Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pinhole'

English Word: pinhole

Key Russian Translations:

• пинхол [pɪnˈhoʊl] - [Technical term, often used in photography and optics]
• крошечное отверстие [krɐˈʂeʧnəje ɐtˈvʲertʲije] - [General descriptive term, Informal]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and appears mostly in technical or scientific contexts, not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words and technical vocabulary. The first translation, "пинхол", is more challenging due to its English origin, while "крошечное отверстие" is easier at A2 level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пинхол: [pɪnˈhoʊl]

крошечное отверстие: [krɐˈʂeʧnəje ɐtˈvʲertʲije]

Note on пинхол: This is a borrowed word from English, so its pronunciation retains a somewhat anglicized sound in Russian. Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable, which can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A very small hole, especially in photography or optics (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• пинхол - Used in technical contexts like photography equipment or scientific discussions, often in formal or professional settings.
• крошечное отверстие - Applied in everyday descriptions, such as in DIY projects or casual explanations, and is more flexible in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• В фотоаппарате используется пинхол для создания уникальных эффектов.

  In the camera, a pinhole is used to create unique effects.

• Это крошечное отверстие в ткани позволяет свету проникать внутрь.

  This tiny pinhole in the fabric allows light to pass through.

• Фотографы часто экспериментируют с пинхолом, чтобы добиться мягкого фокуса.

  Photographers often experiment with a pinhole to achieve a soft focus.

• Из-за крошечного отверстия в баллоне воздух начал выходить.

  Due to the pinhole in the balloon, air started escaping.

• В оптике пинхол помогает минимизировать аберрации.

  In optics, a pinhole helps to minimize aberrations.

2. Figurative or metaphorical use, e.g., a small weakness or flaw

Translation(s) & Context:

• крошечное отверстие - In metaphorical contexts, such as describing a minor flaw in an argument or plan, often in informal or literary settings.

Usage Examples:

• В его теории есть крошечное отверстие, которое делает её уязвимой.

  In his theory, there's a pinhole that makes it vulnerable.

• Это крошечное отверстие в плане может привести к провалу.

  This pinhole in the plan could lead to failure.

• Пинхол в системе безопасности был обнаружен слишком поздно.

  The pinhole in the security system was discovered too late.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пинхол" is a borrowed noun and typically does not inflect in standard Russian usage, remaining invariant across cases and numbers due to its status as a technical term. It functions as a masculine noun but is often treated as indeclinable.

For "крошечное отверстие", which is an adjective-noun phrase:

• "Крошечное" (adjective) inflects by gender, number, and case: крошечное (neuter, nominative), крошечного (genitive), etc.
• "Отвертие" (noun, neuter) follows standard second-declension patterns:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • маленькое отверстие (similar to "small hole", but less precise in technical contexts)
  • микроскопическое отверстие (emphasizes extreme smallness, often in scientific use)
• Antonyms:
  • большое отверстие (large hole)
  • широкий проём (wide opening)

Related Phrases:

• пинхол-камера - A pinhole camera; used in photography experiments.
• крошечное отверстие в ткани - A pinhole in fabric; common in descriptions of clothing defects.
• эффект пинхола - Pinhole effect; refers to optical phenomena in lenses.

Usage Notes:

"Пинхол" directly corresponds to the English "pinhole" in technical fields like photography and is best used in formal or professional contexts. Avoid it in everyday speech where "крошечное отверстие" is more natural and versatile. When choosing between translations, opt for "пинхол" for precision in scientific discussions, but note that Russian speakers might prefer descriptive phrases for clarity. Grammatically, ensure agreement in gender and case if using inflected forms.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "пинхол" as if it inflects, e.g., saying "пинхола" in genitive form (incorrect). Correct: Keep it as "пинхол" in all cases. Explanation: As a borrowed word, it doesn't change, so learners should treat it as indeclinable to avoid confusion.
• Mistake: Confusing "крошечное отверстие" with "большое отверстие" in contexts where size is critical. Correct: Use "крошечное" for emphasis on smallness. Explanation: This can lead to miscommunication in technical descriptions, so double-check the adjective for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "pinhole" photography (пинхол) has gained popularity in artistic circles, often linked to experimental and DIY movements. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for early photographic techniques, reflecting Russia's appreciation for innovation in the arts, as seen in festivals like those in Moscow.

Related Concepts:

• камера
• оптика
• эффект