Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'receptacle'

English Word: receptacle

Key Russian Translations:

• емкость [jɪmˈkostʲ] - [Formal, General use; refers to a container or vessel]
• контейнер [kənˈtʲejnʲɛr] - [Informal, Technical; often used in modern or industrial contexts]
• сосуд [ˈsosət] - [Formal, Literary; implies a more archaic or poetic sense of a receptacle]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in technical, scientific, or household discussions, but not as ubiquitous as basic nouns like "дом").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual usage; easier for learners with basic vocabulary, but nuances vary by translation).

Pronunciation (Russian):

емкость: [jɪmˈkostʲ]

контейнер: [kənˈtʲejnʲɛr]

сосуд: [ˈsosət]

Note on емкость: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'тʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers due to its palatalization.

Note on контейнер: This is a borrowed word from English, so pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but the 'тʲ' can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A container or object used for holding or storing something (e.g., a bin or vessel).

Translation(s) & Context:

• емкость - Used in formal or everyday contexts for general containers, such as in kitchens or laboratories.
• контейнер - Applied in technical or modern settings, like shipping or storage units.

Usage Examples:

• Поставьте мусор в емкость на кухне. (Put the garbage in the receptacle in the kitchen.)

  Translation: Put the garbage in the receptacle in the kitchen. (This example shows the word in a domestic context, demonstrating basic noun usage with prepositions.)

• Этот контейнер используется для хранения инструментов. (This receptacle is used for storing tools.)

  Translation: This receptacle is used for storing tools. (Illustrates the word in a practical, industrial scenario, highlighting its versatility.)

• В лаборатории есть специальная емкость для химикатов. (In the laboratory, there is a special receptacle for chemicals.)

  Translation: In the laboratory, there is a special receptacle for chemicals. (Shows usage in a scientific context with adjectives for specificity.)

• Контейнер был заполнен до краев. (The receptacle was filled to the brim.)

  Translation: The receptacle was filled to the brim. (Demonstrates the word in a descriptive sentence, emphasizing capacity.)

Meaning 2: In botany, the enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral organs (e.g., the base of a flower).

Translation(s) & Context:

• сосуд - Used in scientific or botanical contexts, often in more formal or academic writing.
• емкость - Less common for this meaning, but can be used metaphorically in educational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Цветоложе является основным сосудом для цветка. (The receptacle is the primary vessel for the flower.)

  Translation: The receptacle is the primary vessel for the flower. (This example highlights botanical terminology in a technical context.)

• В этой модели растения емкость фиксирует все лепестки. (In this plant model, the receptacle holds all the petals.)

  Translation: In this plant model, the receptacle holds all the petals. (Shows metaphorical extension in educational or descriptive language.)

• Сосуд в цветке поддерживает структуру. (The receptacle in the flower supports the structure.)

  Translation: The receptacle in the flower supports the structure. (Illustrates usage in scientific explanations, focusing on function.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations (емкость, контейнер, сосуд) are feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns. They are regular for the most part, but learners should note variations in cases and numbers.

Note: These are regular inflections, but контейнер, as a borrowed word, may sometimes resist full declension in informal speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ящик (box; more specific to rigid containers)
  • сумка (bag; for flexible receptacles)
  • резервуар (reservoir; for larger-scale containers, often in technical contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • пустота (emptiness; implies the absence of containment)
  • источник (source; opposite in the sense of dispensing rather than holding)

Related Phrases:

• емкость для воды - A container for water; used in everyday or survival contexts.
• контейнер для отходов - Waste receptacle; common in environmental discussions.
• сосуд для хранения - Storage vessel; implies long-term containment in scientific settings.

Usage Notes:

The English word "receptacle" often translates to multiple Russian words based on context: use "емкость" for general or formal situations, "контейнер" for modern/technical ones, and "сосуд" for literary or botanical references. Be mindful of gender and case agreements in sentences, as Russian nouns must align with adjectives and verbs. For example, in formal writing, opt for "емкость" to match the precise, neutral tone of English "receptacle." If the context involves plurality or possession, ensure proper declension to avoid grammatical errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "емкость" interchangeably with "контейнер" without considering context, e.g., saying "Я поставил инструмент в емкость" when a rigid container is meant.

  Correct: "Я поставил инструмент в контейнер." Explanation: "Емкость" implies a more general vessel, while "контейнер" is better for enclosed, box-like items; this distinction prevents confusion in technical descriptions.

• Error: Forgetting declension, e.g., using nominative "емкость" in genitive contexts like "в емкость" instead of "в емкости."

  Correct: "в емкости." Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence structure, which English speakers often overlook, leading to ungrammatical phrases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "сосуд" can carry historical or symbolic weight, often appearing in literature (e.g., in Dostoevsky's works) to represent deeper themes of containment or human experience. While "receptacle" is neutral in English, its Russian equivalents might evoke a sense of utility in everyday life, reflecting Russia's emphasis on practicality in contexts like rural or industrial settings.

Related Concepts:

• хранение (storage)
• упаковка (packaging)
• резервуар (reservoir)