Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'slab'

English Word: slab

Key Russian Translations:

• плита [ˈplʲitə] - [Formal, Used in technical or construction contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and everyday language related to construction and materials, but not as frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary in practical contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плита: [ˈplʲitə]

Note on плита: The 'л' is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian; pronounce it with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge. Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A thick flat piece of hard material (e.g., stone, concrete)

Translation(s) & Context:

• плита - Used in construction, architecture, or for surfaces like countertops; formal and technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В доме установлена бетонная плита для фундамента.

  In the house, a concrete slab is installed for the foundation.

• Кухонная плита из мрамора придает интерьеру элегантность.

  The kitchen slab made of marble adds elegance to the interior.

• Строители уложили плиту на крыше здания для дополнительной прочности.

  The builders laid a slab on the roof of the building for added strength.

• Эта плита из гранита используется в парке как скамейка.

  This granite slab is used in the park as a bench.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плита" is a feminine noun of the first declension. It follows regular patterns in Russian grammar, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: панель (panel - often used for flat surfaces in electronics or construction), блок (block - for larger, cubic shapes), доска (board - for wooden slabs)
• Note on synonyms: "Панель" is preferred in modern contexts like paneling, while "доска" implies a thinner material.
• Antonyms: пустота (void or emptiness - implying the absence of a solid structure)

Related Phrases:

• Бетонная плита - A concrete slab; commonly used in construction for foundations.
• Плита перекрытия - A floor slab; refers to structural elements in buildings.
• Гранитная плита - A granite slab; often in contexts of countertops or monuments.

Usage Notes:

"Плита" directly corresponds to "slab" in English when referring to a flat, thick piece of material, but be aware that in Russian, it can also mean "stove" in culinary contexts (e.g., kitchen stove). For the construction meaning, it's typically used in formal or technical settings. Always consider the context to avoid confusion. As a feminine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "большая плита" for "big slab"). When choosing among translations, opt for "плита" in building-related discussions for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "плита" with its other meaning as "stove" (e.g., saying "Я кладу еду на плиту" when meaning a cooking surface, but intending a construction slab). Correct: Use "плита" only for slabs in technical contexts; for stoves, it's the same word, so clarify with adjectives like "кухонная плита" (kitchen stove). Explanation: This homonymy is common in Russian, so English learners should rely on context to distinguish.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "плита" in the genitive as "плиту" instead of "плиты". Correct: "Я увидел плиту" (Accusative) vs. "Это часть плиты" (Genitive: плиты). Explanation: Pay attention to case endings to maintain grammatical accuracy in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and architecture, "плита" is a fundamental element in construction, especially in urban settings where Soviet-era buildings often feature large concrete slabs for efficiency and durability. This reflects a historical emphasis on functional, mass-produced materials in post-war rebuilding efforts, symbolizing resilience and practicality in everyday life.

Related Concepts:

• фундамент (foundation)
• кирпич (brick)
• панель (panel)