Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'portable'

English Word: portable

Key Russian Translations:

• переносной [pʲɪrʲɪˈnosnɨj] - [Adjective, General use, Formal]
• портативный [pɐrtɐˈtʲivnɨj] - [Adjective, Especially for devices, Informal or Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts like technology and travel, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adjective declensions, but the vocabulary is straightforward for learners familiar with basic Russian grammar. For "переносной", it's B1; for "портативный", it might be B2 due to technical connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

переносной: [pʲɪrʲɪˈnosnɨj]

Note on переносной: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nos"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronounce the "р" as a rolled 'r'.

портативный: [pɐrtɐˈtʲivnɨj]

Note on портативный: The initial "п" is unaspirated, and the "тʲ" has a palatalized 't' sound, common in Russian. This word often appears in borrowed contexts from English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Something that is easily carried, moved, or transported, often implying convenience in mobility.

Translation(s) & Context:

• переносной - Used in general contexts for items that can be physically carried, such as tools or devices; common in everyday or formal descriptions.
• портативный - Typically applied to modern gadgets or electronics, like laptops or phones; more common in informal or technological discussions.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть переносной фонарик для походов.

  I have a portable flashlight for hiking.

• Этот портативный компьютер идеален для работы в дороге.

  This portable computer is ideal for working on the go.

• В нашей квартире используется переносной обогреватель зимой.

  In our apartment, we use a portable heater in winter.

• Купите портативный аккумулятор, чтобы заряжать телефон на выезде.

  Buy a portable battery to charge your phone while traveling.

• Переносной генератор спас нас во время отключения электричества.

  The portable generator saved us during the power outage.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "переносной" and "портативный" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Russian adjectives follow a standard declension pattern, but they can be irregular in some cases. Below is a table for their nominative forms and basic declensions. These adjectives are fully declinable.

Note: These follow the first declension pattern for adjectives. For full declension, learners should refer to a Russian grammar guide, as case changes depend on the noun they modify.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мобильный (mobil'nyy) - More emphasis on mobility; often used interchangeably but slightly more modern.
  • компактный (kompaktnyy) - Focuses on size and ease of carrying; useful in space-limited contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • стационарный (stantsionarnый) - Implies fixed or stationary, e.g., a desktop computer.
  • неподвижный (nepodvizhnyy) - Means immobile or unmovable.

Related Phrases:

• Переносной компьютер - A portable computer; refers to laptops or mobile devices.
• Портативный динамик - A portable speaker; common in casual audio setups.
• Переносной холодильник - A portable refrigerator; used for travel or outdoor activities.

Usage Notes:

"Переносной" is a more general term and directly corresponds to the English "portable" in everyday contexts, while "портативный" is often borrowed from English and used for tech-related items. Choose "переносной" for formal or neutral settings, and "портативный" in informal or specialized discussions. Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian sentences; always match gender, number, and case with the noun (e.g., "переносной телефон" for masculine noun). In technical translations, "портативный" might be preferred due to its modern connotation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "переносной" interchangeably with "мобильный" without considering context. Incorrect: "Мой переносной телефон не работает." (This might imply a physically carried phone, but "мобильный" is better for cell phones.) Correct: "Мой мобильный телефон не работает." Explanation: "Переносной" emphasizes physical portability, while "мобильный" implies wireless connectivity.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective. Incorrect: "Я купил портативный компьютер" in a genitive phrase like "компьютер портативный" (wrong word order and non-declined form). Correct: "Компьютер портативного типа" or properly declined in context. Explanation: Russian requires adjectives to agree with nouns, so always adjust endings based on case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, portable devices like "портативный" gadgets (e.g., smartphones) are integral to daily life, especially in urban areas where public transport is common. This reflects a broader emphasis on mobility in post-Soviet societies, where efficient, on-the-go technology symbolizes modernity and adaptability.

Related Concepts:

• мобильность
• компактность
• стационарность