Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rudder'

English Word: rudder

Key Russian Translations:

• руль /rulʲ/ - [Formal, Nautical/Aviation Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized contexts like navigation and engineering, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic vocabulary related to technical or mechanical concepts; learners should be familiar with Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

руль: /rulʲ/ (The 'л' is palatalized, giving it a softer sound; stress on the first syllable)

Note on руль: Pay attention to the palatalized 'л', which is a common feature in Russian nouns. It may sound like "rool-y" to English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The device used to steer a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle

Translation(s) & Context:

• руль - Typically used in formal, technical contexts such as shipping, aviation, or mechanics; it refers specifically to the steering mechanism.

Usage Examples:

• Капитан крепко держит руль во время шторма.

  The captain firmly holds the rudder during the storm. (This example shows the word in a nautical context, emphasizing control and stability.)

• Пилот отрегулировал руль, чтобы стабилизировать полет.

  The pilot adjusted the rudder to stabilize the flight. (Here, it demonstrates usage in an aviation setting, highlighting mechanical action.)

• На старом корабле руль был сделан из дерева.

  On the old ship, the rudder was made of wood. (This illustrates the word in a descriptive, historical context.)

• Механик проверил руль перед запуском лодки.

  The mechanic checked the rudder before launching the boat. (This example shows practical, everyday usage in maintenance scenarios.)

• В музее экспонируется руль с легендарного парусника.

  In the museum, the rudder from the legendary sailing ship is exhibited. (This highlights cultural or historical applications.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"руль" is a masculine noun (3rd declension) and follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It is not irregular but requires attention to case changes based on sentence structure.

Note: The plural form is less common, as "rudder" typically refers to a single item, but it can be used for multiple rudders in contexts like shipyards.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • штурвал (shturval) - Specifically for a ship's wheel; more detailed in maritime contexts.
  • кормовой руль (kormovoy rul) - Refers to a stern rudder; used when precision is needed.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "rudder" is a specific object without a clear opposite. However, in navigation, one might contrast it with "парус" (sail), implying wind-based vs. steering-based control.

Related Phrases:

• Взять руль - To take the helm (implies assuming control, often metaphorically in leadership contexts).
• Потерять руль - To lose the rudder (means losing control or direction in a situation).
• Рулевое управление - Rudder control (refers to the system in vehicles or aircraft; used in technical discussions).

Usage Notes:

"руль" directly corresponds to "rudder" in English and is the most accurate translation for nautical or aviation contexts. It is a formal term, so use it in professional or technical writing rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of Russian case endings; for example, in "держать руль" (to hold the rudder), "руль" is in the accusative case. When multiple translations exist, choose "руль" for general purposes, but opt for "штурвал" if emphasizing a wheel-like structure. This word doesn't have slang variants, making it straightforward for learners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "руль" interchangeably with "колесо" (wheel) without context. Correct: "руль" specifically means the steering device, not just any wheel. Example of error: *Я повернул руль на машине* (implying a car's steering wheel, which is incorrect; use "рулевое колесо" instead). Explanation: This confuses mechanical parts; always specify the context to avoid ambiguity.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences. Correct: In "Я увидел руль" (I saw the rudder), it's correct, but in "Я думаю о руле" (I think about the rudder), it should be "руле" in prepositional case. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "руль" often appears in literature and folklore related to seafaring, such as in stories about the Russian Navy or historical explorations. For instance, it symbolizes leadership and navigation in works by authors like Ivan Goncharov in "The Frigate Pallada," reflecting Russia's maritime heritage and the importance of control in vast, unpredictable environments.

Related Concepts:

• корабль (ship)
• самолет (airplane)
• штурвал (helm)
• навигация (navigation)