Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ratchet'

English Word: ratchet

Key Russian Translations:

• храповик /xraˈnovʲik/ - [Formal, Technical]
• крыса /ˈkrysa/ - [Informal, Specific to ratchet wheel or gear, Used in mechanical contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The term is commonly encountered in technical or mechanical discussions but less so in everyday conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for 'храновик' and 'крыса' in technical contexts; A2 (Beginner) for basic recognition, but may rise to B2 if slang meanings are considered.

Pronunciation (Russian):

храповик: /xraˈnovʲik/ - The 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish "loch". Stress on the second syllable.

крыса: /ˈkrysa/ - Stress on the first syllable; the 'ы' is a high central vowel, often challenging for English speakers.

Note on храповик: Be cautious with the initial 'х' sound, as it's not present in English; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A mechanical device that allows movement in one direction only (e.g., a ratchet wheel or pawl).

Translation(s) & Context:

• храповик - Used in formal engineering or technical descriptions, such as in machinery or tools.
• крыса - Informal term for a ratchet component, often in DIY or casual mechanical talk.

Usage Examples:

• В велосипедах часто используется храповик для фиксации педалей.

  In bicycles, a ratchet is often used to secure the pedals.

• Механик отремонтировал храповик в двигателе автомобиля.

  The mechanic repaired the ratchet in the car's engine.

• Эта крыса в механизме предотвращает обратное вращение шестерни.

  This ratchet in the mechanism prevents the gear from rotating backward.

• Без храновика инструмент не сможет фиксироваться в позиции.

  Without the ratchet, the tool won't be able to lock into position.

Meaning 2: Slang for something or someone that is low-quality, vulgar, or unkempt (informal, American English usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• быдло - Informal slang, used in everyday conversations to describe rude or uncivilized behavior, often with a derogatory connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Эта вечеринка была сплошным быдлом – грязь везде и грубые шутки.

  This party was total ratchet – filth everywhere and crude jokes.

• Не связывайся с этим быдлом, они только портят настроение.

  Don't get involved with that ratchet crowd; they just ruin the vibe.

• Её стиль одежды иногда выглядит как быдло, но это просто модный выбор.

  Her clothing style sometimes looks ratchet, but it's just a fashion choice.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations like 'храповик' and 'крыса' are masculine nouns, which follow standard Russian declension patterns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender.

For 'крыса', it is also a masculine noun in this context and follows similar patterns, but note that 'крыса' can be feminine in other uses (e.g., animal). It is invariant in plural forms for technical terms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • храповой механизм (more descriptive, used for the full system)
  • запор (general lock mechanism, with subtle differences in precision)
  • быдло (for slang, similar to 'гопник' in casual derogatory contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • свободный ход (free movement, opposite of a locking mechanism)
  • элегантный (elegant, for slang antonym implying refinement)

Related Phrases:

• Храповой механизм в инструментах – A ratchet mechanism in tools; commonly used in engineering to describe locking systems.
• Быдло на вечеринке – Ratchet at a party; slang for a vulgar or chaotic social event.
• Фиксация с храновиком – Fixation with a ratchet; refers to secure positioning in mechanical setups.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'храновик' directly corresponds to the mechanical meaning of 'ratchet' and is preferred in formal or technical English-Russian translations. For slang, 'быдло' captures the informal, derogatory sense but carries a stronger cultural stigma, so use it cautiously in social contexts. Always consider the audience: technical terms like 'храновик' are gender-neutral in application, while slang may vary by region. When choosing between translations, opt for 'храновик' in professional settings and avoid slang in formal writing.

• Grammar note: Nouns like 'храновик' require agreement in case and number, e.g., in prepositional phrases.
• Context tip: In Russian, mechanical terms often appear in compound phrases, enhancing precision.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'храновик' with 'винт' (screw), as both relate to mechanisms. Incorrect: "Я использовал винт для фиксации" (meaning a ratchet). Correct: "Я использовал храновик для фиксации". Explanation: 'Винт' implies rotation without locking, while 'храновик' specifies one-way movement. Another error is overusing slang like 'быдло' in formal contexts, which can offend; instead, use neutral terms like 'неприличный'.

Cultural Notes:

The slang use of 'быдло' reflects Russian cultural attitudes toward social class and behavior, often linked to stereotypes of lower-class or uncivilized actions. It stems from Soviet-era language and can carry undertones of classism, so it's sensitive in modern contexts, unlike the neutral mechanical 'ratchet' in English.

Related Concepts:

• шестерня (gear)
• рычаг (lever)
• гопник (slang for a rough or street-wise person)