Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'modem'

English Word: modem

Key Russian Translations:

• модем (/mɐˈdʲem/) - [Informal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in technical and everyday contexts related to technology, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic; suitable for beginners learning technical vocabulary, as it is a direct borrowing with straightforward pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

модем: /mɐˈdʲem/

Note on модем: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'д' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian loanwords. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission, typically for internet connectivity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• модем - Used in technical discussions about computers and networking; common in both formal and informal settings when referring to hardware.

Usage Examples:

• Я подключил модем к компьютеру, чтобы получить доступ к интернету.

  I connected the modem to the computer to get internet access.

• Этот старый модем работает медленно, нужно купить новый.

  This old modem works slowly; I need to buy a new one.

• В нашей квартире модем установлен в гостиной для лучшего сигнала.

  In our apartment, the modem is installed in the living room for better signal.

• Модем Wi-Fi позволяет подключать несколько устройств одновременно.

  A Wi-Fi modem allows connecting multiple devices at the same time.

• Если модем сломан, то интернет не будет работать.

  If the modem is broken, the internet won't work.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Модем is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows the standard patterns of Russian third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It does not change in most forms but can inflect for case and number.

Note: As a technical term, it is often used in its nominative form without inflection in casual speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • адаптер (adapter) - Used interchangeably in some contexts for network devices.
  • устройство для модемного соединения (device for modem connection) - More descriptive, formal synonym.
• Antonyms:
  • Не применимо (Not applicable) - As "modem" is a specific device, it doesn't have direct antonyms, but could contrast with "кабель" (cable) in connectivity contexts.

Related Phrases:

• модемное соединение - Modem connection; refers to the process of establishing a data link.
• настроить модем - To set up the modem; common in IT troubleshooting.
• модем Wi-Fi - Wi-Fi modem; a phrase for modern wireless devices.

Usage Notes:

Модем directly corresponds to the English "modem" as a loanword, making it easy for English speakers to recognize. It is primarily used in technical or everyday contexts involving technology, such as home internet setup. Be aware of its masculine gender in Russian sentences, e.g., "Этот модем новый" (This modem is new). In formal writing, prefer full phrases if precision is needed, and note that it's invariant in plural forms for emphasis.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /moʊ'dɛm/ (English-style). Correct: Use /mɐˈdʲem/ with proper Russian palatalization.

  Wrong example: "Я сказал 'моудем'." (Incorrect pronunciation)

  Correct example: "Я сказал 'модем'." (With proper /mɐˈdʲem/)

  Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian phonetics; practice the palatalized 'д' sound.

• Error: Using it in the wrong case, e.g., saying "без модем" instead of "без модема" in genitive contexts.

  Wrong example: "Интернет без модем." (Incorrect)

  Correct example: "Интернет без модема." (Correct genitive)

  Explanation: Always check the case based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "модем" reflects the influence of Western technology, especially during the post-Soviet era when internet access became widespread. It symbolizes the rapid digitalization of society, but in rural areas, unreliable modems can highlight infrastructure disparities, adding a layer of cultural frustration in discussions about technology access.

Related Concepts:

• роутер (router)
• интернет (internet)
• кабель (cable)