Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'radio'

English Word: radio

Key Russian Translations:

• радио [ˈradʲɪo] - [Neutral, commonly used in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is frequently encountered in daily conversations, media, and technology discussions, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers due to phonetic similarities and common usage in modern contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

радио: [ˈradʲɪo]

Note on радио: The stress is on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled, and the "дʲ" has a palatalized 'd' sound, which may be challenging for English speakers. Practice with native speakers to master the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A device or system for receiving and transmitting broadcast signals (e.g., for music, news, or communication).

Translation(s) & Context:

• радио - Used in neutral, everyday contexts, such as referring to a radio device or broadcasts in informal or formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я включаю радио, чтобы услышать новости. (Ya vklyuchayu radio, chtoby uslyshat' novosti.)

  I turn on the radio to hear the news. (This example shows 'радио' in a daily routine context, demonstrating its use as a noun in the accusative case.)

• В нашей машине есть радио, которое работает на FM-волнах. (V nashey mashine yest' radio, kotoroye rabotayet na FM-volnakh.)

  In our car, there is a radio that works on FM waves. (Here, 'радио' is used to describe a device, highlighting its integration into technology-related discussions.)

• Радио стало популярным в СССР в 1920-х годах. (Radio stanlo populjarnym v SSSR v 1920-kh godakh.)

  Radio became popular in the USSR in the 1920s. (This sentence illustrates 'радио' in a historical or cultural context, showing its neuter noun form.)

• Она работает на радио как ведущая. (Ona rabotayet na radio kak vedushchaya.)

  She works on the radio as a host. (This example demonstrates 'радио' referring to the medium, in a professional setting.)

• Мой дед слушает радио каждый вечер. (Moy ded slushayet radio kazhdyy vecher.)

  My grandfather listens to the radio every evening. (This shows habitual use in personal narratives, emphasizing routine language.)

Meaning 2: The concept of radio broadcasting or wireless communication.

Translation(s) & Context:

• радио - Used metaphorically or in technical contexts, such as in discussions about media or physics.

Usage Examples:

• Радио revolutionized communication in the early 20th century. (In Russian: Радио революционизировало связь в начале 20-го века.)

  Radio revolutionized communication in the early 20th century. (This bilingual example adapts to show 'радио' in a historical narrative.)

• Современное радио включает подкасты и онлайн-трансляции. (Sovremennoye radio vklyuchayet podkasty i onlayn-translyatsii.)

  Modern radio includes podcasts and online broadcasts. (This highlights 'радио' in contemporary, evolving contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Радио" is a neuter noun in Russian, following the standard declension patterns for words ending in -о. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different cases. However, it can show basic agreement in number.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "радио" remains unchanged, which simplifies its use for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: радиоприемник (radio receiver; more specific to the device), вещание (broadcasting; focuses on the transmission aspect)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "радио" is a concrete noun; however, in media contexts, it might contrast with "телевизор" (television) for visual vs. audio media.

Related Phrases:

• Слушать радио (Slushat' radio) - To listen to the radio; commonly used for daily entertainment or news consumption.
• Включить радио (Vklyuchit' radio) - To turn on the radio; a basic action phrase in household or car settings.
• Радио на волнах (Radio na volnakh) - Radio on the waves; refers to traditional FM/AM broadcasting, often in nostalgic or technical contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Радио" directly corresponds to the English "radio" as both a device and a medium, making it a straightforward translation for beginners. However, in Russian, it is often used in neutral or informal contexts; avoid formal alternatives unless specifying technical aspects. For example, in professional settings, pair it with verbs like "вести" (to host) for radio shows. When multiple translations exist, choose "радио" for general use, but opt for "радиоприемник" if emphasizing the physical device. Grammatically, remember it's a neuter noun and typically indeclinable.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Misusing "радио" as if it were a verb, e.g., saying "Я радио" instead of "Я слушаю радио." Correct Usage: Always use it as a noun with appropriate verbs like "слушать" or "включить." Explanation: English speakers might confuse it with action-oriented words, but in Russian, it requires a verb to form a complete action.
• Common Error: Overlooking its indeclinability, e.g., incorrectly declining it as "радию" in genitive. Correct Usage: Keep it as "радио" in all cases. Explanation: This stems from assuming Russian nouns follow strict patterns like Latin, but loanwords like this remain unchanged.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "радио" holds historical significance as a key medium for information during the Soviet era, with state-controlled broadcasts like Radio Moscow shaping public opinion. Today, it symbolizes accessibility and community, often featured in literature and films as a window to the world, especially in rural areas where TV or internet might be limited.

Related Concepts:

• телевизор (television)
• интернет (internet)
• вещание (broadcasting)