Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sluice'

English Word: sluice

Key Russian Translations:

• шлюз [ʃlʲuz] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in technical or engineering contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and technical vocabulary, suitable for learners with a solid intermediate grasp of the language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шлюз: [ʃlʲuz]

Note on шлюз: The initial 'ш' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the 'sh' in 'shoe' but softer. Stress falls on the first syllable, and the 'лʲ' indicates a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A device or gate used to control the flow of water, such as in canals or rivers.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шлюз - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as engineering or hydrology, to refer to a water gate or lock system.

Usage Examples:

• Вода проходит через шлюз, регулируя уровень реки.

  Water passes through the sluice, regulating the river's level.

• Инженеры открыли шлюз для предотвращения наводнения.

  Engineers opened the sluice to prevent flooding.

• В старом канале шлюз был поврежден во время шторма.

  In the old canal, the sluice was damaged during the storm.

• Шлюз в гидроэлектростанции работает круглосуточно.

  The sluice at the hydroelectric power station operates around the clock.

• Туристы наблюдали, как шлюз открывается для пропуска лодок.

  Tourists watched as the sluice opened to let boats pass through.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шлюз" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian, which means it undergoes regular declension based on case and number. It is an inanimate noun, so its forms follow standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: водослив (water outlet; used for similar water control mechanisms), затвор (gate; more general term for a closing device)
• Antonyms: дамба (dam; blocks water flow, opposite to a sluice which controls or releases it)

Explanation: "Водослив" is often used interchangeably in engineering but may imply a simpler outlet, while "дамба" represents a barrier, highlighting the contrast in function.

Related Phrases:

• Открыть шлюз - To open the sluice (Used in contexts of water management or navigation.)
• Закрыть шлюз - To close the sluice (Common in flood control scenarios.)
• Шлюз на реке - Sluice on the river (Refers to structures in natural waterways.)

Usage Notes:

"Шлюз" directly corresponds to the English "sluice" in technical and engineering contexts, but it is more commonly associated with hydraulic systems in Russian. It is typically used in formal or professional settings, such as discussions about infrastructure or environmental engineering. When choosing between translations, opt for "шлюз" if the context involves water flow control; avoid it in casual conversation. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreement (e.g., большой шлюз for "big sluice").

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "шлюз" as [ʃlus] without the palatalized 'лʲ'. Correct: Use [ʃlʲuz] to reflect the soft 'l' sound, which is essential in Russian phonetics. Explanation: English speakers often overlook palatalization, leading to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

• Error: Confusing "шлюз" with "шлюха" (a vulgar term for a prostitute). Correct: Always use "шлюз" in its proper context to avoid offense. Explanation: These words sound similar but have completely different meanings, so context and spelling are crucial for learners.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "шлюз" in the genitive as "шлюз" instead of "шлюза". Correct: Follow the declension table above. Explanation: This is a common mistake for beginners, as Russian cases can feel unfamiliar compared to English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, sluices like "шлюз" play a significant role in the country's vast river systems and canal networks, such as the Volga-Baltic Waterway. They symbolize engineering prowess and have been crucial for trade and transportation since the tsarist era, reflecting Russia's geographical challenges with its extensive waterways.

Related Concepts:

• река (river)
• канал (canal)
• гидроэлектростанция (hydroelectric power station)