Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'microphone'

English Word: microphone

Key Russian Translations:

• микрофон /mʲɪˈkro.fən/ - [Neutral, Common noun used in everyday and technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in conversations about technology, recording, and communication, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Suitable for learners with basic vocabulary in Russian, as it involves straightforward pronunciation and common noun usage.

Pronunciation (Russian):

микрофон: /mʲɪˈkro.fən/

Note on микрофон: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'м' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian words borrowed from English; be mindful of this when practicing.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A device for converting sound waves into electrical signals, used for recording or amplification.

Translation(s) & Context:

• микрофон - Used in contexts like audio recording, public speaking, or telecommunications (e.g., in formal or technical settings).

Usage Examples:

• Я взял микрофон, чтобы выступить на конференции.

  I took the microphone to speak at the conference.

• В студии звукозаписи есть несколько микрофонов разных типов.

  In the recording studio, there are several microphones of different types.

• Она забыла выключить микрофон во время звонка.

  She forgot to turn off the microphone during the call.

• Микрофон в смартфоне позволяет записывать голосовые заметки.

  The microphone in the smartphone allows recording voice notes.

• Во время онлайн-урока микрофон помогает общаться с учителем.

  During the online lesson, the microphone helps communicate with the teacher.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Микрофон is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, which means it follows the standard patterns for second-declension masculine nouns. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • голосовой микрофон (voice microphone) - Used specifically for voice recording devices; implies a subset of microphones.
  • микрофонный аппарат (microphone apparatus) - More formal or technical term, often in professional contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "микрофон" is a specific device. However, conceptually, it could contrast with "динамик" (speaker), which outputs sound rather than inputs it.

Related Phrases:

• включить микрофон - Turn on the microphone; used in settings like video calls or recordings.
• выключить микрофон - Turn off the microphone; common in privacy or etiquette contexts.
• микрофон с шумоподавлением - Microphone with noise cancellation; refers to advanced audio equipment for clear communication.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "микрофон" directly corresponds to the English "microphone" and is used in similar contexts, such as technology, media, and daily communication. It is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal settings, but be aware of case changes based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession: "качество микрофона" for "microphone quality"). When choosing between synonyms, opt for "микрофон" in general contexts and "голосовой микрофон" for voice-specific applications. Grammatically, it functions as a standard masculine noun, so ensure agreement in adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the case, e.g., saying "в микрофон" instead of "в микрофоне" when referring to being inside or on the microphone (though rare).

  Correct: "Говорите в микрофон." (Speak into the microphone.)

  Explanation: The prepositional case is needed for locations, so "в микрофоне" if describing something inside it, but "в микрофон" is accusative for direction.

• Error: Pronouncing it as /maɪkroʊfoʊn/ with an English accent, ignoring Russian palatalization.

  Correct: Practice /mʲɪˈkro.fən/ to sound natural.

  Explanation: English learners often overlook the soft 'м' sound, which can make the word sound foreign to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Микрофон" is a borrowed word from English and Greek roots, reflecting Russia's adoption of modern technology. In Russian culture, microphones are prominent in events like public speeches, music performances, and political rallies, symbolizing communication and expression, especially in historical contexts like Soviet-era propaganda films.

Related Concepts:

• динамик (speaker)
• гарнитура (headset)
• аудиозапись (audio recording)