Cold War, where such innovations symbolized progress in science and education.

Related Concepts:

• компьютер
• ноутбук
• программирование
• технологии