Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plumber'

English Word: plumber

Key Russian Translations:

• сантехник [sɑnˈtɛx.nʲik] - [Formal, Commonly used in professional and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions about home maintenance and professions, but not as ubiquitous as everyday words.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Suitable for learners with basic vocabulary, as it involves recognizing noun forms and common job-related terms.

Pronunciation (Russian):

сантехник: [sɑnˈtɛx.nʲik]

Note on сантехник: The stress is on the second syllable ("tɛx"), and the final "к" is palatalized. Pay attention to the soft "нʲ" sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The person who installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, and plumbing systems.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сантехник - Used in general contexts for a professional plumber, often in formal or technical discussions, such as home repairs or job listings.

Usage Examples:

• Я вызвал сантехника, чтобы починить протекающий кран в ванной.

  I called a plumber to fix the leaking faucet in the bathroom.

• Сантехник в нашем здании работает круглосуточно, но услуги стоят дорого.

  The plumber in our building works around the clock, but the services are expensive.

• Мой отец был сантехником и всегда учил меня основам водопроводных систем.

  My father was a plumber and always taught me the basics of plumbing systems.

• Если трубы замерзнут зимой, немедленно звоните сантехнику.

  If the pipes freeze in winter, call a plumber immediately.

• В новой квартире сантехник установил современную систему водоснабжения.

  In the new apartment, the plumber installed a modern water supply system.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сантехник" is a masculine noun (second declension). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • водопроводчик - Similar to "сантехник" but sometimes emphasizes water pipe work specifically; used interchangeably in most contexts.
  • сантех - Informal abbreviation, common in spoken language or casual writing.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as this is a specific profession. However, contrasting professions might include "электрик" (electrician) in a broader sense.

Related Phrases:

• сантехнические работы - Plumbing works; Refers to the general tasks performed by a plumber.
• вызвать сантехника - To call a plumber; Used in emergency situations like leaks.
• сантехнические услуги - Plumbing services; Often in the context of hiring professionals for home maintenance.

Usage Notes:

"Сантехник" directly corresponds to the English "plumber" and is the most accurate translation in professional contexts. It is neutral and formal, suitable for written documents, conversations, or job descriptions. Be aware of regional variations: in some areas, "водопроводчик" might be preferred for water-specific plumbing. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to avoid errors. When choosing between translations, use "сантехник" for general purposes and "водопроводчик" if the focus is on water systems.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "сантехник" with "электрик" (electrician): Incorrect: "Я вызвал сантехника для починки лампы." (Wrong, as this should be an electrician.) Correct: "Я вызвал электрика для починки лампы." Explanation: These are distinct professions, so match the context accurately to avoid miscommunication in practical scenarios.
• Forgetting to decline the noun: Incorrect: "Я видел сантехник в магазине." (Should be "сантехника" in accusative case.) Correct: "Я видел сантехника в магазине." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, plumbers like "сантехник" are often portrayed in literature and media as essential, no-nonsense workers, similar to depictions in Western media. However, there's a historical context from the Soviet era where state-provided services, including plumbing, were common, influencing how people still refer to these professions today.

Related Concepts:

• электрик
• механик
• ремонтник