Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'relay'

English Word: relay

Key Russian Translations:

• эстафета (/ɪˈstafʲɪtə/) - [Formal, used in sports contexts]
• реле (/rʲɪˈlʲe/) - [Technical, Informal in engineering, used for electronic devices]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in sports and technical discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate for эстафета; B2 for реле, due to technical vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эстафета: /ɪˈstafʲɪtə/

Note on эстафета: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'ф' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations may occur in fast speech.

реле: /rʲɪˈlʲe/

Note on реле: Pronounced with a soft 'л' and emphasis on the first syllable; it's often borrowed from French, so it may sound similar to English "relay."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Sense 1: Relay as in a sports event (e.g., relay race)

Translation(s) & Context:

• эстафета - Used in formal sports contexts, such as athletics or team competitions.

Usage Examples:

• В олимпийских играх эстафета является одним из самых захватывающих видов спорта.

  In the Olympic Games, the relay is one of the most exciting sports.

• Команда выиграла эстафету благодаря слаженной работе.

  The team won the relay thanks to their coordinated effort.

• Эстафета в школе помогла детям развить командный дух.

  The relay at school helped the children develop team spirit.

• Во время эстафеты участники передают эстафетную палочку друг другу.

  During the relay, participants pass the baton to each other.

• Эстафета может проводиться на разных дистанциях, от 4x100 метров до марафона.

  Relays can be held over various distances, from 4x100 meters to a marathon.

Sense 2: Relay as in an electrical device or switch

Translation(s) & Context:

• реле - Used in technical or engineering contexts, such as in electronics or machinery.

Usage Examples:

• В автомобиле реле отвечает за управление фарами.

  In a car, the relay controls the headlights.

• Если реле сломается, система может перестать работать.

  If the relay breaks, the system may stop working.

• Инженеры установили новое реле для повышения безопасности.

  Engineers installed a new relay to improve safety.

• Реле в электрической цепи активируется при подаче сигнала.

  The relay in the electrical circuit is activated when a signal is sent.

• Современные реле используются в умных домах для автоматизации освещения.

  Modern relays are used in smart homes for automating lighting.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For эстафета (a feminine noun):

This word follows standard Russian noun declension for third declension feminine nouns. It is inflected based on case and number:

For реле (a neuter noun, often indeclinable in modern usage):

This word is typically indeclinable in its singular form due to its foreign origin, but in plural, it may follow patterns: реле (sg.) / реле (pl., unchanged). No major inflections apply.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эстафета: передача (transmission, in a broader sense) - Used for passing objects in sports.
  • реле: переключатель (switch) - Applies in technical contexts with slight differences in functionality.
• Antonyms:
  • эстафета: индивидуальная гонка (individual race) - Emphasizes solo vs. team events.
  • реле: выключатель (off-switch) - In electronics, implying deactivation rather than relay.

Related Phrases:

• Эстафета огня - Torch relay (a ceremonial passing of a flame, often in Olympic contexts).
• Реле времени - Time relay (a device that activates after a set period in electronics).
• Передача эстафеты - Handing over the relay (metaphorical for passing responsibilities).

Usage Notes:

The English word "relay" corresponds closely to "эстафета" in sports and "реле" in technical fields, but choose based on context to avoid confusion. "Эстафета" is formal and common in educational or competitive settings, while "реле" is neutral in technical writing. Be mindful of Russian's case system when using these words in sentences, as it affects agreement with other elements. For learners, start with "эстафета" for everyday exposure through media like sports broadcasts.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "эстафета" in technical contexts, e.g., saying "эстафета в машине" instead of "реле в машине."
  Correct: "Реле в машине" means "relay in the car." Explanation: These are distinct words; confusing them can lead to misunderstandings in professional settings.
• Mistake: Failing to decline "эстафета" properly, e.g., using nominative in all cases.
  Correct: In genitive, say "эстафеты" as in "участие в эстафете" (participation in the relay). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

"Эстафета" often evokes Russian cultural events like the Olympic torch relay, symbolizing unity and national pride. In Soviet times, it was popularized in youth sports programs, reflecting themes of collectivism in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• спорт (sport)
• электроника (electronics)
• передача (transmission)