Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spatula'

English Word: spatula

Key Russian Translations:

• лопатка /lɐˈpatkə/ - [Informal, Common in cooking contexts]
• шпатель /ʂpɐˈtɛlʲ/ - [Formal, Often used in scientific or artistic contexts, e.g., for mixing paints]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in everyday contexts like cooking, but less so in general conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Basic vocabulary for nouns, but requires understanding of context to distinguish between translations like лопатка (kitchen) and шпатель (lab/art).

Pronunciation (Russian):

лопатка: /lɐˈpatkə/

шпатель: /ʂpɐˈtɛlʲ/

Note on лопатка: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the rolled 'r' sound in some regional accents.

Note on шпатель: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to 'sh' in English "she," but more emphatic.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A flat, thin tool used for lifting, flipping, or mixing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лопатка - Used in everyday kitchen scenarios, such as cooking or baking; informal and practical.
• шпатель - Applied in more technical settings, like laboratories or art studios; formal and precise.

Usage Examples:

• Я беру лопатку, чтобы перевернуть блины на сковороде.

  I take the spatula to flip the pancakes on the frying pan.

• В лаборатории химик использует шпатель для перемешивания порошков.

  In the laboratory, the chemist uses a spatula to mix the powders.

• Моя мама всегда держит лопатку под рукой во время приготовления ужина.

  My mom always keeps the spatula handy during dinner preparation.

• Художник аккуратно наносит краску с помощью шпателя на холст.

  The artist carefully applies paint using a spatula on the canvas.

• Не забудьте использовать лопатку, чтобы не повредить тесто при выкладывании.

  Don't forget to use the spatula so as not to damage the dough when laying it out.

A broader tool for scraping or spreading.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лопатка - In extended contexts, like gardening or DIY; still informal.

Usage Examples:

• Лопатка идеально подходит для соскребания грязи с поверхности.

  The spatula is perfect for scraping dirt off the surface.

• Для ремонта я использовал лопатку, чтобы разровнять шпатлевку.

  For the repair, I used a spatula to smooth out the putty.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Лопатка" is a feminine noun (1st declension), while "шпатель" is a masculine noun (2nd declension). Russian nouns inflect based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for their key inflections:

Note: These follow regular patterns, but always check for exceptions in compounds.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Лопатка: совок (sovok) - Similar for scooping, but more general.
  • Шпатель: скребок (skrebok) - For scraping, with a slight emphasis on roughness.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as these are tools; however, in context, something like "рука" (ruka - hand) could be an opposite for manual tasks without tools.

Related Phrases:

• Кухонная лопатка - Kitchen spatula; a common phrase for household use.
• Лабораторный шпатель - Laboratory spatula; refers to scientific applications.
• Разровнять шпателем - To smooth with a spatula; used in DIY or art.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "лопатка" is the most straightforward translation for a kitchen spatula and is widely used in everyday speech, while "шпатель" aligns more with English "spatula" in technical contexts. Choose based on the setting: informal for home cooking, formal for professional environments. Note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for grammatical agreement, e.g., "с лопаткой" (with the spatula) in instrumental case. Be mindful of regional variations; in some dialects, "лопатка" might also mean a shoulder blade, so context is key to avoid confusion.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лопатка" in a scientific context instead of "шпатель". Correct: In a lab, say "шпатель" not "лопатка". Explanation: This can lead to misunderstanding, as "лопатка" implies a kitchen tool.

• Error: Forgetting inflections, e.g., saying "я имею лопатка" instead of "я имею лопатку". Correct: Use accusative "лопатку" for direct objects. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, unlike English, so learners must adjust sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лопатка" is a staple in home cooking, often associated with traditional dishes like blini (pancakes), reflecting the importance of family meals. It's not tied to specific historical events but symbolizes everyday practicality in Russian households.

Related Concepts:

• Вилка (fork)
• Ложка (spoon)
• Нож (knife)