Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sewer'

English Word: sewer

Key Russian Translations:

• Канализация /kənəlʲɪˈzatsɨjə/ - [Formal, used in technical or urban contexts]
• Сточная канава /ˈstɔtʃnəjə kəˈnavə/ - [Informal, regional variations; Plural form common in descriptions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday discussions about infrastructure, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and technical terminology; For 'Сточная канава', it might be A2 if simplified)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Канализация: /kənəlʲɪˈzatsɨjə/ (Stress on the fourth syllable; Note the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers as it's softer than in English.)

Сточная канава: /ˈstɔtʃnəjə kəˈnavə/ (Stress on the first syllable of each word; The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'loch'.)

Note on Канализация: This word often has a slight variation in fast speech, where the ending '-ция' may soften further in informal contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A system of pipes and drains for carrying away waste water and sewage (e.g., urban drainage system)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Канализация - Used in formal, technical, or municipal contexts, such as discussing city infrastructure or environmental issues.
• Сточная канава - Applied in more informal or rural settings, like describing open drains or natural water flows.

Usage Examples:

• В городе часто происходят проблемы с канализацией из-за старых труб.

  In the city, there are often problems with the sewer due to old pipes.

• Муниципальные власти инвестируют в модернизацию сточной канавы для предотвращения наводнений.

  Municipal authorities are investing in modernizing the sewer to prevent flooding.

• После дождя сточная канава переполнилась, вызвав неприятный запах в районе.

  After the rain, the sewer overflowed, causing an unpleasant smell in the area.

• Инженеры разрабатывают новую систему канализации для экологически чистого отвода отходов.

  Engineers are developing a new sewer system for environmentally friendly waste disposal.

• В сельской местности сточная канава часто используется для ирригации полей.

  In rural areas, the sewer is often used for irrigating fields.

Meaning 2: A person who sews, though less common in modern usage (e.g., a tailor or seamstress)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Швея - Used specifically for a female sewer, in everyday or professional contexts like clothing repair.
• Портной - A more general term for a male or professional sewer, often in formal tailoring contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Моя бабушка была опытной швеей и шила одежду для всей семьи.

  My grandmother was an experienced sewer and sewed clothes for the whole family.

• Портной в ателье быстро починил разорванный шов на моем костюме.

  The sewer at the atelier quickly fixed the torn seam on my suit.

• Многие швеи в России работают на дому, создавая handmade изделия.

  Many sewers in Russia work from home, creating handmade items.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most key translations like 'Канализация' are feminine nouns in Russian, following standard first-declension patterns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. 'Сточная канава' is a phrase where 'сточная' is an adjective agreeing with 'канава' (feminine noun).

For 'Швея' (feminine noun), it follows similar patterns but is less commonly inflected in modern usage. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Дренажная система (drainage system; more specific to water management)
  • Отводная труба (drain pipe; used for parts of a sewer system)
  • Для 'Швея': Шитьмастер (sewing master; implies expertise)
• Antonyms:
  • Водозабор (water intake; opposite in infrastructure contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Система канализации - The sewer system; Used in urban planning discussions.
• Засор канализации - Sewer blockage; Common in everyday problem-solving contexts.
• Швея на дому - Home-based sewer; Refers to freelance tailoring.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Канализация' directly corresponds to the primary meaning of 'sewer' as a waste system, but it's more formal and technical than everyday English usage. Avoid using it in casual conversations; opt for 'Сточная канава' in informal settings. For the secondary meaning (a person who sews), 'Швея' is gendered, so choose based on the subject's gender. Grammatically, always ensure adjectives agree in case, number, and gender, e.g., 'сточная канава' requires the adjective to match the noun.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'Канализация' with 'Канал' (channel), leading to misuse in sentences like "Проблемы с канал" instead of "Проблемы с канализацией". Correct: Use 'Канализация' for sewage systems. Explanation: 'Канал' refers to a waterway, not waste, so this mix-up can change the meaning entirely.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "Швей" (incorrect masculine form) for a female sewer. Correct: Use 'Швея' for females. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and errors here can make sentences sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions around 'канализация' often tie into broader themes of infrastructure challenges in urban areas, reflecting historical issues like those in Soviet-era cities where aging systems are still prevalent. This can evoke a sense of resilience or frustration in conversations, highlighting the importance of modernization in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• Водопровод
• Экология
• Швейная машина