Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plunger'

English Word: plunger

Key Russian Translations:

• вантуз [vɑnˈtus] - [Informal, Common household item, Plural: вантузы]
• поршень [ˈporʂɨnʲ] - [Formal, Technical, Used in engineering contexts]

Frequency: Medium for 'вантуз' (commonly encountered in everyday conversations about home maintenance); Low for 'поршень' (more specialized in technical or professional settings).

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) for 'вантуз' (basic vocabulary for daily life, suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian nouns); Upper Intermediate (B2) for 'поршень' (requires understanding of technical terms and noun inflections).

Pronunciation (Russian):

вантуз: [vɑnˈtus]

Note on вантуз: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'у' sound is like the 'u' in "put," and it's a soft consonant at the end. Pronounce with a clear Russian "р" roll if possible.

поршень: [ˈporʂɨnʲ]

Note on поршень: The initial 'п' is unaspirated; the 'ш' is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, and the final 'ь' indicates palatalization. Common in technical speech, with potential regional variations in softening.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A device used for clearing blocked pipes or drains (e.g., in plumbing or household contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вантуз - Typically used in informal, everyday situations for home repairs or plumbing issues.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял вантуз и прочистил забитую раковину в ванной.

  I took the plunger and unclogged the blocked sink in the bathroom.

• Вантуз – это простой инструмент, который всегда должен быть под рукой в доме.

  A plunger is a simple tool that should always be on hand at home.

• Если раковина забита, используйте вантуз, чтобы избежать вызова сантехника.

  If the sink is clogged, use a plunger to avoid calling a plumber.

• Вантузы разных размеров подходят для различных труб в квартире.

  Plungers of different sizes are suitable for various pipes in an apartment.

• После использования вантуза, убедитесь, что вся вода ушла из трубы.

  After using the plunger, make sure all the water has drained from the pipe.

Meaning 2: A mechanical component, such as a piston in engines or pumps

Translation(s) & Context:

• поршень - Used in formal, technical, or industrial contexts, such as automotive or engineering discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В двигателе автомобиля поршень движется вверх и вниз для сжатия топлива.

  In a car engine, the plunger moves up and down to compress the fuel.

• Износ поршня может привести к поломке насоса в системе.

  Wear on the plunger can lead to failure in the pump system.

• Инженеры заменили поршень в гидравлическом механизме для повышения эффективности.

  Engineers replaced the plunger in the hydraulic mechanism to improve efficiency.

• Поршень в шприце работает по принципу простого механизма.

  The plunger in a syringe operates on a simple mechanical principle.

• При ремонте поршня важно использовать оригинальные запчасти.

  When repairing a plunger, it's important to use original parts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'вантуз' (a masculine noun, second declension):

Note: 'вантуз' follows regular second-declension patterns with no irregularities.

For 'поршень' (a masculine noun, third declension):

Note: 'поршень' has standard inflections but may vary slightly in technical jargon; it is invariant in some fixed phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пробка (probka) - For 'вантуз', but more general; implies a stopper rather than a plunging tool.
  • шток (shtok) - For 'поршень', in mechanical contexts; emphasizes the rod-like structure.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as these are nouns describing specific tools/objects.

Related Phrases:

• вантуз для раковины - Plunger for the sink; used in household maintenance contexts.
• поршень в двигателе - Plunger in the engine; common in automotive repair discussions.
• прочистить трубой с помощью вантуза - To clear a pipe using a plunger; an everyday phrase for plumbing.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'plunger' corresponds most directly to 'вантуз' in casual, domestic settings, while 'поршень' is better for technical equivalents. Use 'вантуз' in informal speech to avoid sounding overly formal, but opt for 'поршень' in professional contexts like engineering. Be mindful of Russian noun genders and cases when constructing sentences; for example, 'вантуз' requires appropriate adjectives to agree (e.g., большой вантуз for 'big plunger'). When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: everyday vs. technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'вантуз' with 'пробка' and using it interchangeably. Correct: 'Пробка' means a simple stopper, not a plunging device. Example of error: *Я использовал пробку для прочистки раковины* (Wrong: I used a stopper to unclog the sink). Correct: Я использовал вантуз для прочистки раковины. Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in practical situations.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using 'поршня' in nominative case. Correct: Ensure proper case agreement, as in 'Я заменил поршень' (I replaced the plunger). Example of error: *Я заменил поршня* (Wrong due to case error). Explanation: Russian learners often overlook declensions, which alters meaning in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'вантуз' is a practical household item often associated with DIY home repairs, reflecting the value placed on self-sufficiency in post-Soviet societies. It rarely carries deeper cultural connotations, but in technical fields, 'поршень' might evoke industrial heritage from the Soviet era, where mechanical engineering was prominent.

Related Concepts:

• трубы (pipes)
• сантехника (plumbing)
• двигатель (engine)